Del Mar Country Club and Madeleine Pickens are actively involved in the care and protection of Military Working Dogs. These unsung heroes assist America’s fighting men and women in their fight for freedom on battlefields all over the world. Through her efforts as well as those of many other patriots, these battle-tested warriors are now enjoying the retirement they so richly deserve.
In 2009, Madeleine Pickens adopted a retired Military Working Dog named Chyba, who served our country in Iraq for 12 years. In memory of Chyba’s passing in 2011, Madeleine and Rancho Coastal Humane Society of Encinitas, CA partnered to construct the largest Military Working Dog Memorial west of the Mississippi.
Madeleine’s devotion to the care and protection of Military Working Dogs ensures that these unsung heroes enjoy the retirement they so richly deserve. Del Mar Country Club and the Rancho Coastal Humane Society are proud to hold an annual benefit to help care for and honor these special animals.
GUARDIANS OF THE NIGHT
A Prayer (Author Unknown)
Trust in me my friend for I am your comrade.
I will protect you with my last breath
When all others have left you
And the loneliness of the night closes in,
I will be at your side.
Together we will conquer all obstacles
And search out those who might wish
harm to others.
All I ask of you is compassion,
The caring touch of your hands.
It is for you that I will selflessly give my life
And spend my nights unrested.
Although our days together
May be marked by the passing
of the seasons,
Know that each day at your side is my reward.
My days are measured by
The coming and going of your footsteps.
I anticipate them at the opening of the door.
You are the voice of caring when I am ill.
The voice of authority over me
when I've done wrong.
Do not chastise me unduly
For I am your right arm, the sword at your side.
I attempt to do only what you bid of me.
I seek only to please you and
remain in your favor.
Together you and I shall experience
A bond only others like you will understand.
When outsiders see us together
Their envy will be measured by their disdain.
I will quietly listen to you and
pass no judgment.
Nor will your spoken words be repeated.
I will remain ever silent,
Ever vigilant, ever loyal.
And when our time together is done
And you move on in the world,
Remember me with kind thoughts and tales.
For a time we were unbeatable,
Nothing passed among us undetected.
If we should ever meet again on another field
I will gladly take up your flight.
I am a Military Working Dog and together
We are GUARDIANS of the NIGHT.