Darci's blog

Welcome to my adventures. Happy reading!

Why Rescue is Everyone’s Job

As a breeder of Pharaoh Hounds, but also a long-time rescuer and dedicated dog lover, I fully believe rescue is everyone’s job.

Over the busy 4th of July weekend, when I should have been hanging out with my boys, relaxing, getting home projects completed, and catching up on sleep after a busy work week of travel – I dropped everything to participate in the largest Pharaoh Hound rescue operation in the history of the Pharaoh Hound Club of America.

Some background: I spent 10.5 years as the Director of Mile High Weimaraner Rescue, fostered over 400 Weims and Weim-wannabes during a 15-year period, and prior to that fostered kittens. I’ve had a handful of Pharaoh Hound fosters over the years, and those don’t stay long since we have approved homes waiting in the wings to adopt the rare dog that needs a home.

The rescue operation: 6 people descended upon the scene in the South, 5 of us breeders – all of us ready and willing to help. We took in over 20 Pharaoh Hounds as part of the largest rescue operation in our history. It is immaterial how this situation transpired, as ultimately we were able to help these dogs in need. I flew in and drove back – a whopping 23 hours, straight through, with my precious cargo. The majority of the rescue operation were puppies: 3 litters ranging from ages 5 weeks to 8 months; we also rescued 3 adults with 2 going back to their breeders, one of whom was on-site for the rescue. It took us 3 hours to intake the dogs, assess their various medical needs, photograph them, and then decide where they were going. Every person there took foster dogs, some dogs went to veterinary care immediately, others went to temporary foster homes. Yes, it was difficult to witness, and emotionally exhausting, but in the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson: “To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived that is to have succeeded.”

My thoughts: I was asked by another breeder, not in Pharaoh Hounds, why on earth would I help out when it wasn’t my problem. I found that question odd – I have deep experience with rescue operations, and felt called to help. I am on the Board of the Pharaoh Hound Club of America as well as an active member of the rescue committee. I have the resources, time, and wherewithal to help. And, moreover, a situation of this magnitude called for many hands on deck. As breeders we could and should help. It is our moral responsibility.

Update on the foster pups: These four precious babies that I brought home are thriving. One is already off to a foster-to-adopt home. The other three will be leaving this weekend to their foster homes. All of these dogs will need a lot of vetting, and they will all be spayed and neutered. They are thriving and if anything it is a testament to their will to survive.

Egypt – can’t wait!

One of my toxic traits is booking trips while on a trip. However, whilst on my Munich – Dubai – Maldives adventure in January, I refrained from doing just that. Instead, I focused on relaxing, enjoying the here and now, and reading 8 books. So, the next adventure was long overdue with few airfare deals to be found. I still have the unused ticket from Greece that requires travel to be completed by December and unfortunately work travel and obligations present a scheduling nightmare. Figuring out where to go is dependent on airline schedules and affordability. My bucket list is long and with 100 countries now as the goal – the possibilities are endless. Using google flights, selecting for Star Alliance partners, I did a blanket search from Denver to Europe in August and October to see what deals were available. While rebooking Greece was top-of-mind, avoiding summer crowds is also a goal – so October quickly became the focus. Schedules, flight upgrade possibilities, and travel destination plus affordability all rose to the top of the priority list – and so did Egypt! I can’t wait to embark on this 10-day adventure.

There’s no badass merit badge

…but there really should be one. Over 10 years ago, I bragged about having an open salpingo-oophorectomy (plus an orange-sized tumor removed) and then driving 4 days afterward, then 2 weeks later: running agility and of course, because why not, driving to/from Omaha in competing in lure coursing, and picking up my latest foster dog. This time, with this surgery, I resigned myself to resting and not overdoing it. I remember ripping my sutures last time, and did not want to go through that again. This time, the incision is larger, and the surgery required at least one overnight hospital stay. This time I’m also older, a decade older, which my Doctor loves to remind me, if only to caution me from doing too much too quickly. And, this time will be different – I have set aside time to recover and get back on my feet. Mostly, anyway. I have a work trip two weeks to the day after surgery, so I am committed to being upright and OK by then. The reason for this post is I was reminded by the night nurse that I didn’t get a merit badge for walking around the entire hospital floor less than 5 hours after surgery. No, there wasn’t going to be any reward, tangible or otherwise, for completing my self-imposed milestone. I did manage to go for a walk, with a walker. I accomplished getting up, with help, and walking. It took a long time. But I did it. And I only walked half the floor before needing to go back to my room. It was a small victory, without reward. Yet, those steps towards my recovery, a few hours after an open hysterectomy, made the difference in getting discharged today. Onwards and upwards, with a healthy dose of rest in-between. And, yes I’m still a badass.

#100by70 – the new goal

Since I’m nearly at my goal of 60 countries by age 50 (#60by50) – and I’m a few years from 50 — it was time for a new goal. I’ve heard from many people how my travels have inspired them to get out there, set a goal, finally throw caution to the wind and book that trip! It’s easy to stay in your comfort zone and just Netflix and chill. Or get sucked into your normal routine, caught up in the day-to-day, and not make time to take a break. I challenge you to break free – get out there – go see this amazing, beautiful, exciting world. What’s the worst that could happen?

The new goal is 100 countries by age 70! It’s doable, and achievable. Sure, I could stop work, cash in the 401K, and knock off all the countries on the list in a year or so. But, I love my work, my boys, my life here. In-between home improvement projects, and dog events, and work trips – fitting in these travel goals just gels. Finding airfare deals to far-flung places such as Mongolia or Suriname, and seeing if the timing works with my life – that is part of the fun. Getting an email that details the perils of travel or lists CNN’s latest “hidden gems,” sparks my interest. Reading through people’s adventures or catching a glimpse of a picture of somewhere I have to go – adding to my ever-growing list of places to visit. Then, integrating the travel into my life is the adventure and planning makes it part of everyday life.

The view – incredible!!

As the Emirates plane flew closer to Male, the island housing the main airport in the 1,190 island nation known as the Maldives, I captured several images out of my window seat. (Side note: if you have the chance to fly First Class on Emirates, take it! I splurged for the 5ish hour flight and it was well-worth it!)

The water is as blue and clear as blogs describe, pictures show, and my mind imagined. It’s been a long journey, and many failed attempts to get here. And, we still have a few more hours before we reach the Westin and our over-the-water villa.

But for now I’ll enjoy the wonder of this view, that doesn’t even seem or feel real.