I am an animal rescuer (the original)

On my trip through the Internet I found the following text repeatedly. The information about the author were different, the text exists in several versions. In the past I showed two versions on my blog, but now I think I've found the original:

 

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My job is to assist God's creatures

I was born with the need to fulfill their needs

I take in new family members without plan, thought, or selection

I have bought dog food with my last dime

I have patted a mangy head with a bare hand

I have hugged someone vicious and afraid

I have fallen in love a thousand times

and I have cried into the fur of a lifeless Body

 

I have Animal Friends and friends who have animal friends

I don't often use the word "pet"

I notice those lost at the road side

And my heart aches

I will hand raise a field mouse

And make friends with a vulture

I know of no creature unworthy of my time

 

I want to live forever if there aren't animals in Heaven

But I believe there are

Why would God make something so perfect and leave it behind

We may be master of the animals,

But the animals have mastered themselves

Something people still haven't learned

 

War and Abuse makes me hurt for the world

But a rescue that makes the news gives me hope for mankind

We are a quiet but determined army

And making a difference ever day

 

There is nothing more necessary than warming an orphan

nothing more rewarding than saving a life

No higher recognition than watching them thrive

There is no greater joy than seeing a baby play

who only days ago, was too weak to eat

 

I am an Animal Rescuer

My work is never done,

My home is never quiet

My wallet is always empty

But my heart is always full

 

(Written from a wild heart by Annette King-Tucker, Animal Rescuer, Wild Heart Ranch Wildlife Rescue, Claremore, Oklahoma, wildheartranch.org)