Tomorrow is the last day of 2007 and tradition demands pause for reflection. For some, this has been a glorious year full of surprises and successes. For others, I fear, the year has brought trauma, stress and sorrow. In our household we have had a mixture of both. Alan’s mother, who lives in London with his 80 year old father, was diagnosed with mesothelioma in February which has dictated two trips back to the UK to see her and support them as best we can. At times like this, even in our modern age when travel is so accessible, we feel like we are so very far away.

But we have been blessed in so many other ways this year. We have each other, our health, steady income and friends and family here who provide us with support and love. Our animal family has grown this year as well with the adoption of a little terrier mix, Baxter, from the Weatherford/Parker County Animal Shelter. He has brought new life to our other dogs, Rosie and Rebel, and an endless source of delight to us, tempered with a bit frustration as the house training continues.

Personally, I have allowed myself to explore my passion for animal welfare. I am so grateful to the Weatherford Democrat for letting me express my views in this little column. The Weatherford/Parker County Animal Shelter has also been a wonderful learning experience and many of the fears and preconceived notions I had about municipal shelters have been dissolved. I am also thankful to Dr. Darryl McEndree at the Aledo Vet Clinic who enhances this column each week with a Vet Tip and is always on hand for me if I have any questions.

What I am most excited about accomplishing this year, and watching to grow in 2008, is the formation of Parker Paws, a non-profit (501c3 pending) organization formed to help support the lost and abandoned animals at the Weatherford/Parker County Animal Shelter. With Parker Paws, fellow shelter volunteer, Barbara Pursley, and I hope to help increase pet adoption and improve the quality of life for the animals in the shelter by recruiting and working with other volunteers on offsite adoption events, socializing and grooming the shelter animals, and raising funds for items needed at the shelter.

As I look to 2008, besides the standard - wishing for world peace, health and happiness for everyone - I hope to be able to make a difference in the lives of helpless animals and do all I can to better educate the public about pet care. My greatest wish is that society at large spays and neuters their pets and appreciates them for the wonderful gift that they are. We accept that people are not disposable, and neither should our pets be.

And, with that said, I wish you all a purr-fect 2008 full of bear hugs and doggie kisses!