Churchill

I found this heartbreaking story on one of my favorite reads, HerSouthernCharm.blogspot.com. This precious dog, a 2-year-old English Bulldog was recently set on fire by a teenager. Subsequently his body is nearly 100% covered in burns. The Animal Care Services in San Antonio estimates it will cost $10,000 to bring this little guy back to health. Once he's healthy, Churchill will be put up for adoption! If you feel so compelled to help out a furry friend, this is a great opportunity. Every little bit counts so drink a latte or two less this week and send it in for Churchill. Send donations to:

"Churchill's Fund"Animal Care Services

4710 State Highway 151

San Antonio, Texas 78227

If you want to donate via Credit Card, head on over to HerSouthernCharm.blogspot.com and use her PayPal feature.

You can read the story here. What kills me is that in my opinion animal cruelty is not prosecuted as severely as I believe it should be. Since Churchill's attacker was a teenager, he might (as in possibly) be ordered to counseling. He might face jail time, though it is unlikely and he might be fined. This kid, for his own sake, needs counseling. It should be mandatory for anyone found guilty of animal cruelty. But there are some serious flaws in Texas - don't even get me started on the fact that Texas' scope of animal cruelty laws doesn't include circus animals, wild animals, or animals used in laboratories.

If you want to read up more on fighting animal cruelty, click here to go to the ASPCA website.

I will leave you with a beautiful Prayer for Dogs that I found in the comments on HSC's initial post. This prayer left me weeping - I told you I am a mess when it comes to animals!!

A DOG'S PRAYER

Treat me kindly, my beloved master,

for no heart in all the world is more

grateful for kindness than the loving

heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick,

for although I should lick your hand

between blows, your patience and

understanding will more quickly teach

me the things you would have me do.

Speak to me often, for your voice is

world’s sweetest music, as you must know

by the fierce wagging of my tail when

your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.

When it is cold and wet, please take me

inside, for I am now a domesticated animal,

no longer used to bitter elements.

And I ask no greater glory than the

privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth.

Though had you no home,I would rather follow you

through ice and snow than rest upon the

softest pillow in the warmest home in the land,

for you are my god and I am your devoted worshipper.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water,

for although I should not reproach you were it dry,

I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me

clean food so that I may stay well to romp and play

and do your bidding, to walk by your side,

and stand ready willing and able to protect you

with my life should your life be in danger.

And beloved master, should the Great Master

see fit to deprive me of my health or sight,

do not turn me away from you. Rather, hold me gently

in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful

boon of eternal rest...and I will leave you

knowing with the last breath I draw, my fate was ever

safest in your hands.

--- Beth Norman Harris ---

Stay Chic,

HSG