I Am An Animal Rescuer

 NOTE: I found this poem posted on my Facebook wall.   I thought I'd share it with you.  I think almost every person driven to rescue non-human animals can relate to it.

I Am An Animal Rescuer

My job is to assist God's creatures

I was born with the need to fulfill their needs

I take in new family members without plan, thought or selection

I have bought dog food with my last dime

I have patted a mangy head with a bare hand

I have hugged someone vicious and afraid

I have fallen in love a thousand times

and I have cried into the fur of a lifeless body

I have Animal Friends and friends who have Animal Friends

I don't often use the word "pet"

I notice those lost at the road side

And my heart aches

I will hand raise a field mouse

And make friends with a vulture

I know of no creature unworthy of my time

I want to live forever if there aren't animals in Heaven

But I believe there are!

Why would God make something so perfect and leave it behind?

We may be master of the animals,

But the animals have mastered themselves

Something people still haven't learned

War and abuse make me hurt for the world

But a rescue that makes the news gives me hope for humankind

We are a quiet but determined army

And making a difference every day

There is nothing more necessary than warming an orphan

Nothing more rewarding than saving a life

No higher recognition than watching them thrive

There is no greater joy than seeing a baby play

who only days ago, was too weak to eat

I am an Animal Rescuer

My work is never done

My home is never quiet

My wallet is always empty

But my heart is always full

In the game of life, I have already won!

~ Annette King Tucker ~