It's official: Heather and Mr. K took part in their first Scottie parade! And, they were honored to be asked to take the lead of the Scottish Terrier Club of Greater Atlanta's rescue parade. They did great - until they found an area with treat crumbs on the floor. Then, it was nearly impossible to get them moving again but with time and patience, we finally made it to the end.
Every Scottie that participated in the parade really and truly had a story. I was deeply moved by the tales of struggle, abandonment, neglect and recovery these rescue Scotties had gone through. One Scottie spent three months in the hospital with severe burns that required some sort of skin graft. A few were rescued from puppy mills and other really bad and irresponsible breeding situations. Then there was Moses, a 15-year-old Scottish Terrier who did his very best to finish the short walk. Still others had thousands of dollars worth of necessary veterinary care needed before they could even start their search for a furever home.
As a rescue Scottie Mom, I've learned each Rescue Scottie has their own scars, marks or traits that tell us just how far they have come but more importantly, each has a smile that shows what the power of rescue efforts and a little Scottie love can do. This could not have been any more evident than at the parade itself. By far, the number of rescue Scotties outdid the number of those there to compete in and/or watch the specialty shows. What does that tell us?
First, it tells us that the Scottish Terrier rescue coordination efforts are extraordinary. That foster and rescue Scottie Moms and Dads have done a great job stepping up to the plate and finishing a job someone else started but didn't have the love, resources, patience or ability to see it through. It also tells us that there is a lot of work to be done, educating people on the importance of spaying and neutering our pets, reporting irresponsible breeders that exploit our beloved Scotties and looking out for the best interests of our breed by lending a hand (and home) to a Scottish Terrier in need.
Congratulations to each of the Scotties that marched with Heather and Mr. K on Sunday! You made your Scottie Moms and Dads proud. And, for the new Scottie Moms and Dads that discovered us at the parade, please feel free to take part in our Be Inspired by a Scottie series and submit your pup's tale to thescottiemom(at)gmail(dot)com for consideration on our blog. Also, a big thank you goes out to the Scottish Terrier Club of Greater Atlanta for the rescue Scottie ribbons and goodie bags. I assure you Heather will devour the treats and Mr. K will destroy the toys promptly. Much love, The Scottie Mom.
What fun! I agree with all you've said about rescues and the extraordinary work rescue groups all across this county, and probably the world, are doing! They are truly wonderful people!
I was so impatient to see the pics, and finally they came to show, what a nice time you all spent at the Scottie Parade...!!!! They are awesome and everybody looks happy.God Bless you all for sharing your heart, your home, your time and your love to such wonderful creatures like the Scottie pups!! This is what the world needs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well done! It looks like you all had a really great day. It's truly sad to think that there needs to be rescue charities and clubs for our canine companions, but thank god there are people like you guys to pick up the pieces and give the love and support to these beautiful friends.
I agree with Scottiehealth above. How sad that such beautiful dogs should be in need of rescuing so often and in such terrible situations.
It is wonderful to read of the successful rescue of so many of these lovely dogs.
Dear Scottiemom, You can see from the smile on your face, how very proud you are to be owned and lead around by your two beautiful scots, mine make me smile the same way. Its true, each rescued scottie has thier own story to tell, some tragic and some unbelievably impossible to think of a little scottie having to endure. What is amazing to me, is to watch the true scot transform each day before your very eyes, once you open your heart and home to a scottie in need. You actually begin to ask yourself, did I rescue them or did they rescue me.
I'm jealous sounds like a great day, well done!