I spoke to you in whispers
As shells made the ground beneath us quake
We both trembled in that crater
A toxic muddy bloody lake
I spoke to you and pulled your ears
To try and quell your fearful eye
As bullets whizzed through the raindrops
And we watched the men around us die
I spoke to you in stable tones
A quiet tranquil voice
At least I volunteered to fight
You didn't get to make the choice
I spoke to you of old times
Perhaps you went before the plough
And pulled the haycart from the meadow
Far from where we're dying now
I spoke to you of grooming
Of when the ploughman made you shine
Not the shrapnel wounds and bleeding flanks
Mane filled with mud and wire and grime
I spoke to you of courage
As gas filled the Flanders air
Watched you struggle in the mud
Harness acting like a snare
I spoke to you of peaceful fields
Grazing beneath a setting sun
Time to rest your torn and tired body
Your working day is done
I spoke to you of promises
If from this maelstrom I survive
By pen and prose and poetry
I'll keep your sacrifice alive
I spoke to you of legacy
For when this hellish time is through
All those who hauled or charged or carried
Will be regarded heroes too
I spoke to you in dulcet tones
Your eye told me you understood
As I squeezed my trigger to bring you peace
The the only way I could
And I spoke to you in whispers......

- By Neil Andrew

Thank you so very much to everyone who helped with Sammy's fundraising plea for his bi-lateral cruciate ligament operations.

Although it's early days in his recovery, he is already much more comfortable than he was prior to the surgeries.

Everyone loves happy endings, so please share Sammy's story and please check back this evening for even more good news and photos!

Not only has Sammy had his double cruciate ligament surgeries, but his fosterers have fallen head over heels in love with him... and will be adopting him!!!

Charmaine and Colin are the kindest and most devoted souls, so we couldn't be more thrilled for this gentle little dog who has already bonded hard with them both.

Thank you so much to surgeon David McCormack at Manukau Veterinary Referral Centre for giving us a much-appreciated charity discount for Sammy's operations. David and all of the staff there have been an absolute pleasure to deal with.

If you are in a position to sponsor any of the many hydrotherapy and physiotherapy sessions Sammy will need once his sutures have been removed, we would be very grateful for your further donations. Thank you so much for your support.

Givealittle: https://givealittle.co.nz/org/animalrehoming
Charity Bank Account: ASB Account number: 12 3059 0650626 00

Punching any animal is a serious breach of the NZ Animal Welfare Act.

Please add your name to this petition asking the SPCA to take meaningful action. Thank you.