Maria Daines: MUSIC

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Jonnie England, Executive Director of Operation Kindness, a kiss for Mercy.


The first we heard of Mercy was in a news editorial sent to us by our good friend Mary Alice Pollard, Cornwall's Voice For Animals. We were heartbroken to see the picture of Mercy looking up at the camera with such trusting eyes; she must have been in tremendous pain, such a gentle and beautiful dog who had been battered, burned and abused so horrifically, her plight was hard to imagine. The good people of Operation Kindness in Carrollton, Texas, took Mercy to their hearts and did everything they possibly could to save her. Soon, Mercy was known all over the world and her veterinary costs were met by members of the public touched by the plight of this poor sweet pup.

No animal should ever have to suffer as Mercy suffered. Mercy is now at rest and this song is dedicated to her memory.

Mercy's Story ~

Mercy, the 10-month-old puppy who was doused with gasoline and set on fire, has died. Her little heart just gave out.

She was a gentle soul who showed remarkable strength and courage, she inspired us all!

Mercy died Sunday evening about 9:30 p.m 23rd April 2006, at the veterinary clinic where she was being treated. Doctors said Mercy showed some improvement Saturday, but her condition started to deteriorate Sunday afternoon. She was given a plasma transfusion, but shortly afterward her heart, weakened by burns over 60 per cent over her body, stopped beating.

The young pit-bull mix was rescued Friday, April 14, by a Dallas man who saw her in the wooded area behind apartments in Far North Dallas. He took the dog to Operation Kindness, where she was given immediate veterinary care. Mercy was transferred to the Dallas Veterinary Surgical Center last Monday. She had surgery the following day to remove most of her burned ears and begin the painful debridement treatment. Doctors cautioned that, because of the severity and extent of her injuries, which also included stab wounds and cuts, her prognosis was guarded.

"All of us at Operation Kindness, as well as thousands of people who have been moved by her plight, are grieving for Mercy," said Jonnie England, executive director at Operation Kindness. "We were so hopeful that this beautiful, gentle dog, who had suffered and endured unbearable pain, would pull through in the end. It's more important than ever that the person who brutalized her be caught and brought to justice, for Mercy's sake." She will
be privately cremated and her askes will be spread in Operation Kindness' Memorial Garden so she will rest in peace forever.

Thanks to the outpouring of support for Mercy, her veterinary bills have been covered by caring people who were touched by her plight.

Donations made For Mercy's Sake will be used to help Operation Kindness care for other unwanted, abused and neglected animals like Mercy.




THE RAINBOW BRIDGE
(Dedicated to Mercy)

You wonder why or how
Some people grow so mean
They hurt defenceless souls
Their hearts are cold, oh Mercy

You were young and sweet
A tender gentle friend
Easy to defeat
Oh Mercy...

All the lost and found
On the rainbow bridge
Spare their tears of pain
Heal their suffering
Light the troubled way
Keep their memory safe
For the rainbow's end
Is a brighter day...

I see your trusting face
No man should ever harm
Rest in peace my dear
Oh Mercy
You're in a better place
Held soft by angels arms
Sleep now precious one
Oh Mercy

All the lost and found
On the rainbow bridge
Spare their tears of pain
Heal their suffering
Light the troubled way
Keep their memory safe
For the rainbow's end
Is a brighter day...

© Maria Daines/Paul Killington
All Rights Reserved
(mcps) ASCAP
13.5.06


'The Rainbow Bridge'

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.

There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.

There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...


'Music United For Animals' CD album is dedicated to Mercy.




Special thanks to Mary Alice Pollard for creating the beautiful slide show and art in tribute to Mercy.