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Saving pets from death

Posted: Monday, April 27, 2009 4:19 PM by Daily Nightly Editor
Filed Under:

By Maria Menounos, NBC News contributing correspondent

 

Visiting Dr. Wilson's ranch outside Phoenix, I immediately saw just how much she loves animals. A stream of constant drop offs and pickups fill the day with Dr. Wilson saving creatures that would otherwise be euthanized or slaughtered. She is so passionate about the plight of animals that she's scheduled another day of surgery into her full-time job as a gynecologist to help pay for all the expenditures. She has forgone luxuries and vacations as well, all to finance the animals.

 

Skeptics may argue that people and children need this attention more than animals and ask why she doesn't save them as well? Well, she does. In addition to her practice, she travels the world doing pro bono work for the underprivileged. She just happens to be equally passionate about animals. Her belief is that animals are God's creatures and we are supposed to help them, too. They provide us with love, companionship and even healing as proven with therapy animals. So why not save them?

 

Her work seems more vital than ever as many pet owners are being forced to part with their beloved pets due to the tough economy. Some of the pets are simply too old and have ailments that owners can't afford to treat. Dr. Wilson is providing them with a loving place to relinquish their animals. While we were shooting, dogs that were on the red list - those about to be put down at area shelters - were driven to her ranch and unloaded before us. They were greeted with love and warmth by Dr. Wilson and her equally passionate staff. All signs indicate the animals will continue to receive the same kind of love and affection for the remainder of their lives.

 

With the financial crisis forcing so many pet owners to relinquish their pets, there couldn't be a better time to adopt a pet. Those who still have jobs often wonder how they could be helpful to those who are currently suffering. This could be a wonderful way to give some peace of mind to someone who has to part with their best friend. If you're looking for a pet, think of helping someone who has to give their pet up. You can make a difference too!

 

Here is more information on the Circle L Ranch:
http://www.circlel.org/

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I'm an animal lover and yes animals are God's creatures. We have seen and heard the love animals give their owners. President Obama's dog and Vice President Biden's dog are so cute. I have a cat because I love cats. My cat is old but the kids are gone the cats still hear. A good Christian values all life created by God. What's sad to see today is humans are losing that vaule on other humans. The Supreme Court is now hearing arguments on the right to animals having the First Amendment. Michael Vick rightfully went to jail for torturing animals. My hope is one day Christian American values will gave the values of human life to humans that God created and not make stupid excuses for torturing woman and children. It was nice to hear President and First Lady Obama are giving some of the profits of Bo Obama's book to animal charities.
I was only 34 when I was diagnosed with cancer in April of 2004 by Dr. Wilson.  She referred me to a great gynecological oncologist who performed a radical hysterectomy to remove the cancer.  On the day of the surgery, Dr. Wilson showed up to assist or watch my surgery.  She walked by my bed before I was put under for surgery.  She gave me a smile and a wave.  It was that little gesture that put me at ease and made me realize everything was going to be okay.  I just wanted to thank her and all my wonderful doctors and nurses for getting me through a very tough time.  Thanks for making a difference!
as an animal shelter volunteer who's tended to many animals whose families have lost their homes, I am so excited about this story.  I have long thought we should have some type of sheltering system so the animals don't have to loose their families just because they are temporarily displaced.  While my shelter doesn't take anything larger than dogs or cats, I know of fellow volunteers with larger properties who have had livestock dropped off with no notes and seemly no thought.  We are so blessed to have people like Dr. Wilson in this world!  
This is surely one of the most heart felt stories I have read in some time.

With all of the pain, suffering and turmoil in the world, along comes someone who gives selflessly. It is rare and it is a wonderful gift she gives.

I donate to several charities and will surely donate to this one as well.

Thank you for sharing this story.
Dr Wilson is an angel. I was so touched by her caring and loving nature. I love ALL animals, and if I had the money, I would do exactally what she is doing.  I wish I could take every single one of them and take care of them. I have had the privledge to have had many, many pets in my life and they are the truest friend you will ever have. A pet is the only being that will give you unconditional love.  I am going to make a donation to the ranch. It may not be much, but it can at least buy some food, and that way, I will feel like I am helping make a difference.  God Bless Dr. Wilson.
Maria and Brian,
I have lovely pictures of my rescued dog, Charlie, watching your story about the pet rescue.  How do I send them to you?
She is a saint...the mother Teresa of animals, and people.
Dear DR.WILSON GOD BLESS YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO. WE HAVE A NON PROFIT ORGANIZATON HERE IN DELAND FL CALLED JOURNEY'S END THIS IS RUN BY FLORENCE WHO HAS BEEN DOING THIS SINCE 1976 WITH LITTLE FUNDS. FLORENCE ATE CHICKEN EGGS AND USED WHAT MONEY SHE HAD TO THE ANIMALS TO BUY FOOD SO THEY COULD EAT. ITS IS WONDERFUL TO KNOW DR WILSON YOU ARE OUT THERE ALSO HELPING THESE GOD GIVEN GIFTS THAT WE HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH ALL THESE WONDERFUL ANIMALS AND MANY OF US DON'T EVEN DESERVE. THESE ANIMALS LOVE US NO MATTER WHAT. JOURNEY'S END WEB SITE IS www.journeysendsanctuary.org IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO LOOK AT THE WEB SITE DR.WILSON, WE WERE SO IMPRESSED WITH ALL YOU HAVE DONE FOR THE ANIMALS AND ITS SO TRUE THERE IS NO TIME FOR GOING OUT AND HAVING A GOOD TIME BUT THE LOOK ON THESE GOD GIVEN ANIMALS IS ALL WORTH IT AND MUCH MORE IMPORTANT. FLORENCE HAD A DOG THAT WAS FOUND FLOATING IN THE OCEAN WE HAVE NO IDEA HOW LONG HE HAD BEEN THERE HE WENT BLIND FROM THE SEA SALT BUT FOUND A HOME AT JOURNEY'S END WITH FLORENCE AND THE REST OF THE WONDERFUL RESCUES. FLORENCE DOES THIS ON HER PROPERTY AS WELL WITH LITTLE NEXT TO NONE MONEY, DONATIONS ONLY WHICH ARE FEW AND FAR BETWEEN AT LONG LENGTHS OF TIME. WE ENJOYED YOU ON TV TONIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO WE UNDERSTAND ITS HARD BUT WHEN YOU SEE THOSE EYES LOOKING BACK AT YOU IT MAKES IT ALL WORTH IT BECAUSE THEY KNOW YOU ARE HELPING THEM. FLORENCE IS NOW IN HER 80'S AND MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE BEEN HELPING AS MUCH AS WE CAN. WE UNDERSTAND HOW HARD IT IS FOR YOU BUT YOU WILL BE REWARDED SOME DAY EVEN THOUGH YOU DON'T WANT TO BE.
Awesome story.....There are a group of gals in Trinidad, CO that get together to celebrate birthdays and when we do we dontate $10.00 each instead of giving a present and the $$ are a donation to whatever cause they choose.  My pick in July is for the Circle L Ranch.  Thank you for the story and I love to watch Making a Difference in these troubled times....I feel better thinking a small donation is helping.  Thanks!
I am happy to know that there are still people like Dr.Deborah Wilson who have the heart to save animals lives who are bound to be euthanize. And those people who have supported her and volunteers who have given their time and love to this animals. Millions of animals lives will be spared if we could give a helping hand to those who save them from being euthanize. What would life be without them.
Good job!  I wish so much I could do that!  People like you are not common!  God Bless YOU!
We just donated to your wonderful organization.  Both my husband and I are such animal people and when we walk by adoption day at our neighborhood pet store, our hearts just break.. so this was a perfect venue for us to donate to and to hopefully make a difference in the wonderful life you give those little furry children..!  
Kate
Like so many people including myself, I am so very pleased to see that Bryan Williams found Dr. Deborah Wilson to exhibit extraordinary compassion for all living creatures.  Dr. Wilson has opened her heart and given her skills to countless unfortunate people and animals. She has performed surgeries for the women of my Mother's country in poverty stricken Nicaragua, a place most wealthy surgeons would not visit.  Dr. Wilson also performed marvelously well for my own surgery and I am so much better as a result of her care.  I recommend this Angel to all my women friends and family.  Her extraordinary compassion for unfortunate animals and poor women reveals how enormously kind her heart is.  She is truly an Angel!  Thank you for recognizing this very special human being who by her existence, has contributed enormously to so many lives; human and animal.
I adopted a 12 year old greyhound mix from Circle L Ranch in January. She is absolutely adorable. I found the volunteers at Circle L to be extremely caring and concerned about her welfare. I would adopt from them again in a second. They truly love their animals!
Like so many people including myself, I am so very pleased to see that Bryan Williams found Dr. Deborah Wilson to exhibit extraordinary compassion for all living creatures.  Dr. Wilson has opened her heart and given her skills to countless unfortunate people and animals. She has performed surgeries for the women of my Mother's country in poverty stricken Nicaragua, a place most wealthy surgeons would not visit.  Dr. Wilson also performed marvelously well for my own surgery and I am so much better as a result of her care.  I recommend this Angel to all my women friends and family.  Her extraordinary compassion for unfortunate animals and poor women reveals how enormously kind her heart is.  She is truly an Angel!  Thank you for recognizing this very special human being who by her existence, has contributed enormously to so many lives; human and animal.
Thank you all for your touching comments. It is a privilege and an honor to help these animals. There is no better reward in life than giving of oneself for the sake of another.  I recommend it highly to anyone who wants to add depth and meaning to their lives. As Maria said, please consider adopting a shelter dog or cat or a needy horse. Please go to your local shelter or contact a rescue group tomorrow! Please let me know that you did it, we will post your story in our Happy Tails section!  Deborah Wilson MD
God bless Dr. Deborah Wilson.  This story made me cry, knowing there is such kindness and love  for animals in need. The Circle L Rescue Ranch is truely making the world a better place. Thank you!
Maria--I'm surprised you would even bother to report on these animals.  After all, they can't skateboard like Tyson and Tillman.  Where are your priorities?  Can't you find us some bungee-jumping bulldogs or maybe some wind-surfing bulldogs instead of these plain old talentless rescued animals?  Not one of them could ride a unicycle or walk 50 feet on their front paws.  Why not do an update story on Tyson and Tillman?  Your viewers really want to know what's up with them.
If every person who heard this story on nightly news did one kind deed for the animals. Each of these animals has a story. We are the voices for each and every one of them. thank you so much for all you do.
What an amazing story!  I hope that this story serves an inspiration for others to take action on behalf of the innocent creatures who cannot speak for themselves.  I urge everyone to visit Dr. Wilson's website at:  http://www.circlel.org/clr/   Please do what you can to help this fantastic group!
Thank you for telling Debbie Wilson’s story. I had the great fortune of meeting Debbie years ago during a massive dog rescue. Her astonishing humility, passion and focus drew me in immediately and I have been a volunteer and one her biggest fans since that day. She is a tireless voice for those who cannot speak for themselves.
One of my favorite things is to watch the animals with Debbie. As soon as they see her, they make their way to her and seem to know, had it not been for Debbie, their lives would not be spared.
In tribute to this phenomenal woman, consider making a donation (even $1 will make a difference) to Circle L, spay/neuter your pet and let’s make adopting a pet from a shelter (or rescue) the “cool thing” to do.
Dr. Debbie, we who volunteer at or support Circle L Ranch know what a great home to  rescued animals  the ranch is, and what a wonderful, loving person you are.....now America knows!   God bless you and all the residents of Circle L Ranch.  
I have had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Deborah Wilson. Her ranch is one of the nicest rescue operations I have ever seen. Deborah is an extremely
caring woman., very passionate about her rescue efforts. I am very impressed with her efforts, along
with other equine rescue volunteers that she works along side with, in the rescue of feedlot horses
bound for slaughter houses in Mexico. It is such a horrific ordeal that these poor horses are subjected
to.
As a former animal cruelty investigator I am pleading to all to please donate, money, time, anything possible to Circle L Ranch or to any legitimate animal shelter and rescue.
To Dr. Deborah Wilson, I applaud you!
This was a great story, I'm glad I got to see the MSNBC video of it. What a wonderful woman Dr. Wilson is! I've been looking at her website and I'm very impressed. I will be donating to help her out, right now with so many animals needing a home it's so needed. Thanks MSNBC for doing this story and thanks Dr. Wilson for being an incredible person!
I have had the the pleasure of knowing Dr.Wilson for several years. As a fellow Ob/Gyn physician we have many common interests in minimally invasive surgery.
Her caring of female patients is as wonderful and helpful as for animals. Her skills are outstanding.
You should be congratulated.
Just found out about Dr. Wilson.  She sounds like my family, Founders of Equine rescue organization, R.A.C.E, to save retired racehorses from slaughter. Bringing the public into the light as far as the inhumane practice of horse slaughter is what needs to be done.  I am amazed at how many people do not know the sickening end to one of America's Icon's.  It is wonderful to know that there are human's who care as much as my family and myself.  Life is as dear to the mute creature as it is to man. Just as one wants happinesss and fears pain, just as one wants to live and not to die, so do other creatures~His Holiness, The Dalai Lama.  Keep on keepin on, Dr. Wilson!
If more people were like Dr. Wilson and more people had the heart of an animal.........WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD THIS WOULD BE"! I lose it every time Iam driving and the trucks w/ the animals  in it[animal control] are on the road w/ me, I start crying thinking of those poor homeless animals that never gave anything but love.
Wonderful story-wonderful woman. If I had the resources, that's exactly what I would do. Thank you for telling stories of this kind-keep them coming!
A truly remarkable woman with a terrific staff of compasionate, caring individuals. After watching the segment on the NBC Nightly News about the Circle L Ranch, I felt a sense of hope for the plight of homeless and unwanted animals. I especially felt for the older dogs who are often overlooked by potential adoptees. They can now live out their remaining years in a loving, compassionate setting. God Bless Dr. Wilson and all who help make the Ranch the wonderful place it is!!
She's a great gyne too!  My daughters and I have been seeing Dr Wilson and her amazing staff for several years.  I, too, would like to personally thank you, Dr Wilson, for all that you do for the animals.  If there were more selfless people like in the world ... well, just imagine.


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