16/03/2012
To all the wonderful friends of Merlin’s Refuge,
Let me just start by saying “Thank YOU”! I can’t believe Merlin’s Refuge turned 15 in 2012! I’m not sure what I really thought was going to happen when I started this but I am amazed at all that has occurred. We’ve had joyous times and immensely painful times. We took a cat who was so brain damaged he wouldn’t eat or drink on his own and turned him into a cat that if you saw him today you would never know he had any problems. We took in a puppy who had been abandoned by his owner at the emergency clinic because he had the audacity to have Parvo over her holiday weekend and she didn’t want to pay his bill. We found this pup a loving home with a teenage boy who adored him ( and the feeling was obviously mutual). While playing fetch at their remote countryside home the pup ran into the dirt road through a gate that had accidentally been left open by a younger sibling and was hit and killed by a car. It was quite obvious we were not meant to save him. God had other plans for that little guy. Thankfully His plans for me included starting and operating this rescue for 15 amazing years.
Over the years we have met so many wonderful people with the most amazingly huge hearts. My vets, who I believe are the best in town, gave me the opportunity to help hundreds of animals find homes by opening their doors and offering their services sometimes free but always discounted. The money we took in from our terrific donors went so much farther due to their kindness and generosity.
Speaking of generosity, in 15 years one of the moments I remember most clearly was when my husband was setting up our Paypal account. He put a button for $5, one for $10, one for $50 and one for $100. I thought it was ridiculous to do that one be he took it a step further and put a button for $500 on the page. I said he was crazy. Not more than a week later we received three different donations for $500! I couldn’t believe someone would give that much to a “small time” rescue like mine.
The generosity didn’t stop with the individual. Many of our city’s businesses donated items and funds for raffles or fundraisers. And of course we would not have been anywhere near as successful as we were without the support of Petco and it’s managers and employees. Some of the nicest people wear Petco name tags, just go there, you’ll find out for yourself.
I spent many years of my life doing various jobs. Jobs where I never really felt like I fit in. As an artist, I didn’t have the desire to create. As a teacher, I didn’t have to desire to nurture. But when I found rescue I found home. Rescuers are family. We get together for a cause, we disagree, we fight, we become estranged, but when someone says there is an animal in need of rescue we band together, put our differences aside and become one unit on a mission. I will always be proud to call rescuers my second family.
I would be remiss if I didn’t thank the one person who is responsible for all this. My very first child, Merlin. Because of him I think Merlin’s Refuge made a difference. To the people of Omaha, to the animals of Omaha and beyond. At least that’s what I hope happened.
Because of recent changes in Nebraska state laws regarding animal rescues I feel the last two years have been less efficient and less fulfilling and that is why I felt it was time to close up shop. After much discussion with my fellow board members it was agreed that we close our “virtual doors” this year. It wasn’t an easy decision but I feel it’s time for me to go in a new direction, just as rescue has gone in a new direction. And now let me end the past 15 years by saying “Good Bye”.
Kyle
Merlin's Refuge,CEO
