Poem for Rescuers

There I sat, alone and afraid.  You got a call and came right to my aid.  You bundled me up with blankets and love.  And, when I needed it most, you gave me a hug.  I learned that the world was not all that scary and cold.  That sometimes there is someone to have and to hold.  You taught me what love is, you helped me to mend.  You loved me and healed me and became my first friend.  And just when I thought you'd done all you do, there came along not one new lesson, but two.  First you said, "Sweetheart, you're ready to go.  I've done all I can, and you've learned all I know."  Then you bundled me up with a blanket and kiss.  Along came a new family, they even have kids!  They took me to their home, forever to stay.  At first I thought you sent me away.  Then that second lesson became perfectly clear.  No matter how far, you will always be near.  And so, Foster Mom, you know I've moved on.  I have a new home, with toys and a lawn.  But I'll never forget what I learned that first day, you never really give your fosters away.  You gave me these thoughts to remember you by, we may never meet again, and now I know why.  You'll remember I lived with you for a time, I may not be yours, but you'll always be mine.  ~Author Unknown

This poem has been circulating throughout the rescue community and reminds us why we continue to do the hard work that we do.  We can't keep them all, and if we never learn to let go, we can never take in that next set of kittens, or that next lonely mom, or the ragged looking tom cat.  But we all know, in our hearts, they will always be with us.  Thank you to everyone who has helped, who has taken in that stray kitten, who has taught a kitten to love, who has placed a confused household that came from a feral colony.