February 24, 2014
For me PR means Push the Rescue.
With that thought I’m off to Dunkin’ Donuts to get some munchkins for one of our regular vet offices. Doing this because deep down I like to think of myself as a nice guy (don’t let that get out!) and it is also my way to show appreciation.
One thing I’ve learned after several years of rescue work, whether it’s a vet office or a county animal control facility, relationships are key to an effective rescue. When you need something done and time is off the essence, the contacts you have developed are so very important. In building these relationships you have to get some “face time”. I don’t want to be just a voice on the other end of the phone. I want my face known and that there is no question as to how committed I am to rescuing goldens .
Shelters and county facilities (and many vet offices) are busy places and they have dealt with far too many rescues that are slow to respond … or even don’t respond. With routine visits and leaving my business card (and occasional donuts) at these places, my face becomes known and it’s clear that I’ll show up as soon as I can when called about a dog. The result: when there’s a golden in need, my face and ECGRR come to mind — we get called.
I really think there are too many rescues, that operate under the assumption that they’ll be called/contacted just because they exist and have a phone number/web presence. It doesn’t work that way if you’re truly looking to be proactive in the world of animal rescue.
My father-in-law used to always ask, “How’s the puppy business?” … and his reference to business was spot on when it comes to rescue operations – PR marketing is the key to any rescue success.