Kelly, I too was devastated when I came home and saw your post. My boys were resting so I didn’t disturb them with my grief but it made me sit back and reflect on why many of us here do what we do.

Many of the dogs in our care had only days or hours left. We were simply fortunate in that fate was on their side.

We often don’t get the best tempered dogs and we work hard to accomplish what many take for granted. Our efforts change the lives of these dogs. Changes they’re able to make because they were given a chance. The sad thing is they often don’t get that chance and they have no choice.

Kelly, you had choice. You chose to acknowledge this life and do what was in your power to do. You chose to care. A choice many would not and did not make.

This dog’s journey did not take the route we were so desperately hoping for but your efforts for Faith were successful.

Efforts that restored a small piece of faith in me, for mankind. Faith that a seemingly worthless life does have meaning. Faith, that given half a chance, one person can touch so many and lives can be saved. Faith that it’s okay to follow your heart, even when you have no clue where that’s going to take you. The faith to care.

Efforts that make me extremely proud to know you.

It’s time to go hug my boys now and a great big hug to you too.

I just had the time to read through this thread and I'm in tears here at work. I'm so sorry, Kelly. You did not fail her! Bureaucratic mindsets did.

Oh no, wow!! So sorry, Kelly!! You did all that you could. Don't second guess that for a minute. I am so sad. What are these people doing? She will be waiting for her pack at the bridge.

Kelly, you were on my mind all night last night. I've had a similar tragedy recently while trying to get a great dog out of the shelter even locally. It's so frustrating that there can't be more time given when there are those of us willing to take an animal in...stupid details and red tape that often take too much precious time to resolve. I'm so so very sorry.

Thank you for your efforts on behalf of this dog.

I think we are all devastated by this outcome, however, as hard as Kelly tried with Betty as her back-up; there was apparently no way we were going to be able to get Faith out of there.

As I had indicated to Betty in a PM, I have personally been witness to people bringing dogs into a shelter in DESIGNER DOG CARRYING CASES with the same emotion as returning a toaster. I have also had experience with Cat Rescue People and they are just as loony as the dog rescue people and the experience here proves it. Many pure-bred rescues have "mixed" "Kinda" and almost on there sites. Too bad the group in Florida would not bend.

With that being said, let's take Lisa's idea and at least lay out a template for the next time, and there will be a next time, this situation arises. We need at the very least:

- An action plan to get a dog out of the shelter
- A method for whatecver financial transactions are involved
- Transport
- Etc.

Let's all think about this and then next week, in Faith's honor, lay out a template for the next time this situation arises.

Hear is a tribute for you Kelly and all those who are involved in rescue. Bring your tissues. Thanks for all that you do.

Here is the video
http://youtu.be/ECgAj-YntwA

Kelly, I am so sorry. You did what you could, and as someone mentioned earlier, everything happens for a reason. Maybe without Faith you wouldn't have really thought about fostering for the rescue... you still have the chance to save many, and Faith may have very well started a new journey for you.

For future reference, I am more than willing to to act as a pit stop during transportation if anyone ends up going through/sending a dog to AZ. I can foster temporarily as well put anyone from this board up for a night, no cost. You guys do so much and I really admire your efforts. I want to help in anyway I can (and this is what I'm able to do atm).

I hope you're breathing a bit easier today Kelly and your heart is healing -you're a wonderful person..

I would like to say that everyone here is absolutely wonderful, and I have read every word you have all written. I am still struggling with this, but my mind is a little clearer.

Last night, I posted as soon as I learned Faith's fate. I have cried many tears since that moment. Tears of unyielding heartache, tears of anger, tears of self doubt, and tears of wonder.

As I sat here wollowing in my own grief, I read the posts and the PMs you sent me. While I was beating myself up for failing her, you were trying to build me back up, and figure out a way that we can do this successfully next time. You were volunteering to adopt dogs from shelters, help with pulling them, and transporting dogs you don't know for people you've never met.

I went outside to be with my lost girls in the small grove of trees where angels gather. You see, my lost girls were all rescues. Ug, Brandi, Mokie, and Spooky were all unwanted before they came into my life. I go and talk with them when I find myself facing something I find difficult to accept, and I find peace with them. I know that Faith is with them, and they have taken her under their wings. They will keep her safe, until I can finally meet her.

Today I got a call and went to pick up a very precious package. All of my dog's get a St. Francis medal with their names engraved on them. They are buried with their medals when they decide to go to the Bridge. The jewelry store called to let me know that Faith's had come in and was ready.

When I arrived at the store, I broke into tears. The lady that owns the store knows me and why I get the medals so she asked what was wrong. I told her about Faith and what happend. By the end she was in tears as well. Together we picked out a nice chain, and we attached it to Faith's medal. This one will not be buried. This one will stay with me, close to my heart so that I never forget.

At one point last night, I asked Connie (my Sage) how one person can cry so many tears for a dog they have never met. Connie's answer says it all:

"Maybe because it's for many dogs, Kelly.

Maybe every time we go to the aid of one, we mean it for all.

Fortunately, this is how it actually works, too. Because every drop of empathy, of kindness, of metta ... every drop of it ripples out in ever-widening circles. "

I did not want Faith's death to be in vain. Connie let me see that it wasn't. All of you CARED about this dog. If just one dog is rescued because of Faith, then her death was not in vain.

Faith's story will go on to reach many others. Not only by me, but many of you will share her story as well. Maybe that's why she called to me. Maybe by trying to save one dog, we will actually save many.

Thank you all for sticking with me. I still have tears to shed for her, and need more time to mourn. But I will be back, and I will have a mission.

--Kel