Bella Bella & Shear Water !
Spirit's Mission involves
activities that Big Heart Rescue performs in connection with
small First Nations communities
such as Bella Bella and Shear Water
on BC's Central Coast. These activities include but are not
limited to:
vaccination and medical clinics
low cost/no cost sterilization programs
humane animal welfare education
re-homing and placement of stray, neglected and abused companion animals
assisting critical care animals with vetting and needed surgeries, and
networking with Chief and Council to assert positive guardianship of companion animals in these remote coastal First Nations communities.
Photos from some of our visits / clinics in Bella Bella:
The meaning behind "Spirit's Mission".
The call came from Bella Bella just after Christmas. A pup had been immersed in gasoline and needed help, would I take her?? Within a few shorts hours this little girl was on a plane and delivered into my open arms. A wee little face, a face filled with sadness and despair looked into my eyes. I named her Spirit, for I knew she was a fighter with strength deep within her soul. Her tummy rumbled from lack of food and her rear legs wobbled back and forth...no steady gate on this little one, no playful antics of a well loved pup, but I knew I could change that, because love can heal all wounds, can't it?
The
first seizure hit a few hours after little Spirit was home, but I was not
concerned. I had been previously blessed with a loving companion, Goldie,
who also had epilepsy and lived a wonderful and carefree life for 13 years.
I knew what to do and how to handle this, didn't I ?
The anxious visits to the vets office became too numerous to remember in the few short days of Spirit's relationship with me, and all those who came in contact with her fell immediately in love. I knew she was a survivor with a will as strong as mine, wasn't it ?
My heart smiled when the puppy kisses came freely, when the lanky paws stepped in overflowing bowls of food, when exploration of a warm and safe house became the days activity. And then, when the other four legged family members looked at me with inquisitive faces, as if to ask, why does she tumble so much, why does she cry in pain, why is she so afraid, I could only answer with, she has not ever known enough love and I can change that, can't I ?
Yet
on New Year's Eve, all the cuddles, warmth, love and medical miracles could
not save little Spirit. She was overcome with a massive seizure, was
unconscious and experienced additional seizures on the frantic five minute
drive to the vets office. As the vet approached with kind and reassuring
words the tears flowed. I knew that my love and devotion could not restore
her health, didn't I ? It had been discovered that Spirit had distemper and
not epilepsy, though she was a valiant fighter with the will of a warrior,
she did not have a fighting chance.
Spirit
was wrapped in her favorite blanket, cuddled in my arms like a new born
babe. I softly told little Spirit that she was a blessing, that she had
brought such joy into my life and while I was grateful for her gift, it was
time for her to be at peace and move into my father's awaiting arms because
he knew this little girl was on her way to be with him, always safe, loved
and cherished, as every soul should be, shouldn't they!!!!!!!!
My life is forever changed because of a pup named Spirit, and I will continue on with her presence beside me, as I work for those who have no voice.
Thank you Spirit for your courage and love, you have touched my heart and I will remain forever changed.
With gratitude,
Gail
Please contact Big Heart Rescue for more information about Spirits Mission.
