By Bo & Linda Bernard

“In the circle of life, it’s the wheel of fortune; it’s the leap of faith. It’s the band of hope till we find our place on the path unwinding in the circle, the circle of life.”

Elton John & Tim Rice

For most of us, these familiar words from the theme song of the movie and Broadway musical, The Lion King, hauntingly reminds us that our time on earth is limited. It’s an ongoing journey, full of twists and turns, opportunities gained and lost. At Barb’s Dog Rescue, the circle of life is played out fully, often on a daily basis.

“Life’s not fair, my little friend.” Scar

Puppies who are born to a malnourished mother face an uphill struggle. Those who have been abandoned are doubly challenged. Barb takes them all in and provides the nutrition, medicine and personal care that is so important to survival. She finds volunteers willing to provide the special care these pups need in the first weeks of their life. They are socialized and learn to love humans. All of Barb’s dogs receive vaccinations, are neutered or spayed, and are adoptable at 4 months of age. Your puppy is waiting, along with the paperwork necessary to take your puppy back across the border.

(Insert picture of Precious)

“I’m only brave when I have to be, when I have no choice.” Mufasa

Meet Precious. Like Mufasa, the mother in The Lion King, Precious found bravery in her darkest hour.  Hungry, mistreated and expecting a litter, someone ruthlessly slashed her abdomen in an attempt to steal her puppies. She was found and brought to Barb’s. There, she was able to obtain the medical treatment that saved her life. Sadly, her puppies did not survive. Fully recovered from this heartbreaking ordeal, Precious has recuperated under the care of a loving volunteer and is now ready to find her forever home. If ever there was a dog that deserved a loving family and a second chance, it would be Precious.

“Everybody is somebody, even a nobody.” Rafiki

He searched for food and water for as long as he could. When his strength was gone, and he had nothing left to sustain him, he laid down in the street to die. To those who turned a blind eye, he became the ‘nobody” Rafiki mentions in The Lion King.

Fortunately, a good Samaritan checked and found he was still alive – but just barely. When he was brought to Barb’s, he couldn’t walk, stand or raise his head. Barb, her staff and volunteers wept upon seeing him. We held his head while he reluctantly took small bites of food. We used a medicine dropper to give him water. Weeks passed and the newly named Pinto finally lifted his head, then sat up, and finally was able to stand and walk again. That was three years ago. Every visit to the Rescue had to include time to see Pinto. We knew where to find him, for he loved his afternoon siesta in the sun. His eyes were clouded by cataracts, but he knew we were there and was happy to have someone close by.  For once in his life, there was plenty of food and water, and he surely knew he was loved.  We lost Pinto towards the end of 2019. Because of Barb’s incredible efforts and the generosity of people like you, Pinto became a “somebody” who knew a better life. He will be greatly missed.

(insert picture of Pinto in a place that looks balanced)

Finally…

We underreported the number of dogs placed by Barb’s last year as 1300. The actual number was an incredible 2012. This was only possible because of you. Barb wishes to thank all who have and continue to contribute food, money or time. She could not continue her good work without you.  Most of all, she holds a special place in her heart for those kindred souls who are willing to open their home and hearts to rescue dogs.

Please visit us online at http://www.facebook.com/BarbsDogRescue or our website:  www.BarbsDogRescue.org or Barb’s Mexico cell: (638) 114-1659    or U.S. cell: (602) 774-1578 Email: barbsdogrescue@gmail.com