What I have learned about the Rescue Biz

Since launching Grey Face Rescue & Retirement, I’ve had my ups, my downs, smiles, tears and a new found late night bedtime which means lack of sleep. This isn’t a “hobby” nor a day or evening job. This is a 24/7, around the clock, working your ass off VOLUNTEER job – when you’re the President. I currently work a 40-hour a week job plus am apart of AAF of Central Minnesota so time is limited but that hasn’t stopped me. Here are a few things I’ve learned thus far:

1.       Time Management: This is key – especially for individuals like myself. I’m balancing a full-time job, AdFed, a family, 5 animals, friends AND Grey Face. If only there were more than 24 hours in a day I would do one hell of a job but for now, I think I’m doing ok.  God bless my husband for listening to me vent about the massive amount of papers to file for our 501(c)3, crying over meetings that weren’t encouraging, extreme happiness over meetings that went fantastic and the fact that after working 8 hours I go straight to my office for another 4-5 hours every evening. Therefore, I am nearly invisable to him but he understands this is a dream and he’s supportive. He deserves a medal or a vacation or a lifetime supply of beer… SOMETHING. The guy is a saint.

2.       There will be good times AND bad times: There will even be times where you consider giving up or feeling as though “I don’t think I can do this”. I’ll admit – I’ve thought that. There is A LOT that goes into a rescue and I’m only 3 months in! It’s only going to get harder from here and don’t worry, I’ll blog about what I’ve learned 1 year, 3 years and 5 years into the world of rescue but for now, this is what to expect at the beginning.

3.       Don’t expect too much: I’ll admit it, I thought my family and friends would be throwing money at the rescue and the support would be endless but not all people are rescue people nor animal people. Hell, the Facebook page has been up and running for a couple months and about ¾ of my Facebook friends list hasn’t even “LIKED” it (I just keep telling myself that they don’t check their “Liked Page Suggestions” – or whatever it’s called). Donations are HARD and you end up begging but it’s part of the job.

Don’t get me wrong – through the smiles and the frowns, I am SO happy with my life and the path that Grey Face is going to take me. I’ve met AMAZING people along the way thus far, worked with awesome rescues, felt so much support and have had lots of encouragement. It’s truly a challenge but I feel as though I’ll learn a lot along the way. Cheers to just the beginning and years of savings seniors.