Cody, he not the Cat in the Hat --
Cody, he a better cat!

Cody got a hurt on his neck.
But Cody, he say, "Oh, what the heck!"

Cody and me got to have blood tests,
And Cody and me got to get our rest.

Cody and me maybe don't get to run,
But Cody and me know how to have fun!

Cody got a smiling face
Even in the doctor place!

The Doris Day Animal Foundation
P.O.Box 673 Carmel, CA. 93921

PLEASE call 1-800-MARROW-2
and look into giving the gift of life.

You were not strangers to suffering or need. Your lives had been molded through neglect, your spirits chastened by abuse. Through no fault of your own, you lived in conditions of squalor, hunger and fear. 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