UPDATE 2/28/03 on the Montana Collies

Statement by AWCA President Jean Levitt

*Permission to crosspost*

Folks, the report from Camp Collie today was glowing. The core volunteers called to say thank you for the paid workers who, they reported, did an excellent job of cleaning the dogs’ pens, and were wonderful with the dogs. The volunteers now have more quality time to spend with the dogs when they finish the feeding. We would now like to honor ALL volunteers who have helped the animals since the beginning of this rescue mission by presenting this beautiful poem written by a volunteer from Calgary, Alberta, Canada:

TENDER HEARTS
(A Tribute to Volunteers)
By Dee Clair

I greet each day inside my cage
And wait for God to write my page
I wonder if you’ll come today?
And let me feel the light of day

My whole life has been dark with pain
And those who caused it--what did they gain?
They stole my trust, my livelihood
And all because they simply could

I yearn to run through scented fields
Without a cage and lock to yield
To chase a squirrel that can't be caught
To earn a love that can't be bought

But the darkest days have a light
In the quiet mornings that follow night
You come to visit every day
Without a motive, without a pay

You carried me when I was weak
Brought trust I was too pained to seek
You healed my wounds that took their toll
You rescued my slowly dying soul

And now I listen for your voice
Knowing that you're here by choice
You didn’t know me at the start
And yet I’m planted in your heart

I’m learning to accept your praise
And not avert my fearful gaze
Forgive me if I cower still
My life has been against my will

I feel that you are growing tired
Within this fight that you’ve been mired
If you can keep your doubts at bay
It would mean the world if you could stay

I can’t predict how this will end
But I know this of you, my friend
You selflessly all played your part
You saved me with your tender heart

 

Thank you, Dee, and thank you to everyone who has helped these animals since October 31, 2002.

Calmly,
Jean Levitt, President AWCA
Lisa King, AWCA Director AWCA Rescue
Officers and Members of AWCA

If you would like to assist AWCA with this rescue effort, you may send a check to:

Bethany Burke
AWCA Treasurer
2807 Lee Trevino Court
Shalimar, FL 32579

Make the check out to AWCA and in the memo area note: collie rescue-medical, collie rescue-stainless steel, or collie rescue-general.