http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K56E-1bR4R4
I haven't been able to write about Rebel even though he died September 29, 2012. He was a big part of what I am. He was my sidekick, my best friend, my confidante and soul mate. We went everywhere together.
Rebel saw the rescue come into being and rode the storm with me high and dry. When times would get too tough, and they did, Rebel could stick his cold little snout under my arm and let me know it wasn't so bad. We could make it through anything.
Rebel |
During those dark days, Cubby, one of our longtime lifers passed away. Cubby died on Thanksgiving day. Then I lost my mom at New Year, one year ago. I would get a 'sympathy' call from Leah always asking for money. Later, I would learn that she took earmarked money for the dogs and bought fireworks and rum.
Rebel protesting fur sales at Neiman's |
It was a huge struggle, but like Rebel promised, we made it. Little did I dream I would make it to this point by myself. I could never give up as I had those depending on me and the so many others I try and write American Pit Bull Examiner stories about.
So this year's looking back is somewhat bittersweet. I know that Rebel is up in heaven with Cubby and the others we have lost over the years. They are waiting for me and I am not afraid of dying because of that. They are with Stella, the beautiful girl who was killed at Spindletop in the Morgan Building and the oh so many others missing and dead from that horrible place.
I am strong because of them and know I must continue to fight so they will be remembered and justice will be served.
I am grateful today to rise and play with BeBe who used to be Batgirl, Vincent who was Spuds, Guido, Nolan, Peanut who was Feo and Amber who came to us with Stella and William who's enjoying the active life in foster care here in Austin.
I lost three birds due to some bad seed from Tomlinson's Pet Store and we lost Buddy, our 23 year old cat and Martha who'd suffered for years from over-vaccination which we just couldn't completely detox.
Rebel |
We have tried to help many others this year with much of the work delegated toward showing folks how they too can 'have the world's friendliest pit bulls' by using the simply protocol Reunion Rescue uses. If everyone followed the simple tenets of our program, there would never be another dog bite, mauling, animal taken to a shelter, euthanasia or abusive treatment and that's a fact.
With that message to share, there are many miles to go before the dimming of the day. I can stop, though, ever so often, and see Rebel's little face shining above in his quirky fashion and knowing someday we'll be together again.