2012 Reflections by Mina +Regina Jankowski It's that time of year again, time to take one final look back before moving forward and leaving 2012 behind me forever. This year is not one I'll regret leaving. I lost a cockatiel, Major, to liver failure. It has been about two months but I just took the toys out of his cage. I lost my almost 15 year old cat, Mulder, to cancer. I found out today that the cockatoo I've been working with every week for over six months has found a new home. Okay, that's great news. But it's still a shocking loss at the moment. What I have learned is despite the loss of so many loves, I still have more to give. The heart of a rescuer goes on. I miss them and am adjusting but it will never stop my desire to save "one more". Saving lives is addictive. Some people avoid it to avoid the pain. My pain is a reminder of a powerful love that transends time and space, a pain I wouldn't trade in if it meant I lost one minute of joy those amazing creatures brought to my life. When you look toward 2013, filled with hope, (you did survive several apocalypses after all) don't just make plans to diet or exercise. Plan to change your life by changing anothers. Saving a life by adopting, fostering, donating, or volunteering, will change your life for the better. You have my word. Happy 2013 from my flock to yours!