Transporting Animals to Help Save Lives
One major part of our work at BARCS happens on the road through transporting. Whether animals are being taken to or picked up from partner veterinary clinics or rescue organizations, transporting is a critical stepping stone in the journey toward an animal’s forever home.
Kris E. is one of our most dedicated and reliable transporters. She started volunteering with BARCS several years ago after hearing about BARCS on the news. One quick search for us online changed everything—she started volunteering and hasn’t looked back.
She explains, “When I was looking on the BARCS website for volunteer opportunities, transporting just jumped right out. For me, it’s all about the animals.”
In the beginning, Kris felt emotionally overwhelmed at the sight of some of the animals she needed to transport to partner hospitals. What helped, over time, was taking a step back and switching her way of thinking. She says, “I now see myself as being a small part of the big picture, helping the animal in need find their forever home.”
Despite the emotion, Kris wouldn’t change anything. She continues, “I love everything about transporting! From the friends I’ve made to driving around the sweetest pups and kitties (and the occasional rabbit, bird or other animal). I’ve even been able to find homes for a few dogs on my own.”
After transporting for years now, Kris has so many memorable stories. One that came to mind was a pregnant dog named Princess. Kris swore she was going to have her puppies in her care—which would make her the “BARCS Mobile Labor and Delivery Room.” Thankfully for her backseat, Princess was able to hold on until she arrived at the rescue organization. When Kris drove to that rescue in the coming weeks, she was reunited with Princess and her puppies. Princess would come running when she saw Kris and jump in her lap. Once her puppies were old enough, Princess was adopted to a great and loving family.
Some other recent, memorable stories include: a full car, where she had a cat (in a carrier) in the way back of her car, two more crated cats in the backseat and a dog tethered in the front seat; a long trip to a rescue organization in Virginia with six cats, one that meowed the whole way there; and a sweet puppy with parvovirus, a highly dangerous disease that can lead to death if left untreated—Kris had to sanitize her car so it was safe for other doggy passengers after that trip. She also very recently offered her transporting services for a very sick dog; because of COVID restrictions, Kris would need to wait in her car for the dog for up to four hours. Without hesitation, Kris said yes to helping.
Kris emphasizes, “I love transporting. Does it put miles on my car? Yes. Does it add to the wear and tear on my car? Yes. Have I had animals get sick or do their business in my car? Yes. Would I ever stop transporting because of any of that? Never!”
Thank you for all you do for homeless animals in need of a ride, Kris