Monday, July 27, 2009 - Part 1

Monday morning arrives, and I’m on my way before 8:00 am, then I’m not on my way, and I need to be there at 10:00 am. So I’m on my way again, and then I get a phone call from Claudia, and I pull over. Then I get the opportunity to speak with Program Manager Greg Beck, enlightened with new information, phone call with Vikki Shore, yet another perspective, and I’m back on the road, and then off the road, decide to enjoy a breakfast burrito from Del Taco while I await further instruction, back home, more waiting, more phone calls, and more confusion. This is where the good old fashioned “he said, she said” comes in. I decided to wait it out at home for a little bit. Of course there was bound to be a bit of misunderstanding on all sides, and miscommunication. Why didn’t I plan for that? [Insert giggle here] Ok, then its time for me to roll, I’m there around 12:00 noon. I think. Or maybe it was closer to 11:30 am. Anyway, you get the idea.

Now, this part, the part where I am actually there, and so is Claudia Swing (the founder of Buddy, and adopter), Claudia’s Father (loyal supporter and animal rescuer), Lori Gembella (the dedicated friend and rescue enthusiast), Vikki Shore (Loving Pet Rescue), Greg Beck (Program Manager Devore Animal Shelter), and others whom I don’t have a name for.

After much miscommunication, Vikki and I go inside to speak with Greg Beck. Introductions are made, information is given, and we all establish this to be a very high profile case, and though there may have been a bit of confusion, and misunderstanding all agree that we are here to save this dogs life, and we are all going to do our best, play our best part, and make this as positive of an experience as possible. Fact is, this can go either one of two ways. Buddy loses his life, or we all get to celebrate saving one more life. I know which way I’m pulling for.

Here is where we introduce a bit more of this “political red tape.”

“Red tape” is a derisive term for excessive regulation or rigid conformity to formal rules that is considered redundant or bureaucratic and hinders or prevents action or decision-making. It is usually applied to government, but can also be applied to other organizations like corporations.

Red tape generally includes the filling out of seemingly unnecessary paperwork, obtaining of unnecessary licenses, having multiple people or committees approve a decision and various low-level rules that make conducting one’s affairs slower, more difficult, or both.” – From Answers.com

Now, don’t judge just yet, because I haven’t. Sometimes if you go with the flow instead of swim against the current you see there just may have been a darn good reason for some “red tape.” Just how much of this tape is real, or created, or even needed, that’s up to each individual to judge. Not me. I’m here for the dog. I’m not much for politics, so I will respectfully leave out a good part of this, and a few conversations between certain individuals that were truly none of my business.

There are many ways to go about making change. You can protest naked, you can throw paint on fur coats, you can ruffle some feathers, or in some cases shoot the bird, or my favorite, and you can lead by example. You can be polite, and respectful, and try to inspire change. You can make yourself available and be helpful, or you can make accusations. There are many wrong ways, which lead people to lose respect for you, and there are many positive ways, which allow people to share respect with you. You can be help, or a hindrance. You can make friends, or you can make enemies. No matter how you look at it, or what side you choose to stand on, I choose to lead by example, and offer my assistance with hopes of inspiring change, and gaining trust and respect.