Play by the rules

My son played soccer, baseball and football in high school – three sports – three different sets of rules, coaches, players. When I asked him if he had any trouble changing sports/coaches - - he said “No”. Next question – did he like everyone on each team “No” - - and most importantly, why did he adjust to each sport’s rules, coaches, referees, players, the weather, et al. He gave me that “look” that teenagers have perfected and said (with great exasperation) “Mom, I want to play the game.”

Those six words I want to play the game were the deciding factor for him.

Fourteen months ago, we began in earnest to transport homeless dogs (a few cats) from northeast Oklahoma to Dumb Friends League in Colorado. We just surpassed the 2000 mark!!!! And, it’s worked so well because we all play by the same rules.

Dumb Friends League sets the standard. And, yes, at first we would gritch about it – but quickly realized they knew what they were doing. Today we have more than 15 area rescues/shelters who collaborate with us so every Tuesday evening 30+ dogs (and sometimes a few cats) head to a new home in Colorado. All of our partners follow the guidelines established by Dumb Friends League. And, yes, for some of them it is hard to follow new rules- and, yes, we understand - - but in the end when everyone plays by the same rules – more lives are saved. 

Hurricanes Harvey and Irma saw large organizations collaborate, work together and, consequently save the lives of thousands of pets – including a pot belly pig. They agreed on the rules they were going to follow, got to work and “got ‘er done”.

So, yes, we follow the rules - - yes it works - - and yes - - when you do follow the rules everyone wins. Like the rules - - don’t have to - - just follow them.

Your son/daughter will accept an umpire/referee’s call - - play a position the coach gives them - - and wear a uniform in all kinds of weather - - to play the game. 

Well it works for rescue as well.