Judy Haushahn has indeed Left a Legacy
My rescue mentor and friend, Judy Haushahn, died this past week. She had been in hospice. She was not afraid but to the end expressed concern for her friends and her dogs. She founded 7 Bells Sanctuary, Inc. in 2004. Judy worked closely with her community, Cole Camp, MO, and local ACO (animal control officer) to rescue and re-home dogs according to the policies she set up for 7 Bells. She featured her town's activities and shops on her website. She was generous in her mentor-ship, clear in her opinions when I consulted with her, always ready to give back and forward. Judy's preferred dogs were seniors who no one else wanted, though once Judy had them, somehow they often became adoptable. So many of us in rescue here in MO and beyond have benefited from her advice and compassion. She would want us all to carry on, particularly with the senior dogs who have already given their lives and devotion, occasionally left behind when they most need comfort and love. The following poem, shared with permission from the blog, "Dog Rescuer's Life," is dedicated to Judy who always showed her love and care to both the older dog and their persons.
People often talk and write of what legacy they will leave when they retire or die. Judy lived her legacy and left us better than we would have been without her influence. Here is a link to her obituary: 7 Bells Sanctuary founder dies. I loved how she directed well mannered dogs to attend her funeral including Lil' Hans. My heart aches but it now is up to us to live up to her legacy and life. Godspeed, Judy, and thank you!
"Too Old?"
One by one, they pass by my cage,
Too old, too worn, too broken, no way.
Way past his time, he can't run and play.
Then they shake their heads slowly and go on their way
A little old man, arthritic and sore,
It seems I am not wanted anymore.
I once had a home, I once had a bed,
A place that was warm, and where I was fed.
Now my muzzle is grey, and my eyes slowly fail.
Who wants a dog so old and so frail?
My family decided I didn't belong,
I got in their way, my attitude was wrong.
Whatever excuse they made in their head,
Can't justify how they left me for dead.
Now I sit in this cage, where day after day,
The younger dogs get adopted and driven away.
When I had almost come to the end of my rope,
You saw my face, and I finally had hope.
You saw thru the grey, and the legs bent with age,
And felt I still had life beyond this cage.
You took me home, gave me food and a bed,
And shared your own pillow with my poor tired head.
We snuggle and play, and you talk to me low,
You love me so dearly, you want me to know.
I may have lived most of my life with another,
But you outshine them with a love so much stronger.
And I promise to return all the love I can give,
To you, my dear person, as long as I live.
I may be with you for a week, or for years,
We will share many smiles, you will no doubt shed tears.
And when the time comes that God deems I must leave,
I know you will cry and your heart, it will grieve.
And when I arrive at the Bridge, all brand new,
My thoughts and my heart will still be with you.
And I will brag to all who will hear,
Of the person who made my last days so dear
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