RESCUE

"Listen to the kindness, spoken softly,
Often lost behind the tears.
Place your hand upon my shoulder,
Let it take away my fears."
 -Walt Zientek_

Words to consider, if you are asking yourself what YOU can do to help with this important work:

"I am only one, but still I am one.  
I cannot do everything, but still I can do something"
-- Helen Keller --

Responsible Animal Owners of Tennessee is committed to animal rescue.  We  advocate a multi-tiered approach that targets the real reasons that animals end up in shelters or abandoned.  Only by addressing the root causes can we hope to reduce the number of animals, estimated to be between TWO and SIX MILLION, killed in shelters each year.

Anyone who proposes to do good must not expect people to roll stones out of his way, 
but must accept his lot calmly, even if they roll a few more upon it.
-Albert Schweitzer-

Our plan is to:

1.    Encourage "HANDS ON RESCUE".  Many of our members rescue and/or foster pets, and volunteer at our "Adopt-a-Pet Days."

2.    Host "ADOPT-A-PET DAYS" so rescues can be "showcased" to help them find new homes. For the date of the next Adopt-a-Pet Day, call Lorie at (901) 829-3040 and Donna at (901) 761-0845, as each host a different day each month. We encourage prospective owners to understand and exercise their "ADOPTION OPTION."  CLICK HERE for animals available for adoption and for some "success" stories!

On April 28, 2001, we also began hosting SHELTER ADOPT-A-PET DAYS!

3.   Keep a list of "RESCUE CONTACTS" to help rescue and locate lost or missing pets, for virtually every species and breed! For contacts, call (901) 353-1805 or email raotinc@aol.com.  A partial listing can be found by clicking HERE.

4.    Provide an "EMAIL LIST" to promote rescue generally, help owners find homes for pets they can no longer keep so those animals do not end up abandoned, dumped, or taken to a pound (probably be to be killed), and to help owners find lost or stolen pets.

a.  To post notices about animals:  Send an email to: RAOT RESCUE. You do not have to be a list member to send notices to this list.

b.  To view the list of available/lost/found animals:  Go to http://www.egroups.com/group/raotrescue and click on "messages."  You MAY have to go to www.egroups.com and register to access this feature.

c.  To JOIN the rescue elist: Send a blank email to raotrescue-subscribe@egroups.com.

5.    Help owners via "COUNSELING" to resolve problems with their pets so those pets do not end up in rescue.  If you need help email raotinc@aol.com or call (901) 353-1805.

6.   "HELP OTHER GROUPS" by networking with resources and information to those interested in promoting responsible animal ownership and the humane treatment of animals.    Resources include: Elists, Non-Profit & Fundraising Info, and Rescue Related Info.

7.    Keep a list of TATTOO & MICROCHIP REGISTRIES to help pets be reunited with their owners.

8.    Provide "EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES, PROGRAMS and SERVICES" to enhance the human/animal bond and promote the humane treatment of animals and responsible animal ownership so animals do not end up as "just another statistic."

9.   "BUILD A SHELTER" to provide a refuge for animals who need our help until we can find them permanent, loving homes!

10.    Do anything else legal and reasonable to further any and all of the above.