This weeks report to you is hard to write. I certainly was not prepared for life's rough ride this week. Getting out of bed seemed almost like a gamble.

I have lost my Lily. I think that says all. Lily was the first dog that Louis and I rescued together. She was our ring-bearer. A true silken cream colored cocker with a genuine sense of self determination. I will never forget the golden moment when I met Lily. I responded to a call that a female cocker had been found at the Coffeeville exit of I55. The lovely young woman who had befriended Lily had faithfully placed a free ad in our regional Tradewinds advertiser for six months.

Lily's guardian(s) had not been reunited with her, and her benefactor wanted to insure that she would get the care and love she needed. When I arrived at the modest trailer located just off the interstate a little herd of dogs rounded the home to see who had come calling. In front was a moxy darling covered with ticks and fleas. Lily's angelic image was not diminished by her physical plight. When she hopped into our vehicle it was clear that she had known the joy of riding in someone's lap with her head out the window.

Lily wiggled her way straight into my heart. She was a star. When company came she truly put on a show. She loved a room full of people, especially our friend's children. There are so many walks to remember - shared snacks, and warm cuddly hours.My little princess lived her regal life, even making an appearance on an Animal Planet show which addressed behavioral modification. Our sweet darling turned into a crocodile when anyone tried to make her move from her favorite resting spots behind our recliner and commode. Age consumed Lily's vitality and it was time to let her go. She has joined my many loves in the resting spot of my memory. Lily's absence will be my burden for the foreseeable future. My silken stoic treasure rests beneath the sweetgum trees that grace Natalie's mini-pond. Permit me to share the last few day's efforts and accomplishments in briefs,and then to take leave to ease my mind in sleep's hideaway.

Saturday I had the pleasure of attending Beverly King's annual holiday open house in Memphis. Beverly is one of TN's very active and seasoned animal protectionists. The evening was spent in the rich company of fellow rescuers, caregivers, and champions of animal rights. It was wonderful.Sunday Heathcliff, our darling juvenile Queensland Heeler connected with hisnew family. Our weekly trek to PETsMART was not disappointing.

Yesterday began with my goodbye to Lily. Our faithful Jan Leslie was at my side to comfort me and see Lily off. I am so thankful she had not left for India. Her heart is the size of an ocean. She will not be here to help us for a while, but she will be aiding at an orphanage in Northern India. I will never know a more cherishable person.

Robin cared for our friends here and I swallowed my sorrow and rushed to the aid of a downed horse. The plight of the emaciated horse incensed me. He had been down for days in the horrible rains we have had. I covered him to relieve his hypothermia, and left to summon a vet for his humane death. While waiting for the vet I signed a criminal affidavit at the Carroll County Justice Court House. His guardian will feel the sting of Judge Jimmy Avant.

The gloomy day added to the weight of a very painful day, but I made my way beyond South Jackson to meet with Pet Theft Action President, Susan Woods to wrap up our preparations for this year's State legislation.

Today:

I dealt with two new reports of horse neglect. Thankfully my investigation into one of the reports was wonderfully satisfied when I was able to determine that much was being done for a very old horse who has a zest for life still burning.

Dog theft was a hot topic with a visitor and a neighbor that I saw at the feed store when I stocked up this a.m. Sadly the suspected thefts appear to be very real, and in the case of our community member two of his five missing dogs have been confirmed shot. His neighbor has found one of his
dogs shot, and the other is still missing. I received a request to take action on a cockfighting ring in one county, and a dogfighter in another.

We have been asked to aid with a stray mother dog and her pups. I am awaiting contact with the person who knows the details of where the dogs are. I continued efforts to reunite a small dog I rescued Sat. with her as yet unknown guardians. Our fence man completed his installation of our newest canine enclosure.

I received word that a cat one of our volunteers was trying to aid has gotten in trouble for biting a resident of the care facility she visits. Information is needed to determine what action, if any is being taken, and why she has not been taken to our vet at requested.

Grenada's drug dog is back with his handler after a lengthy and controversial stay with Doc. The officer/handler was fired, reinstated, and now has resigned. Iwan's fate has not been determined, but we have hope that he will be retired into the officer's care. He may not be officer material, but he clearly has given Iwan a loving and devoted relationship with he and his wife and children.

There were other calls regarding animal issues, and cases. I am prepping to take a man to civil court for the death of some puppies, for which I have not been able to see him prosecuted for.I read and responded to numerous e-mail messages, and at least read today's correspondence.

It is 2:10 a.m. and I am worn and weary. My heart is most heavy, but there tomorrow must be faced with commitment. Without Robin here to give lovingly in her care for our sanctuary friends life would be truly brutal.

I apologize for bringing you down with me, but I sincerely believe that honesty and frankness play a tremendous role in our unity in the fight for our fellow creatures who cannot in any way forge their fate.

Thank you for being with me in our ceaseless effort to turn life's dismal days into joyous celebrations of tangible victories

Past diary entries