Journey to Red Lake Rosie's Rescue

Our Journey to RLRR October 17-20, 2013

Our connection to Red Lake Rosie’s Rescue began about 5 years ago, when we adopted McKinley, the German Shepherd mix on the left. Last June, Aurelia and I volunteered at the clinic and brought home Denali, the lab mix on the right. Denali quickly adopted McKinley as his tried and true friend. At the time Denali joined our pack we also had Schatzie, a German Shepherd mix (who passed away from cancer late in August) and Beau a very large Jack Russell mix who is 12 years old. Denali fit right into our family and won our hearts. We decided to spend MEA break at RLRR helping Karen and the animals in an effort to give back to an organization that has brought so much joy to our lives.

MCKINLEY & DENALI

Here is Denali with McKenzie, Aurelia’s friend from school and McKinley with Aurelia the night before we headed up to RLRR. As you can see, they are living in the lap of luxury—quite literally. Kenzie joined us in our trip up to RLRR. 

 Our time at RLRR was an amazing gift, to be able to serve the animals there and assist Karen was our chance to give back. We arrived Thursday evening, got a few things done and Karen treated us to a wonderful dinner of homemade vegetable stew with home grown veggies. We spent the next 2 days covering kennels with tarps to keep the harsh winter winds out. We assembled kennels in preparation for the October clinic, washed dishes, did laundry, helped care for the dogs and cats. We even had some time to get to know some of the animals better and to reacquaint ourselves with old friends like Wolfman, who seemed to remember Aurelia from the June clinic.

Aurelia and Wolfman taking a sun break, with Nana close by. We enjoyed the constant companionship of so many loving dogs as well as getting to care for the 2 litters of puppies!

The weather was brisk, but for the most part sunny and a great time to be outside. The girls were so dedicated and never complained once about the intensive work or the long hours we put in. They did enjoy soaking in the pool and hot tub at the hotel in the evening. My aching bones relished time in the hot tub, enabling me to keep going each day.

Our time at RLRR can only be described as guided. It was a time to allow the wonderful dogs to help heal the loss of our Schatzie girl and to start creating space in our hearts for another RLRR dog. We had the privilege of the dogs allowing us to be their friend and the joy of loving them fully while we were there. Looking forward to our next venture to RLRR, not sure when, but we will most definitely be back.

Nana gets one final hug from Aurelia before we headed for home.

To close, we want to thank Karen for her tireless work, for not only does she save the lives of hundreds of dogs and cats each year; she enriches all the lives of those of us who are blessed to adopt a RLRR animal. 

The animals are wonderful teachers of how to forgive for past transgressions and to love in the moment, for in looking into the eyes of these beautiful animals I am filled with the loving presence of God.

Thank you Karen, Wolfman, Nana, Faith, and all the other dogs at RLRR our lives are better for know each of you.

Kim & Aurelia, and McKenzie