Thankful for much this year

Thanksgiving is almost upon us once again.  Time to gather together with family and friends to share the most important meal of the year.   As we all know, Thanksgiving is more than just stuffing our faces with turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and all the rest of the yummy stuff that fills our bellies and causes severe lethargy afterwards.  The most important part of Thanksgiving is giving thanks for the blessings bestowed upon us.

This year, Jose and I are extremely grateful for our new shelter that was so generously donated by Gerald and Marilyn Fels.  It has been a dream come true.  Thank you, Gerald and Marilyn Fels.  Every day, we realize what a wonderful gift we have been blessed with.     

The second thing we are most grateful for is the generous support of the community that allows us to operate as a no kill shelter and to provide any and all necessary vet care for our animals.  This support is so critical especially now since our new shelter houses more animals thus requiring more food, litter, supplies, and vet care.  In addition, with the depressed economy, animals are waiting longer to be adopted   Thank you to everyone who provide monetary donations, blankets, towels, litter, dog food, cat food, toys, treats, supplies and assistance at the shelter.    

Many times, Jose and I are approached by people and told how much they appreciate the work we do.  These words of  kindness are very much appreciated and treasured as our job is not easy.  Our philosophy has always been that as long as the animals appreciate us, all is well.  However, it is always nice to hear that humans appreciate our efforts as well.       

We are also grateful for the support of the selectmen, town administrator, board of  health, and the rest of the town hall staff.  Jose and I would like to thank the Webster Police Department for assisting us on calls and especially to Officer Suss who assists us in pursuing legal action against those who abuse, neglect and/or abandon animals. 

A very special thank you goes to our family, friends, and customers who support us and are there for us during the good and bad days that occur.  Also,for forgiving us for constantly being late due to those last minute animal control calls.

Last but not least, we are grateful for the animals that have taught us so much about patience, unconditional love, forgiveness and life.

To everyone who supports us either by their kind words, assistance, donations, friendship and love, we are forever indebted to you for your compassion and generosity.  When people tell us they could never do our job or would want to do our job and wonder how we do it, I always reply with the same response which is how can we not do it?  Someone has to be there for the animals and be their voice.  Yes, there is sadness, frustration and anger at times.  However, concentrating on the good overshadows all the bad and makes it possible to have the faith to continue.

On a personal note, I am extremely grateful to have my home and animals; a business that has survived in this economy, great friends, family, customers and a wonderful life.

I would like to extend a very special thank you to Mary and Dean of Hazard Marine for always being there for our jet skis and making sure they are ready to go come spring.

Thank you one and all for everything – Jose and I are truly blessed and so are our animals.

We sincerely hope that everyone enjoys their Thanksgiving and is able to appreciate their blessings.  The greatest wealth is not measured in money, but by the love and friendship that our lives are blessed with.

Till next time, appreciate and respect each other and all the wonderful critters that our lives are blessed with.