#WisdomWednesdays: Becoming a Helping Hand to Animals in Need

We're given countless opportunities to make a difference for animals every single day in our lives. But thinking that somebody else would do it in our place anyway, we end up hesitating and letting the thought just pass by. However, most of the time, this is not the case. Sometimes, that somebody is you. It's in your hands to take action and create an impact on the lives of animals you encounter in your life. 

In today's episode of Wisdom Wednesday, Tessa Tovar and Rosie talk about being of service to animals in need. Animals are one of the universe's best gifts to the world that we often take for granted. Rosie shares the story of how they rescued and found a fated home for the dog they named Kramer. They share key advice on becoming more intentional in helping animals and letting them into your home.

If you want to know how to become a helping hand to animals in need, this episode is for you!

Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:

  1. Find out why you should act from a place of service without overthinking the outcomes.

  2. Discover the power of direction in handling emergency situations.

  3. Learn some key things to remember before deciding to adopt an animal.

Resources

Episode Highlights

[00:38] Things to Look Forward to

  • Rosie got a new job at Headspace. She will be expanding the app’s Hispanic and Latinx content.

  • She’s also launching a beginner’s anxiety course at the beginning of next year.

  • Tessa recently got back from her backpacking trip in Spain.

  • Don't get stuck or comfortable doing just one thing. Explore different avenues you're interested in.

[2:06] Rosie: “Anything worth having is worth waiting for” - Click Here To Tweet This

[04:35] Torry’s Story of Rescuing a Neglected Dog

  • Torry was on his way to pick up a U-Haul trailer when he found a disoriented-looking dog along the road. He decided to pull over and pick the dog up.

  • There were clear signs of neglect and abuse as the dog kept flinching when Torry picked it up.

  • He informed Rosie about the situation. They got some dog food and a dog bed and called their vet—Calabasas Animal Pet Clinic.

  • Rosie got into a negative energetic state at the thought of people abusing and neglecting animals.

[07:19] Choosing a Dog Name

  • The dog was a small, sweet-looking Labradoodle type of dog.

  • Rosie loves little dogs. Her little Shih Tzu passed away two years ago.

  • But they knew they couldn't bring him home because they had three humongous Pitbulls at home.

  • They decided to name him Kramer because he has a Kramer from Seinfeld energy.

[08:48] A Fate Encounter

  • They got to the place where Torry will get the machine he had to load into the U-Haul trailer.

  • While chitchatting, Rosie heard one guy named Chad telling Torry about having a vintage Kramer guitar. 

  • At the same time, Rosie was talking to an older gentleman named Bob. He told her about the Labradoodle he and his wife had for 20 years.

  • Bob told her that they couldn’t go through losing a dog again. But they soon found out that the name of Bob’s dog was also Kramer.

  • They thought it was meant to be. But Bob said he had to talk about it to his wife first.

[11:53] Finding a Home for Kramer

  • Rosie and Torry took Kramer to the vet and scheduled a grooming appointment for him.

  • They decided to take him Kramer first. They had to introduce him to their three Pitbulls one by one on neutral territory.

  • Chowder is the excitable one in the trio. Meanwhile, Rosie is good with other dogs, and Brinks is the senior dog.

  • Many people offered to send food and money and even take Kramer for fostering.

  • The story ended on a happy note when Bob sent them a message saying they wanted to take Kramer.

[16:16] Being of Service to Animals

[16:30] Rosie: “Sometimes, you just need to be of service and not worry about what the outcome is going to be. Because sometimes, thinking about the outcome can keep you from wanting to lend a helping hand.” - Click Here To Tweet This

  • Sometimes, you just need to be of service without worrying about the outcome. Thinking about it can keep you from wanting to lend a helping hand.

  • Oftentimes, we turn the other way around because we're busy or we think somebody else will do it. 

  • Pro-tip: As an animal person, always carry an extra leash, gloves, and treats in your car.

  • Rosie has an instinctual reaction to seeing animals in danger or need. Tune in to the episode to hear more!

  • Keep in mind where the nearest vet and Humane Society are and have their numbers on your phone in case of emergencies.

[17:35] Rosie: "'Somebody else will do it.' And I want us to all consider that maybe you are that someone." - Click Here To Tweet This

[21:43] The Power of Having Direction

  • The idea came from John C. Maxwell’s book, The Power of Influence.

  • Sometimes, we need somebody to tell us what to do.

  • We often think somebody had to have already called for help during accidents. It’s a group mentality, where people think somebody else will do it.

  • You have to stop and ask whether somebody has taken action yet. Otherwise, you have to be the person to do it.

  • There are people who instinctively direct people in cases like that, while other people freeze.

[23:51] Deciding to Adopt an Animal

[24:23] Tessa: “When you're making the decision to adopt an animal or to buy an animal, whatever the case may be, think about your lifestyle, and take that moment to really think, ‘Does this make sense for me?” - Click Here To Tweet This

  • Before anything, think about your lifestyle when making the decision to adopt an animal.

  • Get to know the breed—its needs and behavior—before deciding to adopt.

  • Animals exhibiting bad behavior is usually a function of them releasing stress because they aren’t getting enough exercise or mental stimulation.

  • Working with a trainer is the best way to know about the breed of an animal.

  • If you have children, it’s important to teach them about taking care of your pets. But at the end of the day, it’s still your responsibility as an adult.

[28:55] Rosie: "If you are introducing an animal to your household with little kiddos, I think it's important, yes, to teach your kids responsibility. But remember that this being is like having another child. It's like if you have two kids, and you want a dog, you're essentially getting three children." - Click Here To Tweet This

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To feeling radically loved,

Rosie