Operation Taco Rescue

Seems fitting, and somewhat ironic, that Operation Taco Rescue begins on Cinco de Mayo. I'm hoping that proves to be a good sign. Here's where it stands as of now. There appears to be a pretty good network of people on the island I was on (and the island the dog is on) who can help get this dog to the States (or worse case scenario, up to Vancouver where I'll drive up to pick him up). The issues are 1. waiting for these people to get back to me (Mexican time - especially on Cinco de Mayo - does not seem to be the quickest) 2. getting a clean bill of health from the vet and all the associated paperwork 3. getting the pup on a plane that will actually allow the transportation of dogs across the border and has the least number of layovers between Mexico and Seattle and 4. getting this all done before it gets too hot down south to fly dogs. I'd put this whole operation at about a 25% success rate right now but I'm still holding out hope.

Before anyone gets on me about how many dogs there are here in the US to save I will say that I know that full well. I am the proud owner of one rescued pup (she was shot by her former owner and left for dead) and am on the Board of a local no-kill shelter that pulls animals from shelters that do euthanize. So I'm well aware of how many animals here in the US need homes and families to love them. Yet there's something about this dog. Just something I can't put my finger on. Well, try this out for size - a picture taken this morning by my parents who are still in Mexico. Lil Taco was sleeping outside their door waiting for them in the morning:



How could you not love that little face? So how the heck does this relate to work and entreprenuership? Two ways...

1. This whole episode has reaffirmed for me that what I really want to do is buy a bunch of land somewhere and run a rescue organization. I want to have a more hands-on way to help everyday. This is something that literally moved me to tears in the airport on Sunday and I can't tell you when I last felt so strongly about a "career." That being said, I absolutely love running my own company now but this rescue idea is what I see as my 'golden' career. While I of course would love to be doing that now, it's not a reality so the question is - and this is what I'm continuing to run through my head for the last few days - what steps do I need to take now, both with my company and myself personally, to help get to that point in the future. Becoming profitable is obviously step #1 so that's one big thing to work on.

2. Secondly, I'm struggling with the role I currently have with the nonprofit rescue I'm on the Board of. The nonprofit is in a growth phase and is experiencing all the issues and problems that normally accompany any company/nonprofit at this stage. However, I sorta feel like being on the Board, while beneficial, may be keeping me too removed from the actual hands-on helping that I may need to do. On the other hand, being on the Board does help set the entire strategic mission of the shelter and help the shelter work towards rescuing even more animals. And it's great training for that future rescue of mine, isn't it? I am struggling with the desire to do more 'hands-on' while not detracting from the somewhat limited time I actually have with my own husband.

Wow, that was a lot of therapy I just threw at you, wasn't it. If anyone actually read this far I'll buy you a cupcake next time you're in Seattle. It's the last I can do. In the meantime, keep your fingers crossed for Operation Taco Rescue for me, will ya?