C.A.C.T.U.S. CanTEEN
I was the
Executive Director of the C.A.C.T.U.S. CanTEEN, a child-care program funded by the state
of California for disadvantaged middle school students in the Temecula Valley. These young
'at-risk teens' were sent to me by the Riverside County Court system. We were in operation
from January 1997-December 2001.Our focus was on community service and building a sense of
pride and self-respect in our students. By giving back to the community, we learn to
appreciate what we have and feel good about what we do. One of our service destinations
during 1997-1998 was Randy Warner’s Dalmatian ResQ center in Menifee, California. The
children spent a few hours each month learning about proper pet care, exercising the dogs,
enjoying the outdoors and exchanging unconditional affection.
Allow me
to share with you exactly what my students saw when they visited the ResQ site: A man who
relinquished a prestigious home and career to care for neglected and abused dogs, who
elected to live in poverty to care for these animals, who believed in, encouraged and
demonstrated humane care of all dogs, who was willing to forego creature comforts, meals
and luxury to care for his beloved dogs, who put his principles before profit or pride and
whose dogs clearly loved and obeyed him.
The message
that Mr. Warner imparted to my students was that commitment to a noble cause is not
without its sacrifices or obstacles. Life is precious and abuse, neglect or mistreatment
of any living creature is unacceptable. This credo is a living parable for kids growing up
in poverty with abuse, crime, drugs, violence and neglect all around them. It is
Randy’s true dedication to protecting dogs that serves as a life lesson for these
disadvantaged teenagers.
What my
children gained through their experience there, was undoubtedly one they will remember and
cherrish forever. The second time we were there, I came with a 15 year old boy with no
parents, green spiked hair, several tattoes and just all around hard as nails. Afraid to
come inside with the dogs at first, he did finally do so. Several hours later upon our
departure, we all noticed Tim's red eyes. He was crying because he had to leave. He had
never known the love of a dog or the comfort and joy they could bring.. He was counting
the minutes until he returned to play with the dogs and get so much love and affection -
something he had never received from anyone..
I have
worked very hard to teach my students to respect life.It seems that too many of us have
forgotten how to be kind, considerate and caring individuals. Randy Warner’s work
with abandoned dogs reminds us of these laudable qualities, despite the package in which
they are presented. Randy represented all I have taught. Responsible pet guardianship is a
paramount concern. Randy clearly conveys that positive message!
Sincerely,
Maryann
Virack |
