The Art of Animal Rescue
by Jane Claudio
“Sunny” Summer 2019.
If Jen Coakley’s house was as big as her heart, she might own a whole zoo full of dogs and cats. Coakley is an independent animal rescuer. But she affectionately says that she doesn’t find lost animals; lost animals find her. This Cleveland Heights mother works as a teacher, summer camp counselor, and a florist, but she says that animal rescue is her life’s true calling.
This was apparent even in her childhood, when she gave food to squirrels and rescued worms from the hot sun. Her childhood pet was a hamster who learned to perch on her shoulder, and even napped with her. And while most teenage girls were sneaking in boys, Coakley was sneaking a stray cat through her bedroom window. (I won’t miss out on the opportunity to share that the cat’s name was Potato.)
Beloved “Emma” and Jen.
As an adult, Coakley hasn’t changed much. She lives in a full house with more animals than people: Five cats, three dogs, one husband, and one son. She usually crosses paths with needy animals on the streets, connects with them by word of mouth, or through shared posts on Facebook, which she says is a great resource in the animal rescue world. Once Coakley takes in a dog or cat, they will stay with her until she finds their perfect home.
“It’s kind of like match.com,” she laughs, “I make sure the human/animal connection works well for both before placing them.” But sometimes that takes a long time—one of the challenges in the rescue process, Coakley says.
“Lady” (aka “Sadie”) and “Duke” Summer 2019.
Coakley lost her mother to cancer at the tender age of 5, and that grief has grown into inspiration to care for abandoned animals. “Even a mother’s love is apparent in the animal world,” she says. But Coakley says that caring for animals is important for everyone. It’s a way of speaking up for the unspoken. “It’s human nature, caring about animal rights.”
A great way to get involved in helping animals in your area is to find a Facebook group where you can connect with other pet lovers. The group Coakley frequents is called, Weirdo Dog Lovers of Cleveland. You can also volunteer at a shelter, or even help the elderly care for their pets. No matter what role you take in caring for animals, Coakley is confident that you’ll practice patience, experience joy, and most importantly, feel the warmth of unconditional love.
“Buddy Jacket Leonard” with his beloved human bestie. Jen Coakley rescued Buddy in May of 2016 and helped him to find a home with the Cleveland Edits gang. Photo copyright Cleveland Edits 2019.