The following ideals reflect our values as an organization that rescues homeless dogs. While our focus is on rescuing homeless dogs, we believe these values apply to all animals.
- We envision a nation that does not kill homeless dogs. This vision is not only about a statistic but about the conscious decision to reject violence. If killing homeless dogs remains legal and violence is condoned, animals will continue to be saved from the shelter system, but the shelter system itself will not change. When killing ceases simply because there is not an influx of homeless animals to kill, or when killing ceases because rescue organizations are constantly stepping in removing animals from death row, the heart of the problem is not being addressed. The killing of homeless dogs in the past was wrong. The current killing of homeless dogs is wrong. Killing homeless dogs in the future is wrong. Dogs deserve the right to life regardless of extraneous circumstances.
- When an organization adopts an animal out, they are placing the rest of the animal’s life in the adopter’s hands. The adopting party’s decisions will play a vital role in the course and outcome of the animal’s life. This is why the adoption process should not be taken lightly.
- A behavior issue does not define a dog’s identity.
- Some shelters rescue local animals while others rescue animals from different areas of the state, country and beyond. It is thought by some, why rescue from far away when we have so many homeless animals right in this area? The counter argument is why just focus on local animals when there is rampant abuse all over the nation and beyond? CCLS acknowledges that the homeless, abandoned and neglected animals are the victims of this cruel world. We feel it is counterproductive to compare the victims and their situations. Instead, when a call comes in that an animal is suffering and/or in danger, every rescue organization should ask itself…are we able to help? If not, do we know an organization and/or person that is? Every animal’s predicament should be treated with the same level of concern and respect regardless of where that animal is located.
- Some dogs should not be adopted out to the general public. We believe in public protection and keeping our communities safe. We do not believe that killing “unadoptable” dogs is the answer. “Public protection” should not be synonymous will killing unadoptable dogs. Instead, these dogs deserve a comfortable environment to live out their lives with detailed plans to ensure they are given the resources to live a high quality of life. We envision a day when life-affirming solutions for unadoptable dogs are part of a larger program to encourage respect for all life.
- An animal’s stay at a shelter (whether short-term, long-term or permanent), does not have to be lonely, stressful or depressing. Of course, an animal that has lost his/her home due to a guardian passing away, or an animal that has suffered abuse/neglect, etc. will naturally have some anxiety, fear, discontentment, etc. But those feelings should not be caused by what the shelter is doing or failing to do. Much like a dog in a home environment, the caretakers can choose to meet the dog’s needs…physically, mentally, socially and emotionally. Or the caretakers can choose not to. If the caretakers choose not to, they need to ask themselves why and make changes so that the dog is able to live a much better life.
- We are a dog rescue organization, but we love all animals and advocate for the well-being of all animals. In doing so, we encourage people to learn more about where their food comes from and the grave injustices farm animals endure. We support the work of vegan farm animal sanctuaries and encourage people to learn about a cruelty-free lifestyle. All of our fundraisers are strictly vegan.
- We believe that cats should have the right to enjoy the great outdoors the same way dogs, horses and other animals do. We also believe that cats have the right to be safe outdoors. Climb-proof fenced in yards and fields allow cats to be cats without putting them in jeopardy. We also love the concept of taking cats for leash walks/hikes, catios, secure stroller rides, etc. While certain methods may not work for all cats in certain environments, we envision a world where cats are given the same opportunities as dogs to live enriching, fun-filled lives.
- We believe in always using positive, gentle training methods. We also feel that the purpose of training is to deepen a bond between a dog and his/her caretaker. Whatever skill is being taught…whether it is basic manners, agility or conquering behavior problems, training should always improve the quality of a dog’s life, not detract from it.
- Donate to an organization(s) that shares your values, irrespective of the organization’s size, location or notoriety. Keeping in mind, quite simply, success is the quality of each animal’s life and a commitment to their future.
