Ruth and William are moving to Powell River. They have worked and supported PAWS, dedicating time and money, as well as their hearts, to the hundreds of animals that have needed our help over the last 10 years. These wonderful people will be greatly missed. All of the PAWS members wish them well in their new life on the west coast.

'Farewell luncheon' for long time PAWS members William and Ruth Mitchell-Banks.

To My Special Mom...

To my special mom, some things I'd like to say,
But first of all to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this letter from the Bridge - where I now dwell with God above
Up here there are no tears or sadness, only eternal love.

Please don't be unhappy, just because I am out of sight,
Remember that I am with you, every morning, noon and night.
The other day I had to leave you, when my life on earth was through
God picked me up and hugged me and he said, "I welcome you"
Its good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone...
As for your foster family, they'll be here later on.

When you think of my life on earth and the neglect in my last years,
Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears
But do not be afraid to cry, it does relieve the pain
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain

God gave me a list of important things, that he would like for me to do,
And foremost on his special list, was to watch over and care for you.
And when you lie down and try to sleep, with the day's chores put to flight,
Remember that God is closest to you, in the middle of the night

I wish that I could tell you, everything that God has planned,
But even if I could tell you, you wouldn't understand
But one thing is for certain, though my earthly life is over,
I'm more happy, healthy and content, than I ever was before

If you can help another, who is in sorrow and in pain
Then you can say to God at night, "My day was not in vain".
And when you're walking down the street, with me on your mind
I'm walking in your footsteps, only a short trot behind

There are rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb
But a rescuer's heart is big and strong, just take it one day at a time
For it is simply God's nature and I'd like it for you too
That as you give to the world, the world will give to you

And when your time on earth is up to leave your body and be free,
Remember you are not "going", You are coming up here to me.

With all my LOVE Goldie

To My Mom and Dad

Look not where I was
For I am not there
My spirit is free
I am everywhere

In the air that you breathe
In the sounds that you hear
Don't cry for me Mom
My spirit is near

I'll watch for you
From the other side
I'll be the one running
New friends by my side

Smile at my memory
Remember in your heart
This isn't the end
It's a brand new start

Love, Chili

(By: Carol Kufner)

 

Fragile Circle

"We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own, live within a fragile circle, easily and often breached.
Unable to accept its awful gaps, we still would live no other way.
We cherish memory as the only certain immortality,
never fully understanding the necessary plan."

Irving Townsend.

Adventures of the Topaz Creek Dogs

Click here to read the story about the rescue of the Topaz Creek Dogs

Chief -- aren't I handsome?
(From left: Dana, Freckles, Harley) Dana: Don't get up, guys, you don't have your sea-legs yet!"	Freckles: "Oh boy! That sure felt good!"
	Freckles: "I'm ready to go. Where's my life jacket?"
Freckles: "Phew! I'm pooped."	Bandit: "I'm SO happy today!"
Harley: Before and after the swim!
Harley: "Oh boy! I'm such a happy sailor."	Harley: "WEEEE! Faster, Faster, captain!"
Ray: "Look at my smile!"

Misty and Chief Update - January 2008

Lenny Update from his new owner, Amanda - December 2007

He's getting much better with strangers and now that the store is open (and he' meeting lots of new people) he is getting better and better at going up to people (while they're not looking) and sniffing them. He's even allowed several people to pet him. He has a girlfriend - Athena - she's a 9 year old golden/lab cross and he thinks she's pretty special. Lots of badly out of tune singing when Athena's around.

Rico and Lenny are now starting to play! I'm so happy! Lenny actually initiated play with Rico last month and they now regularly play on walks. Lenny races off and Rico chases him and then Lenny hides in the short bushes that Rico can't get in to. Every now and then Lenny chases Rico and they both love it.

Then the other day Lenny came racing over to me and gave me a play bow, so I "human" play bowed back and he thought it was awesome and did his little "I'm so excited" bounce where both front paws come off the ground at the same time. I was so pleased.

Anyway, I think he's doing really, really, well.

Thank You on behalf of PAWS to the following for their support and kind donations.

E. Kuchau from Nicola
Tara and Mike from Hinton
Carol Seable from Fairmont Hot Springs
Larry and Terry Southwood from Creston
M. Ksyzopolski and Amber and Dakota from Calgary
Labatt's Brewery
Stacy Donald from Castlegar
Wendy Pope from Ainsworth
Teresa Mitchell-Banks from Vancouver
Pete and Elaine Sandberg from Fort Steele
David Finn from Vancouver
Cathy Hughes from Coquitlam
Judy Perry from Mission
Doreen Warwick from Creston
Kathy Creighton from Coaldale
Sophia Smith from Creston
Li'l Mutt from Creston
Pat Martin from Creston
Jessie Hopper from Creston
Gordon and Barb Ogilvie from Wynndel
Mrs. Davis from Creston
Eskil and Susan Jorgenson from Wynndel
Gail Mason from Wynndel
Murry Kindratsky from Coquitlam
M. Kroon from Creston
K. Greer from Bowen Island
U. Rempel from Winnipeg
A. McMoran from Creston
D. Berzins from North Vancouver
Sherry Thompson from Wynndel
B. Davis from Parksville
Shirlie McManus from Cranbrook
Gwen Telling and JH Huscroft
Wendy Pope
Heykamps
Charlene Iverson and Friends
Steven and Sian Haakanson
Lorraine Ward from Creston
Shelley Simpson from Invermere
Ruth and Chris Pollok from Wynndel
Shellen Rigg from Surrey
Jo-Anne Chambers from Victoria
Katherine Henry from Vancouver
Andrea Sorenson from Toronto
Kathie Tremaine from Lantzville
Janet Law from Richmond
Dre Mattenley from Langley
Pat Wiebe from Wynndel
Victoria Morris-Ott from Coquitlam
Dianne Baker from Langley
Joan M. Wanamaker from Sandpoint
Crystal and Rick Claghorn from North Vancouver
Beth Kastklan and Jeanette & Mike Steinhouse
Karen Albright from Port Coquitlam
Big Dog Rescue from Vancouver
Last Chance Rescue Mamas from Richmond
Pat Tomasic from Creston
Rev. Marie Ferrier from Ontario
Gail Moerkerken from Maple Ridge
Triple Industries from Creston
Glenda Johnson from Creston
Marita Struthers
Overwaitea
Sunset Seed in Creston
Katie Mallowe from Cranbrook
Sara Mitchell-Banks