Justice for Samson provides life-saving care to the forgotten and misunderstood dogs of Texas left to fend for themselves on the streets or deemed too dangerous to ever be loved. Regardless of the level of need, we know that every dog deserves the chance to heal, no matter what it takes.
Disaster Struck Texas in the middle of the night!
To our friends in Kerrville, Ingram and the surrounding communities affected by the flooding,
Amongst all of the noise and chatter of this world, I often find peace sitting on my porch with a cup of coffee in hand- watching the dogs sniff, play and just be dogs, while birds sing overhead. Today is
another day of no rain (after daily downpours 3 weeks straight). But it doesn't feel like relief just yet.
Since waking up July 4th to the devastating news out of Kerrville and the surrounding Hill country, my heart has been heavy. The tears come daily- until today. Today, I still grieve, but I write instead.
To the families who have lost everything- from cherished homes to beloved family members- I cannot say I understand your pain. I won't pretend to know what it feels like to walk in your shoes. But please know this: my heart, my thoughts and my prayers are with you. I cry with you, and I pray a little harder with each passing day.
To the little girls and young boys who were looking forward to singing camp songs and learning more about the Mighty God we serve- those songs will remain in your hearts forever. To the counselors', whose lives are forever changed -you are not alone. The burden you carry is not yours to bear without help. " Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).
To every first responder, volunteer, and rescue worker- you are the hands and feet of hope in this darkness. You walk into the heartbreak when the rest of the world can only watch from afar. You are the ones pulling people-and animals- from danger, giving families closure and restoring what has been lost, I thank God for you. And when you lie awake at night replaying images you wish you could forget, my you hear His voice saying, "I will never leave you, nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5). " Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid," (John 14: 27).
At Justice for Samson, we know the sorrow of losing lives and seeing the brokenness of the world. We know the pain of not being able to do more. And while we have no kennels open to take in animals ourselves, and we cannot be there in person to lend our hands, we are using our voice and platform to help however we can.
We are currently fundraising on our social media pages for the two shelters who are bearing the greatest burden of intake and crisis response. Kerrville Pets Alive and Austin Pets Alive. These organizations are working around the clock, doing the sacred work of rescue and reunion. Every dollar donated goes toward helping the innocent animals displaced by the unimaginable flood.
There are many others out there helping in quiet, selfless ways. I wish I could name them all- but God sees you. And He has written your name on His heart. " For God who said, " let light shine out of darkness; made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ"_ (2 Corinthians 4:6).
We stand with you; we grieve with you. We will continue to pray and raise what we can- until the last tear is wiped and the last tail finds its way back home.
Wit love, compassion and unshakeable hope,
Texas Strong always and forever!!!
With gratitude,
Lori Brandon
Founding Director
Justice for Samson