The Unsung Heroes

I want to take a moment to recognize two people whose efforts get overlooked far too often. I've wanted to do this for a long time but have let other things take precedent.

Sandra Cintron and Steve McGarva are the backbone of everything that I can do from Florida. The End. They are the ones who go out to the beach every day, often spending hours of their own time, to give food and water for the dogs there. Though keeping them fed and hydrated is certainly critical, they also provide medical care to the animals. They give vaccinations, dewormer, antibiotics, medication for mange, and anything else the animals need - and most often they pay for these all out of their own pockets. They know who is who there and who needs what and who gets along with whom and who would be adoptable - and so much more.

They are the ones who find the mangled and mutilated bodies of the dear dogs they have come to know and love over the months and years. They deal with the heartache of holding the lifeless body of a dog they petted and loved only the day before. They bury them and give them dignity in death rather than leaving their bodies in the sun to rot. They are the ones who bear the pain of seeing first-hand the visciousness that exists in some humans.

I am angry with myself for being remiss in mentioning their heroic efforts in caring for the dogs that most of us only hear stories about or see pictures of. I think somehow because they are so central to the entire rescue effort in my heart that I just assumed they would know how much I appreciate and care for and love them. Maybe they knew before but they will certainly know now. Thank you Steve and Sandra. (Sandra is pictured with her husband, Angel, who is also of great help to her and to the rescue efforts at the beach.)