Bringing together hopeful critters and loving homes is one of the things that shelters and rescues do best, but it’s certainly not the only thing. From taking in unwanted animals and giving them food, water and shelter to rescuing injured or abused animals to helping reunite lost pets with their families, animal shelters spend 365 days a year saving animals. For one week out of that year, community members, animal lovers and grateful pet parents come together to celebrate these organizations. National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week is the perfect time to recognize shelters like Pet Pal and show our appreciation by getting involved. Volunteering a few hours a week working at the shelter or helping out at events, becoming a foster for those animals needing a little extra TLC in a quiet home setting, purchasing a few items from the shelter's "wish list" on your next shopping trip, or just spreading the word about Pet Pal Animal Shelter to anyone and everyone you meet are all excellent ways to show you care and become a part of this PAWesome family! For more information on how you can show your appreciation this week and throughout the year, visit petpalanimalshelter.com or stop by in person and say hello to the cuddly kitties and playful pups while you're there.
Since the animals in shelters can't speak for themselves, I wanted to give a voice to all of the dogs, cats, and other critters to express their true gratitude to the hard-working, dedicated staff and volunteers who care for them every single day. I think this poem pretty much says it all!
I had no place to go, No one to call my own.
I wandered up and down the streets, in rain in heat and snow.
Ate whatever I could find, I was always on the go.
My skin would itch, my feet were sore, My body ached with pain.
And no one stopped to give a pat, Or to gently say my name.
I never saw a loving glance, I was always on the run.
For people thought that hurting me was really lots of fun.
And then one day I heard a voice, So gentle, kind and sweet,
And arms so soft reached down to me, And took me off my feet.
"No one again will hurt you", Was whispered in my ear."
"You'll have a home to call your own, where you will know no fear.
You'll be dry, you'll be warm, you'll have enough to eat.
And rest assured that when you sleep, your dreams will all be sweet."
I was afraid, I must admit, I've lived so long in fear.
I can't remember when I let A human come so near.
As she tended to my wounds, And bathed and brushed my fur
She told me about the rescue group, And what it meant to her.
She said, "We are a circle, A line that never ends.
and in the center there is you, protected by new friends.
All around you are the ones who check the pounds,
and those who share their homes after you've been found.
And all the other folks are searching near and far.
to find the perfect home for you, where you can be a star."
She said, "There is a family that's waiting patiently,
and pretty soon we'll find them, just you wait and see.
And then they'll join our circle, they'll help to make it grow,
so there'll be room for more like you, who have no place to go."
I waited very patiently, The days they came and went.
Today's the day, I thought, my family will be sent.
Then just when I began to think it wasn't meant to be,
there were people standing there, just gazing down at me.
I knew them in a heartbeat, I could tell they felt it too.
They said, "We've been waiting for a special dog like you."
Now every night I say a prayer to all the gods that be.
"Thank you for the life I live and all you've given me.
But most of all, protect the animals in the pounds and on the streets.
And send a rescue person to lift them off their feet."
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