Yesterday was a day of deep reflection for me

Three major facilities going under all at once, leaving so many animals with no where to turn and a

from a couple in Bulgaria who were asking for our help.  255 cats in desperate need and I was struggling to see if I could make room for 2.  It brought home to me a couple of things that I wanted to share with you.

 

We can’t even begin to make a dent in the number of cats that need help by rescuing them, even though that is what ALL of us want to do.

 

But we can stop this from happening over and over again and I think that is the main reason that we are doing okay financially while other places are closing in record numbers.  Our supporters know that we are really making a difference, changing the laws, educating the public, getting involved with the media and changing the way people think about these magnificent animals.  We are not just some stepping stone along the way that is here today and gone tomorrow without having done anything to fix the problem.

 

I know that all of you would rather be rescuing animals, taking care of animals, spending your days with the animals, but instead you are stepping outside of your comfort zones and talking to people, writing to politicians, dealing with the press and really making an impact that is being experienced around the world.

 

When I read that the founder of the Big Cats of Serenity Springs died yesterday at the age of 47 (only 2 years old than I am) and her volunteers were saying they didn’t think they could keep the sanctuary going without her, I couldn’t help but think of what would happen at Big Cat Rescue if I died today…  and realized that I could go peacefully knowing that all of you are so committed and so adaptive that the cats here would never know a day of suffering.  For that, I cannot thank you enough.  For the cats,  Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue

 

I just read your email and it brought tears to my eyes. It was a beautiful letter and I would like to thank you for your heartfelt words. As a mom who has often thought  "what would happen to my children, if I died?", "who would love them and care for them like me?''.  I know exactly how you feel. You, have an amazing staff and a core of volunteers who would never let this Sanctuary meet the same fate as the other facilities.  But, most importantly, if it were not for you, your dedication, commitment, and love, none of this would be possible.  We are spreading the word about these animals because you saw the greater picture.  We would all love to save every animal in the world.  Until that day comes, we can say, we did our best. We are all here, because of your dream.  Thank you, for what you have accomplished and for what you will accomplish.  **By the way, I'm way older than you.  So, I'll be at the "Rainbow Bridge" before you!!!! - Barbara Frank

 

The day before I had gotten a nice note from LaWanna Jones:

 

You have taught me more than you will ever know about being a better and more mature person. YOU have brought so much to my life. I cherish the friendship you have given me.  Actually the first trip to BCR and what I learned there truly changed my life.  So much of what I do and focus on and conversations are about the things I learned there and have learned since.  My life has taken on a different meaning and purpose since meeting you.

 

We were invited to the watch party after the primary election last Tuesday. (We have worked very hard helping campaign for two friends running for state rep, one in this district and one in the next district over, both have been long time carpet customers and friends) Anyway they have read everything I printed for them for months; they have done a bit of research on their own. I can tell by our conversations. ANYWAY, at the watch party I had the opportunity to hand out a paper I made up and speak one on one with a senator and others. Don’t know if any of them will go the list of website links I handed out or not.  Jus