If we are truly fortunate, each of us will happen upon someone who stands out, someone we admire for who they are and what they do.
All of us will encounter those who speak about doing great things, few will be so fortunate as to meet someone like Kim at Heaven Can Wait and Room to Run, who in fact, does great things. I was lucky enough to meet Kim not so long ago, I am so pleased that I did.
This newsletter is my way of showing in some small way, my respect and admiration for a
bona fide hero who silently goes about making a difference.
Kim Hessel was motivated to establish Heaven Can Wait animal rescue in 1999 shortly after moving to High River when a hideous case of animal cruelty was made public. The laws then, as they are today, were far too lax in punishing those, who for reasons unknown or understood by the majority of us, will expel their frustration or anger on defenseless animals. Kim took up the cause in an attempt to amplify the penalties for premeditated animal cruelty, and educate the public about animal care. It was quickly apparent to Kim that there were few, if any resources available in High River to assist animals in need. It was also painfully apparent that the very same generation who were guilty in this case of animal abuse, was the same generation she would have to rely on to look after her in her golden years.
Kim, who at that time was working a nine to five job in the radio industry as an executive support person, quit her position to selflessly dedicate her time to the welfare of animals.
Room to Run, the boarding kennel, also managed by Kim and a squad of admirable volunteers, is now in its fifth summer of operation. Kim, along with her devoted volunteers and skeleton staff, operate both ventures, which consume a minimum of 14 hours a day, seven days a week each and every day of the year. At the time of this writing Heaven Can Wait was home to 21 rescued dogs and can, at times, have upwards of 150 rescued cats on site. Although Heaven Can Wait cannot accept surrendered pets, Kim has not ever turned away a stray or abandoned pet, or one that had to be removed from an unsatisfactory home.
Room to Run offers boarding services for dogs (only HCW accepts rescued cats)) in order to assist in the funding of Heaven Can Wait. Any funding donations received goes entirely towards veterinary care for the animals, which is a constant drain on financial resources.
In addition to helping the animals, Kim believes strongly in working with the young people of our community, encouraging them to volunteer to work with animals where, with her experience, she can teach them how to appropriately care for pets, instilling respect and a sense of pride in the younger generation.
Kim believes that by coaching our young people to respect animals, work hard, and give unselfishly of their time, they will not only learn indispensable lessons about animal care, but will be provided the foundation on which to build towards becoming better students, spouses and parents. Kim accepts volunteers as young as 10 years of age. I must say, I have been fortunate enough to have met many of Kim's volunteers and staff and can assure you they are some very fine young people. I am proud to know and support Heaven Can Wait & Room to Run, and all those who work collectively in all kinds of weather to contribute so much to the welfare of animals and the Great Community of High River!
I take my hat off to all of you!
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