06/15/2025
âTo the One We Call Daddy (Even if He Donât Celebrate the Day)â
You donât need a holiday
to be honored.
You been earning this love
every single day.
You donât need a card,
but we got one anywayâ
not to follow tradition,
but to pour gratitude in your direction,
to let you know
we see you.
We see the way you lift boxes
like they hold the future of this rescue.
The way you bring in the food,
one heavy bag at a time,
so these babies can thrive.
We see the way your hands
become clippersâ
carving out second chances
with every first haircut,
grooming the mats off their past
so they can finally feel free.
Even the chickens follow your rhythm.
Even the cats pause to respect your peace.
Every creature here knowsâ
Daddy is sanctuary.
Daddy is safety.
Daddy is steady.
You donât wear a cape,
but you show up like a hero,
every time I say,
âBaby, I rescued another one.â
And somehow,
your answer is always yes.
Even when the yes means
sacrificing your space,
your quiet,
your time,
your plans.
This little trailer in the back,
it runs because of your grace.
This rescue breathes
because you gave us the land
to build something sacred on.
And me?
I couldnât do it without you.
Not a day. Not a single Shih Tzu.
They call me Mama,
but I only get to be her
because youâve always been you.
So this is our Happy Day to you.
Not a Fatherâs Day,
but a Thank You day.
A You Matter day.
A We See You, We Love You day.
Because you may not need the holiday,
but we needed a reason
to remind youâ
You are the backbone
of every bark,
every purr,
every healed heart.
You are the Daddy of this rescue.
And every creature here
knows love
because of you.
By Lucretia Guillory
Tzus And Mews Rescue