As I reflect on this past year and the many ups and downs, I can’t help but think that sometimes bad things happen so we can appreciate all of the good things that we tend to take for granted.
My workplace uses the “Starfish” story as a reminder that even in overwhelming circumstances things can be done no matter how small they seem at the time but can make a difference.
The Starfish Story:
One day a man was walking along the beach, when he noticed a boy hurriedly picking up and gently throwing things into the ocean.
Approaching the boy, he asked, “Young man, what are you doing?”
The boy replied, “Throwing Starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out and if I don’t throw them back, they will die.”
The man laughed to himself and said, “Don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of Starfish? You can’t make any difference!”
After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another Starfish, and threw it into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said,
“I made a difference to that one.”
Adapted from The Star Thrower by Loren Eiselely
Richland Area Rescue has a similar story and is run by a person who is driven, determined, and never gives up. Many people have wondered how it is possible to do what she does and most people would find it impossible to do. My friend, Judy Elliott is this person. She can’t save them all but try telling her that. I have often heard her described as a force of nature. This statement is so true. Very few people could fill her shoes and continue to rescue and save animals the way she has dedicated her time, energy, and livelihood.
Turn back to January 2023. Most of the weekend consisted of getting dogs and puppies who were surrendered in dire need of being rescued. Trying to get everyone settled, lack of space, making sure it was warm and everyone had food and water.
The evening of Sunday, January 22nd late in the evening there was a house fire on the property. Not the animal kennel but Judy’s personal residence. A good samaritan who was driving by saw the flames. He helped Judy and some of the animals get out of the house safely.
The house was a total loss, but the worst part was that Judy lost many of her personal pets. It was a cold evening and many animals were in her house for warmth.
What came next is the overwhelming support of a small community that takes care of it’s own. Family, Friends & Businesses stepping up to help and do whatever could be done in this time of tragedy. People who offered to help, bring needed supplies, donated time and offer anything that needed to be done. Other animal rescues who offered to help with the rescue animals. Too many people to thank individually but every single person was appreciated.
Meanwhile, while Judy was dealing with the devastation of her property and pets, insurance companies, investigators, contractors, no living space, the phone still rang, strays still needed to be picked up, surrenders were at an all time high, other animal shelters were full and month after month most humane societies all over the country were begging for adoptions. Realizing that smaller rural county’s such as ours are needing more resources that don’t have a county humane society, affordable neuter and spaying and laws that prevent breeding facilities from operating without better regulations.
This continued all year. Month after month. We had several adoption events and many volunteers stepped up as fosters. We kept thinking it would slow down but it consistently continued that more dogs and puppies were coming in than going out.
Exciting things are in store for 2024. We will continue to develop the new website. ( A work in progress) We will have open hours at the rescue starting in the spring, we will solicit more volunteers to help with events and continue to get the word out about adopting animals and getting them spayed and neutered. We could not do this without the community’s support and the active volunteers and fosters who so graciously volunteer their time.
Please enjoy all the adoption pictures from several events that were held this year. We are so grateful for the support of those of you that have adopted a pet and made a difference for us this year. One animal at a time just like the Starfish.
The Year in Review – Richland Area Rescue
By: Robin Korneff Board Member
