I was sent a poem by Judith Lohinski titled “Will Somebody Love Me” about abandoned animals and shelter volunteers, and I thought it was thought provoking and worth sharing:
What have I done wrong? Why am I here?
I’ve lived my short life knowing nothing but fear.
I asked very little and tried to be good
But a kick; then a car left me lying in blood
Cradled in her arms on the day I arrived
I thought I was dying but she helped me survive.
She must be an angel sent down from above
To take us all in and treat us so good.
I see her each day looking tired and worn
With another like me in her arms, so forlorn.
Two meals a day is what I get fed
and, if I get lucky, a pat on the head.
Oh, I’m not complaining, it’s more than I’ve had
But not to be wanted, then, I must have been bad.
I greeted each day with a wag and a lick
So tell me, why was it, he needed to kick?
Someone is out there, I know, just for me.
Oh, why won’t they come, I’ll be loyal, you’ll see.
We all have a story that sounds quite the same
Some were abandoned, and some have felt pain.
Still we put trust in the humans around.
There’s kindness in here, and we feel safe and sound.
Strangers come in, they stare and are sad.
I’d shout if I could “I’m a great dog to have!”
Just give me a look; a few kind words will do,
Rub my nose, scratch my ears, we have feelings too.
I think I’m quite handsome, despite my bent leg.
And I’m all skin and bone, because the lady had said.
I know that I’m lucky, I’m here and survived,
But for some it’s too late, it reflects in their eyes.
So on reading this, come look and see
You might be the one who’s just waiting for me.
If you are unable to adopt a new best friend from the shelter at this time please support events that support the shelter. On July 12th the Wellhungarians are putting on a concert at the Water Street Bar and Grill on the Kaskaskia River in Evansville, IL, and the ticket sales will benefit the Randolph County Humane Society. Tickets are $5 per person and available at the door, a small price to pay for a wonderful afternoon of camaraderie and music on a summer afternoon on the river that will do so much to benefit the animals that have no one. The concert starts at 2 pm, so call your friends and make a point of doing something for the animals while having a rip-roaring good time in the process. And when you have a moment to spare, stop in the shelter and visit with the animals that have found their way there for whatever reason. You may find that your newest best friend is waiting for you but unless you make the effort you’ll never know. How sad to miss out on years of love and companionship because you failed to make the effort. It doesn’t have to be that way. And never forget, it is only through you that the Randolph County Humane Society continues to save lives, one by one.
