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Good
Friends Go to Heaven
by Joyce Kitsemble
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| People long to have a friend, |
| Who's loyal, kind and true. |
| Who'll never lie and never cheat, |
| And never leave them blue. |
| Someone who'll always stand by them, |
| Through all the good and bad. |
| Rejoice with them when things are good, |
| Lend comfort when they're sad. |
| I am blessed with friends like that, |
| They're sent from God above. |
| He must love me to send to me, |
| These priceless gifts of love. |
| And I have made a promise, |
| That I will try to be. |
| As good a friend to all my friends, |
| As they have been to me. |
| I'll tell you now my friends are dogs, |
| Whose hearts are always pure. |
| And leave you with one final thought, |
| Of which I am quite sure. |
| This world would be a better place, |
| With peace both near and far. |
| If we could only become the people, |
| That our dogs think that we are. |
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We
are deeply saddened to announce that Joyce Kitsemble, a longtime supporter of
efforts to stop puppy mills in Wisconsin, passed away in Madison Tuesday
afternoon, 1 December 2009. Just before Governor Doyle signed AB-250 into law,
Joyce experienced distress and was helped out of the room. She was taken by
ambulance to a hospital in Madison. There was nothing they could do for her.
Joyce
and her husband Ed had been tireless supporters of the Wisconsin Puppy Mill
Project for over ten years. They were true and faithful friends to our mission.
In the last two years, they had gathered over 5,000 signatures for our petition
drive.
Joyce
was one of the most avid puppy mill fighters we have ever known. She provided a
loving home to many mill dogs through the years. Although she did not use a
computer, Joyce used the power of her pen. Whenever a call went out to write
our legislators, Joyce wrote. One of the most touching puppy mill dog stories
in our achieves was penned by Joyce. Often, during the 10 years that she has
been supporting WPMP, beautiful cards of support and encouragement arrived in
our mailbox from this kind and dedicated woman.
Being able to come to Madison from her home in Wisconsin Rapids to witness
Governor Doyle's signing of AB-250 was one of Joyce's proudest moments.
Governor
Doyle publically recognized Joyce's dedication by issuing the the following
statement:
“We are deeply saddened by the
passing of Joyce Kitsemble, a tireless supporter of the Wisconsin Puppy Mill
Project.
“For over a
decade, Joyce and her husband Ed worked to end puppy mills in Wisconsin and
gathered over 5,000 signatures for their cause. From providing a loving home to
puppy mill dogs to sending letters of support to the Puppy Mill Project and
petitioning her legislators, Joyce gave her support and encouragement to this
cause until her passing.
"Joyce was
a caring, passionate advocate against animal cruelty and her dedication touched
the lives of many people. Jessica and I offer our deepest condolences to
Joyce’s husband, family and friends.”
Wisconsin
Puppy Mill Project and Wisconsin's dogs have lost a true and dear friend. Joyce
made a cruel world better. Her dream of seeing puppy mill dogs get protection
under the law came to pass in her lifetime...and for that, we are eternally
grateful. Godspeed, dear Joyce, there will never be another like you. We have
been blessed by your kindness and you will be deeply missed.
We
join Governor & Mrs. Doyle in extending our heartfelt condolences.
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Ed Kitsemble
joined his beloved Joyce on 2 September 2010. Animals in Wisconsin have lost
two of their most passionate advocates, and the Wisconsin Puppy Mill Project
has lost two dear friends.
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Joyce and Ed Kitsemble join Eilene Ribbens in the lobby of the Governor's
Office just prior to the signing of AB 250, Tuesday, December 1, 2009.
Chica's Story
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