Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Yawn
Hi Susan, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My experience in animal rescue began relatively late in my life but my love of animal welfare was a big part of my childhood. In 2018 my husband and I adopted a Doberman from Houston Area Doberman Rescue. I was touched by the tireless work of the volunteers, stories of Dobermans who had been brought from certain death and given a second chance at life. And I knew I wanted to be a part of this team. To do a small part in in restoring the dignity to this noble breed.
One day some of us were working with a Doberman who was injured. We were trying to get him to go into his foster home for the first time. This 80-pound Doberman had probably never been inside a home. Not only was he in pain, but he was also confused as to what we were wanting him to do. He had just been picked up, found in a ditch and was wounded in his leg or shoulder. Others tried to lift him, entice him with food and promises of love he would not budge. I decided to give it try, took him by the leash and he followed me inside. There were no tricks to this, he was looking for someone who had the confidence he could do it. It occurred to me, this was no different than watching my dad calmly train a fearful horse. Something I had experienced over and over. I felt a real sense of purpose in that day. I was able to help this scared Doberman. And each and every dog that comes into rescue needs help in understanding that this is safe place for them. That rescue is the first day of their best days.
Once you educate yourself on the animal welfare crisis in Houston, you just cannot look away. Rescues and shelters are overcapacity every single day, with a number of dogs never receiving the care they need. The mission of each volunteer at HADR is to rescue, rehabilitate, and place Doberman Pinschers in responsible and caring homes in addition to providing a resource for public education on the breed and responsible dog ownership. We believe there is a real need for breed education. There are many reasons Dobermans end up in shelters, become strays or are abandoned. We seek to make the public aware that Doberman Pinschers are companion animals; not guard dogs to be left in a yard. We inform people of the importance of proper socialization, the need for training for a dog of any age, and the activity requirements of a working breed. Educating the community on the proper elements of dog ownership is probably the second most important contribution rescues can provide. If we can make an impact with people on the need to spay and neuter, that could go a long way towards solving the crisis of the pet population.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Honestly, rescue work is a constant struggle. Are there enough funds, do we have enough fosters, how many dogs can be safely cared for, are there enough adopters? The list is long some days. But the rewards are far greater than any struggles that we encounter. The chance to see a dog recover from injury, both physical and emotional, and see that dog become the entire world to an adoptive family. To see them have a second chance at a forever home. It not only changes the dog, it changes the people who adopt them too.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am honored to be the Volunteer President of Houston Area Doberman Rescue. We are a nonprofit group of volunteers dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of Dobermans. Our focus is on the Dobermans who need a second chance, those who end up in shelters, abandoned, abused within the State of Texas.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Each Doberman is an individual, just like people. We all come to this with our own stories, our own scars, and hurts. It takes time and patience to see each one for who they are and what kind of home they need. And that is just one reason why rescue is a group effort, a team sport if you will. Many individuals coming together to make a change, make a difference. The Doberman breed is our passion and Houston Area Doberman Rescue is honored to be the voice for the Dobermans that have been let down by others in their past.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hadr.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hadr_org/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonAreaDobermanRescue
