Inspirations and Dedications

A Quilt Story
Text Box: As I faced my Maker at the last Judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with the other souls. Before each of us laid our lives, like the squares of a quilt, in many piles. An Angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life. But, as my Angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in everyday life. I saw hardships that I had endured, which were the largest holes of all. I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened. My Angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air. Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose, each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been. My Angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise. My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness and death, and false accusations that took from me my world as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I had spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully; each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me. And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it had been. I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light. An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with eyes wide. Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image. The face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, "Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles. Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you." May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through. -Author Unknown

The Promised Land

Below is a collection of stories, poems, songs, and dedications that we have learned and grown from.  We have added them on our website for your reading pleasure. We also have a dedication to the very first dog, Jack, who the organization is named after.
We hope you enjoy!

Text Box: I have been to the Promised Land and saw a boy with no ears  smile as he forgot his pain and left at home the tears. I have been to the Promised Land and watched a girl with no legs walk on her hands, at play on the ground with a dog twice her size, she didn’t balk. I have been to the Promised Land and found a boy with a dog, using no words but eyes and a lick to talk about God. I have been to the Promised Land and heard a child, who won’t speak, bark to a dog that can whisper. And their joy leaves me meek. I have been to the Promised Land and saw courage as newborn babies reach out to touch a wet, cold nose and destroy all doubt and maybes. I have been to the Promised Land and there are giants to slay the giants in our own eyes. We only need believe and play as children. Text Box: I am going to the Promised Land, will you come along? I don’t ask your permission, I know it’s not wrong. I don’t ask your advice or accord, I look back to see if I’m alone. I look back to see if you follow. I look back to see who’s gone.  I am going to the Promised Land, I walked the desert too many years. Is there a Caleb to go with me? Is there a Joshua to put away fears? Go back to the desert if you want. Go back to bondage or you can stay, and watch the children who slay the giants. Ask yourself how you can turn away. I can’t turn back any more, you see, they’ve conquered pain, illness, and sin. I’m changed by the love they’ve given me. They’ve opened my heart and let Jesus in. -Jan Nowicki 2003 Text Box: Jack's DOGs is named for Moonshadow's Black Jack, the dog who opened my eyes and heart to "dogability." He was a pet and companion first, but was also a hunting retriever and obedience trial champion. Later in life, he carried baskets and turned out lights and earned the AKC Canine Good Citizen’s certificate at age 10. Jack was truly an all-round dog and teacher who changed the course of my life. Text Box: MoonShadow's Black Jack, grew through my life and into my soul through being… Being a puppy he helped me adjust to a new home, broke my leg, and led me gently into the world of dogs. Being a faithful friend, Jack showed me how to survive personal loss and tragedy, live today, and go on. Being a show dog he taught me consistency and patience. Being wise, he taught me how to communicate...and listen. Being strong, he showed me gentleness and strength in silence. Being gentle, he taught me to love. In loving, he taught me how to pray. As my confidant, Jack approved my new husband. In his late years, Jack often waited for me… at the door, at the gate, to finish my chores...and find time for him. Now every time I train a dog, meet a puppy, or see Kodiak waiting for me … Every time I see a Lab, help with a rescue, assess a temperament, or nurse a sick animal… Every time I play Frisbee with Hobo, take Onyx to the nursing home, or quietly pet Grizzly… When Smokeycat greets Kodiak or he gets excited about her kittens… Whenever an animal shows me the wonders of their world… I know Jack lives in the ropeless leash that bound me to his world. -Jan Nowicki 7/30/98

Moonshadow's Black Jack C.D., C.D.X.

Jack Lives