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But then came a man who saw you through new eyes. He saw past the matted coats, eyes dulled by despair, ribs and hips covered thinly by mangy skin. He saw through to your souls; reached in and touched them, binding you forever to him.
He took you into his heart and his home, and you were loved. Life was good with this man called Jim. Through personal sorrows, good times and bad, you were always the focus of his life. You were the first thought that entered his mind every morning, and the last thought at night. His reward, of course, was your unconditional love, which only creatures like you can give.
Each of you was special, in your own inimitable way. Each of you has left behind an indelible imprint on the collective soul of the Universe. Each of you is missed, dearly and terribly.
No one knows why bad things happen to good people. Or why God would enrich our world with your perfection, only to rip you away from us with such devastating fury. We don't have the capacity to understand. We can only weep, shake our fists heavenward and cry out, "How Could You?"
For whatever Celestial reasons, God took you home with him, to a new Life, where you are whole and vibrant again. You will see Jim again someday, but for now, your task is to guide him to those whose need for him cries out to you.
- On Tawny, on Tara, Lucinda and Danube!
Dash on, with tails high and eyes bold
Play you among the billowing clouds,
In daisy-strewn pastures of gold.
On Danny, on Gaston, on Gallagher and Willow!
Leave behind you your memories old.
Your noses will guide you to a fabled place
Or so we've all been told.
On Pongo and Tina, with tails a-wag,
A new look awaits you here--
Your spots rainbow colored - Oh! What a surprise!
You'll entrance everyone, far and near.
On Cleo, Amadeus, you wonderful dogs!
Your future has just begun
But we know you'll remember your earthly life
With he who was your Number One
Lakota, dear wolf, dash on with your friends,
and those waiting that you'll soon meet.
There's Sadie, and Dusty, Holly Golightly,
Just waiting for you to greet.
You'll miss your Dear Friend
God knows, he'll miss you too
But there's one thing that's guaranteed
He's still needed here by others like you
So many souls still in need.
So frolic and play, but keep your eyes peeled
Help him continue to "fight the good fight."
And when he looks toward the skies with eyes blinded by tears,
Let your shooting stars guide him with light.
Jim Willis lost his sanctuary home and thirteen of his beloved rescues to fire recently. This essay is dedicated to those nine dogs and four cats, and to the man who rescued and loved them. His web site, including his wonderful book, "Pieces of my Heart," and "How Could You?", the piece that rocked the world, can be found at Tiergarten Sanctuary Trust (see the sidebar link).
For those who would like to contribute to help Jim continute with his work, A fund has been established by the rescue community to help Jim and his remaining animals. Make contributions payable to and send to:
The Jim Willis Fire Fund
c/o National City Bank
1803 Main Street
Burgettstown, PA 15021
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