Fourth Grade Essay Stirs the Heart

Although writing was never his favorite subject, when William Cassotis, 9,  was given an assignment to take the lyrics of a song and write what it means to him, he wrote an essay that will inspire us all. A fourth Grader at Central School in East Brunswick, William is usually more interested in Legos and playing trumpet, but this assignment brought forth his true creativity.

He chose the song “In the Arms of the Angel,” by Sarah McLachlan and was inspired by his aunt, Liana Morgan, who rescues dogs through Castle of Dreams Animal Rescue. To date the Morgan family has saved over 40 dogs by welcoming them into their home until they can find good families. William has seen the fear and confusion these dogs hold in their hearts when they come into rescue. He often worked side by side with his aunt helping to care for dogs like Chance (pictured here with William), who was rescued from certain death in a southern shelter. This hound mix pup was brought to New Jersey and welcomed into the Morgan family for a second “Chance” at life.

When William needed to choose a song for this writing assignment he knew which song said it all. I’m happy to share William’s essay here. I know it will touch your heart as it has touched mine.  

In the Arms of the Angel
By William Cassotis

    I think a song that motivates me is In The Arms Of The Angel, by Sarah Mclachlan. This song motivates me to help abused dogs or to foster saved dogs from a shelter. There are a lot of dogs in this world that are abused for no reason.  There is also a large overpopulation of dogs and some of them wind up in a shelter, and if nobody adopts them they are put down.  This reminds me of my aunt because she has fostered about 40 dogs that were supposed to be put down and were abused by people. The dog she currently has is named Chance and he is the sweetest dog that you will ever meet. It breaks my heart to think that if my aunt did not foster Chance, he would not be here. 

One line that is special to me is “Spend all your time waiting for that second chance”.  This line motivates me because it reminds me of a dog sitting in a cage in a shelter, just waiting day in and day out for someone to come and rescue them, and give them that second chance.  Another verse that I find meaningful is “You are pulled from the wreckage of your silent reverie, You’re in the arms of the angel, May you find some comfort here”. I think that it is powerful because it makes me think of a dog that has been pulled from an abusive home or a shelter, and is then placed into a loving home with an owner who treats the dog like a member of the family.  I believe in helping dogs because they have no voice for themselves.  In conclusion, a song that motivates me is In The Arms of The Angel, by Sarah Mclachlan.  I believe this song speaks for the dogs as the Lorax speaks for the trees.