I remember the day I made the decision clearly. I was at work- working overtime on a Sunday- and found myself drawn to her picture on FaceBook. I couldn't look away, and I couldn't NOT try to do something.
I also vividly remember learning of her fate 3 days later. The pain is still there- but there is also determination to make things better as well...
This past year, Faith's memory has prompted me to do much more than just sit back and watch things happen. I have gotten more involved in rescue. I have helped with training, I have fostered, I have helped with transport, I have helped with fundraising... these things were done for Faith, and all of the dogs that find themselves in the same situation Faith was in.
I have started writing Faith's story- though tears often stop me mid sentence. My goal is to have it completed and published by this time next year. Her story needs to be heard- maybe more animals can be saved.
So many of you went with me on this journey. You supported me, and shared my grief. So many of you cared about this little dog that we would never get to met. This little dog that had no meaning to anyone else, will live forever in our hearts.
My grandfather always said that our animals come into our lives to teach us something. I think Faith's lesson to me was "Get off your ASS and DO SOMETHING!!!"
Reg: 07-13-2005
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And look at the meaning you have created from Faith's story, Kelly.
Your grandfather was a wise soul:
"My grandfather always said that our animals come into our lives to teach us something. I think Faith's lesson to me was "Get off your ASS and DO SOMETHING!!!" ... Well, I did... thanks to Faith... "
When we can find a way to turn tragedy into hope for others, then we're using our lives well, IMHO. And a reminder like this one is always welcome to me (and I'm sure to many many others). XOXO
I reminded myself then and remind myself again today that every drop of empathy, of kindness, of metta ... every drop of it ripples out in ever-widening circles.
I think about all of the dogs that I've helped train, the volunteers that I've helped train, the dogs that I've helped move to a safe place, all of the dogs that benefited from the food and equipment I've donated, my short term fosters....
So many lives can be touched and changed by very simple actions. Lives can be saved....
It took crushing heartbreak to teach me this lesson. I hope that by sharing our story I can help others reach the same conclusions without the hearbreak.
Kelly, I will never forget Faith's story, the valiant efforts you made to try to save her and give her a good life, and the heartbreak you endured (and we shared with you to the extent we could on this board) when her life ended so senselessly.
The lesson I take is that we can all do something. Maybe it's a lot, maybe it's a little bit, but those little bits all add up to make a big difference. There will be heartbreak, but we have to keep trying. So many innocent and helpless creatures depend on our kindness.
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