Chesapeake Shepherd & K-9 Rescue, Inc.

Our Mission: What is Rescue?

CSK9 believes that the definition of rescue is at the center of what we do. Dictionaries define rescue as follows: "to free from confinement, danger, or evil". We believe that when it comes to dogs, this basic definition is only part of the story. The other part of the story involves the dog's spirit. Rescuing a dog includes looking into the dog's pleading, scared, confused and stressed eyes and seeing the spirit within. Dogs in shelters get there one of three ways: they are removed from abusive situations by Animal Control, they are caught as a stray, or they are given up by their families. All of these situations turn the dog's life upside-down and they are scared, confused and sad. Commonly they have injuries or illnesses and are starving. Sometimes they are old and their bodies are failing but their spirit is still as strong as the days when they were a puppy. Rescuing a dog is understanding their situation, looking into their eyes, and communicating with their spirit. Rescuing a dog is holding them, feeding them and making them feel safe. Rescuing a dog is lovingly taking care of them until they leave this world and return to the Angels.

Saving dogs in this manner is what CSK9 is all about. It is our mission, driving force and focus. Seeing a dog return to health and happiness, to trust again, to love again, and to know that we are the reason the dog is still alive and able to be happy is extremely rewarding. It is also extremely emotional and challenging. Additionally, it can be difficult to avoid getting overwhelmed and consumed by the thought that there are so many dogs that need help. CSK9 recognizes this fact and does its best to offer support for its volunteers as well as mixing in some good food and fun. We also repeat one of our mantras often: one dog at a time.

If you feel that you can open your heart and home and would like to help us with this mission, please call or send us an email. If at all possible, please donate to our cause. Our vet bills far exceed our adoption fees and we are sustained entirely by public donations.

Thank you for taking the time to read our website and for your support.

Inspiration

I am an Animal Rescuer

My job is to assist God's creatures
I was born with the drive to fulfill their needs
I take in helpless, unwanted, homeless creatures
without planning or selection
I have bought dog food with my last dime
I have patted a mangy head with a bare hand
I have hugged someone vicious and afraid
I have fallen in love a thousand times
And I have cried into the fur of a lifeless body too many times to count
I have Animal Friends and friends who have animal friends
I don't often use the word "pet"
I notice those lost at the road side
And my heart aches
I will hand raise a field mouse
And make friends with a vulture
I know of no creature unworthy of my time
I want to live forever if there aren't animals in Heaven
But I believe there are
Why would God make something so perfect and leave it behind
Some may think we are master of the animals
But the animals have mastered themselves
Something people still haven't learned
War and Abuse make me hurt for the world
But a rescue that makes the news gives me hope for mankind
We are a quiet but determined army
And we are making a difference every day
There is nothing more necessary than warming an orphan
nothing more rewarding than saving a life
No higher recognition than watching them thrive
There is no greater joy than seeing a baby play
who only days ago, was too weak to eat
By the love of those who I've been privileged to rescue
I have been rescued
I know what true unconditional love really is
for I've seen it shining in the eyes of so many
Grateful for so little
I am an Animal Rescuer
My work is never done
My home is never quiet
My wallet is always empty
But my heart is always full

-Author Unknown

"A harbor, even if it is a little harbor, is a good thing, since adventures come into it as well as go out, and the life in it grows strong, because it takes something from the world and has something to give in return." -Sarah Orne Jewett, from "River Driftwood" (1881)