A poem

This is a poem that I found, this reminds me of all the people on this site that rescues animals.

Stray's Prayer

Dear God, please send me somebody who'll care!
I'm tired of running, I'm sick with despair.
My body is aching, it's so racked with pain,
and dear God I pray, as I run in the rain.
That someone will love me and give me a home,
a warm cozy bed and a big juicy bone.

My last owner tied me all day in the yard
Sometimes with no water, and god that was hard.
So I chewed my leash, and God I ran away.
To rummage in garbage and live as a stray.
But now God, I'm tired and hungry and cold,
and I'm so afraid that I'll never grow old.

They've chased me with sticks and hit me with stones,
while I run the streets just looking for bones!
I'm not really bad, God, please help if you can,
or I have become just a "Victim of Man!"
I'm wormy dear God and I'm ridden with fleas,
and all that I want is an Owner to please!

If you find one for me God, I'll try to be good,
and I won't chew their shoes, and I'll do as I should.
I'll love them, protect them and try to obey....
when they tell me to sit, to lie down or to stay!
I don't think I'll make it too long on my own,
cause I'm getting so weak and I'm so all alone.

Each night as I sleep in the bushes I cry,
cause I'm so afraid God, that I'm gonna die.
And I've got so much love and devotion to give,
that I should be given a new chance to Live!
So dear God, please answer my prayer,
and send me someone who will REALLY care..

That is, dear God, if YOU'RE REALLY there!

author unknown

Another one, I am just in one of those sad moods tonight

A Pets Prayer

Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is
more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your
hand between the blows, your patience and understanding
will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the worlds sweetest music, as
you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep
falls upon my waiting ear.

When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a
domesticated animal, no longer used to the elements. And I ask no
greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the
hearth. Though, had you no home, I would rather follow you through
ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home
in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshipper.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not
reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.

Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do
your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able
to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.

And, beloved master, should the great Master see fit to deprive me of
my health or my sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather, hold me
gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of
eternal rest --- and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I
drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands

This is for all the people who have to make the awful decision to put their beloved animal to sleep. I think that this says it all.

If It Should Be

If it should be that I grow weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle cannot be won.

You will be sad, I understand;
Don't let your grief then stay your hand.
For this day more than all the rest,
Your love for me must stand the test.

We've had so many happy years -
What is to come can hold no fears
You'd not want me to suffer so;
The time has come, so let me go.

Take me where my needs they'll tend.
And please stay with me until the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time that you will see
The kindness that you did for me.
Athough my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.

Please do not grieve - it must be you
Who had this painful thing to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years -
Don't let your heart hold back its tears.

I posted this in another thread. This one breaks my heart.

A DOG SITS WAITING

A dog sits waiting in the cold autumn sun
Too faithful to leave, too frightened to run.
He's been there for days now with nothing to do,
But sit by the road, waiting for you.

He can't understand why you left him that day.
He thought you and he were stopping to play.
He's sure you'll come back, and that's why he stays
How long will he suffer? How many more days?

His legs have grown weak, his throat parched and dry.
He's sick now from hunger and falls, with a sigh.
He lays down his head and closes his eyes.
I wish you could see how a waiting dog dies.

I am so thankful for no kill shelters.

Do I Go Home Today?

My family brought me home cradled in their arms.
They cuddled me and smiled at me and said I was full of charm.
They played with me and laughed with me and showered me with toys.
I sure do love my family, especially the little girls and boys.

The children loved to feed me; they gave me special treats.
They even let me sleep with them - all snuggled in the sheets.
I used to go for walks, often several times a day.
They even fought to hold the leash, I'm very proud to say.

These are the things I'll not forget - a cherished memory.
I now live in the shelter - without my family.
They used to laugh and praise me when I played with that old shoe.
But I didn't know the difference between the old one and the new.

The kids and I would grab a rag, for hours we would tug.
So I thought I did the right thing when I chewed the bedroom rug.
They said that I was out of control and would have to live outside.
This I didn't understand, although I tried and tried.

The walks stopped, one by one; they said they hadn't time.
I wish that I could change things; I wish I knew my crime.
My life became so lonely in the backyard, on a chain.
I barked and barked all day long to keep from going insane.

So they brought me to the shelter but were embarrassed to say why.
They said I caused an allergy, and then they each kissed me goodbye.
If I'd only had some training as a little pup.
I wouldn't have been so hard to handle when I was all grown up.

"You only have one day left",
I heard the worker say.
Does that mean I have a second chance?
Do I go home today?

I like this one

THE EULOGY

Look not where I was
For I am not there
My spirit is free
I am everywhere

In the air that you breathe
In the sounds that you here
Don't cry for me Mom
My spirit is near

I'll watch for you
From the other side
I'll be the one running
New friends by my side

Smile at my memory
Remember in your heart
This isn't the end
It's a brand new start

I remember this one from a long time ago


Rags

We called him "Rags." He was just a cur,
But twice, on the western Line,
That little old bunch of faithful fur
Had offered his life for mine.

And all that he got was bones and bread,
Or the leavings of soldier grub,
But he'd give his heart for a pat on the head,
Or a friendly tickle and rub.

And Rags got home with the regiment,
And then, in the breaking away-
Well, whether they stole him, or whether he went,
I am not prepared to say.

But we mustered out, some to beer and gruel,
And some to sherry and shad,
And I went back to the Sawbones School,
Where I still was an undergrad.

One day they took us budding M.D.s
To one of those institutes
Where they demonstrate every new disease
By means of bisected brutes.

They had one animal tacked and tied
And slit like a full-dressed fish,
With his vitals pumping away inside
As pleasant as one might wish.

I stopped to look like the rest, of course,
And the beast's eyes leveled mine,
His short tail thumped with a feeble force,
And he uttered a tender whine.

It was Rags, yes, Rags! who was martyred there,
Who was quartered and crucified,
And he whined that whine which is a doggish prayer
And he licked my hand-and died.

And I was no better in part nor whole
Than the gang I was found among,
And his innocent blood was on the soul
Which he blessed with his dying tongue.

Well! I've seen men go to courageous death
In the air, on sea, on land!
But only a dog would spend his breath
In a kiss for his murderer's hand.

And if there's no heaven for love like that,
For such four-legged fealty-well!
If I have any choice, I tell you flat,
I'll take my chance in hell

I hope I don't get in trouble for all these poems

The Ten Commandments (pet version)

1. My life is likely to last ten to fifteen years.
Any separation from you will he painful for me.
Remember that before you buy me.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me-it's crucial to my well-being.

4. Don't be angry at me for long and don't lock me up
as punishment. You have your work, your entertainment
and your friends. I have only you.

5. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don't understand your
words, I understand your voice when its speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I'll never forget it.

7. Remember before you hit me that I have teeth that
could easily crush the bones of your hand but that I
choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate
or lazy, ask your self if something might be bothering me.
Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, or I've been out in
the sun too long, or my heart is getting old and weak.

9. Take care of me when I get old; you, too, will grow old.

10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, "I can't
bear to watch it, or, "Let it happen in my absence."
Everything is easier for me if you are there.
Remember, I love you.

I will quit in a few minutes

I really like this one.


DOG RULES

1. The dog is not allowed in the house.

2. OK, the dog is allowed in the house, but only in certain rooms.

3. The dog is allowed in all rooms, but has to stay off the furniture.

4. The dog can get on the old furniture only.

5. Fine, the dog is allowed on all the furniture, but is not allowed
to sleep with the humans on the bed.

6. OK, the dog is allowed on the bed, but only by invitation.

7. The dog can sleep on the bed whenever he wants, but not
under the covers.

8. The dog can sleep under the covers by invitation only.

9. The dog can sleep under the covers every night.

10.Humans must ask permission to sleep under the covers
with the dog.

Trying to get some cute ones now

Advice To Dogs

1 After your humans give you a bath, don't let them towel dry you!
Instead, run to their bed, jump up and dry yourself on the sheets.
This is especially good if it's right before your humans' bedtime.

2 Act like a convicted criminal. When the humans come home,
put your ears back, tail between your legs, chin down and act
as if you have done something really bad. Then, watch as the
humans frantically search the house for the damage they think
you have caused.

3 Hide from your humans. When your humans come home,
don't greet them at the door. Instead, hide from them.
and make them think something terrible has happened to you.
(Don't reappear until one of your humans is panic-stricken
and close to tears).

4 Wake up 20 minutes before the alarm clock is set to go
off and make the humans take you out. As soon as you get
back inside, fall asleep. (Humans can rarely fall back asleep
after going outside; this will drive them nuts!)

Originally Posted by LSULOVER

This is a poem that I found, this reminds me of all the people on this site that rescues animals.

Stray's Prayer

Dear God, please send me somebody who'll care!
I'm tired of running, I'm sick with despair.
My body is aching, it's so racked with pain,
and dear God I pray, as I run in the rain.
That someone will love me and give me a home,
a warm cozy bed and a big juicy bone.

My last owner tied me all day in the yard
Sometimes with no water, and god that was hard.
So I chewed my leash, and God I ran away.
To rummage in garbage and live as a stray.
But now God, I'm tired and hungry and cold,
and I'm so afraid that I'll never grow old.

They've chased me with sticks and hit me with stones,
while I run the streets just looking for bones!
I'm not really bad, God, please help if you can,
or I have become just a "Victim of Man!"
I'm wormy dear God and I'm ridden with fleas,
and all that I want is an Owner to please!

If you find one for me God, I'll try to be good,
and I won't chew their shoes, and I'll do as I should.
I'll love them, protect them and try to obey....
when they tell me to sit, to lie down or to stay!
I don't think I'll make it too long on my own,
cause I'm getting so weak and I'm so all alone.

Each night as I sleep in the bushes I cry,
cause I'm so afraid God, that I'm gonna die.
And I've got so much love and devotion to give,
that I should be given a new chance to Live!
So dear God, please answer my prayer,
and send me someone who will REALLY care..

That is, dear God, if YOU'RE REALLY there!

author unknown

Click to expand...

One of our volunteers at the cat rescue read this out at a dedication ceremony we had back in September.. it was really heart wrenching.

Just wanted to look at these poems again.

OMG Belinda - you've got me sitting here bawling my head off!

I have a few too, but be warned some are very sad:

From a Pet Store Puppy
by J. Ellis Â[emoji]169[/emoji] 1999
I don't remember much from the place I was born. It was cramped and dark, and we were never played with by the humans. I remember Mom and her soft fur, but she was often sick, and very thin. She had hardly any milk for me and my brothers and sisters. I remember many of them dying, and I missed them so.

I do remember the day I was taken from Mom. I was so sad and scared, my milk teeth had only just come in, and I really should have been with Mom still,but she was so sick, and the Humans kept saying that they wanted money and were sick of the "mess" that me and my sister made. So we were crated up and taken to strange place. Just the two of us. We huddled together and were scared, still no human hands came to pet or love us. So many sights and sounds, and smells! We are in a store where there are many different animals! Some that squawk! some that meow! Some that Peep!

My sister and I are jammed into a small cage, I hear other puppies here. I see humans look at me, I like the 'little humans', the kids. they look so sweet, and fun, like they would play with me! All day we stay in the small cage, sometimes mean people will hit the glass and frighten us, every once in a while we are taken out to be held or shown to humans. Some are gentle some hurt us, we always hear "Aw they are So cute! I want one!" but we never get to go with any.

My sister died last night, when the store was dark. I lay my head on her soft fur and felt the life leave her small thin body. I had heard them say she was sick, and that I should be sold as a "discount price" so that I would quickly leave the store. I think my soft whine was the only one that mourned for her as her body was taken out of the cage in the morning and dumped.

Today, a family came and bought me! Oh happy day! They are a nice family, they really, really wanted me! They had bought a dish and food and the little girl held me so tenderly in her arms. I love her so much! The mom and dad say what a sweet and good puppy I am! I am named Angel. I love to lick my new humans!

The family takes such good care of me, they are loving and tender and sweet. They gentle teach me right and wrong, give me good food, and lots of love! I want only to please these wonderful people! I love the little girl and I enjoy running and playing with her. Today I went to the veterinarian. it was a strange place and I was frightened. I got some shots, but my best friend the little girl held me softly and said it would be OK. So I relaxed. The Vet must have said sad words to my beloved family, because they looked awfully sad. I heard Severe hip dysplacia, and something about my heart... I heard the vet say something about, back yard breeders and my parents not being tested. I know not what any of that means, just that it hurts me to see my family so sad. but they still love me, and I still love them very much!

I am 6 months old now. Where most other puppies are robust and rowdy, It hurts me terribly just to move. The pain never lets up. It hurts to run and play with my beloved little girl, and I find it hard to breath. I keep trying my best to be the strong pup I know I am supposed to be, but it is so hard. it breaks my heart to see the little girl so sad, and to hear the Mom and Dad talk about "it might now be the time". Several times I have went to that veterinarians place, and the news is never good. Always talk about Congenital Problems. I just want to feel the warm sunshine and run, and play and nuzzle with my family. Last night was the worst, Pain has been my constant now, it hurts even to get up and get a drink. I try to get up but can only whine in pain. I taken in the car one last time. Everyone is so sad, and I don't know why. have I been bad? I try to be good and loving, what have I done wrong? Oh if only this pain would be gone! If only I could soothe the tears of t he little girl. I reach out my muzzle to lick her hand, but can only whine in pain. the veterinarians table is so cold. I am so frightened. The humans all hug and love me, they cry into my soft fur. I can feel their love and sadness. I manage to lick softly their hands. Even the vet doesn't seem so scary today. He is gentle and I sense some kind of relief for my pain. The little girl hold me softly and I thank her, for giving me all her love. I feel a soft pinch in my foreleg. The pain is beginning to lift, I am beginning to feel a peace descend upon me. I can now softly lick her hand. My vision is becoming dreamlike now, and I see my Mother and my brothers and sisters, in a far off green place. They tell me there is no pain there, only peace and happiness. I tell the family, good-bye in the only way I know how, a soft wag of my tail and a nuzzle of my nose. I had hoped to spend many, many moons with them, but it was not meant to be. "You see," said the veterinarian "Pet shop puppies do not come from ethical breeders." The pain ends now, and I know it will be many years until I see my beloved family again. If only things could have been different.

(This story may be published or reprinted in the hopes that it will stop unethical breeders and those who breed only for money and not for the betterment of the breed. Copyright 1999 J. Ellis)

How Could You?
by J. Ellis Â[emoji]169[/emoji] 2001
When I was a puppy I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend. Whenever I was "bad," you'd shake your finger at me and ask "How could you?" - but then you'd relent and roll me over for a bellyrub.

My housetraining took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed, listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect. We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because "ice cream is bad for dogs," you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day.

Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love.

She, now your wife, is not a "dog person" - still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy. Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a "prisoner of love."

As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them, especially their touch - because your touch was now so infrequent - and I would have defended them with my life if need be.

I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams. Together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway. There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few years, you just answered "yes" and changed the subject. I had gone from being your dog to "just a dog," and you resented every expenditure on my behalf.

Now you have a new career opportunity in another city and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You've made the right decision for your "family," but there was a time when I was your only family.

I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the paperwork and said "I know you will find a good home for her." They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog or cat, even one with "papers."

You had to pry your son's fingers loose from my collar as he screamed "No, Daddy! Please don't let them take my dog!" And I worried for him and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life. You gave me a goodbye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet and now I have one, too.

After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked "How could you?"

They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago. At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you - that you had changed your mind - that this was all a bad dream...or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me. When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited.

I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room. She placed me on the table, rubbed my ears and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days. As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood.

She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago. She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured "How could you?"

Perhaps because she understood my dogspeak, she said "I'm so sorry." She hugged me and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself - a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place. With my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my "How could you?" was not meant for her. It was you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of. I will think of you and wait for you forever.

May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty

Author: Jim Willis 2001 www.crean.com/jimwillis

this is for all the wonderful people who work in rescues and shelters to save these animals:

I Couldn't Work Here
- Author Unknown
When you say to an animal shelter or humane society employee "I could never do your job, it would break my heart. I love animals too much" or words to that effect, it sounds like you are saying:
\ta.\tThat we don't also love the animals, even though we've taken minimum wage (or no wage) jobs in order to work with homeless animals. For many of us, it is our life's work.
\tb.\tThat we, somehow, don't get our hearts broken.
\tc.\tThat in order to do this job one has to be either cold hearted or an animal hater.

Your declaration leaves us with some questions. If you can't do this job, who will? Someone must. When we've euthanized the 500th kitten for the month, because there are no homes available, will you take the 501st? You already have enough pets? We understand, we do too. Our cages are over capacity, our foster homes are all full. Do you have a solution? If so, please tell us, we hate this part of the job.

Right now, at this moment, there is a dog or a cat in a shelter employee's arms and there is no where on earth for this creature to go. There is no cage space, no foster home, limited admission shelters are full. No forever home. No-where. It is a heartbreaking feeling.

There is a really nice yellow lab mix named Jake. He's 3 years old, healthy, housebroken, loves kids. He loves everyone! But, he can't find a home because he's quite generic looking, not really flashy and he's not an eight week old puppy. ("I want a dog to grow up with the kids.") We've had him here for 3 months, but can no longer justify taking up valuable cage space for a dog that's showing no signs of becoming adopted. What would you do?

There are 10 dogs that came in today. We have two open runs. Who has to die? Walking through the kennel, having to choose which ones have no more time is the worst part. It breaks our hearts. If you know of a way to keep Jake alive and still be fair to the other animals, please tell us. We've grown so attached. It's our hearts again you know. Hearts are breaking into a million pieces this time.

Will you talk to the woman who brings in a blind, 10 yr old Pek-a-poo with bad skin and says "Don't kill her! Find her a good home!" Oh puhleeeeze. We can't find homes for the healthy one year olds, who is going to adopt a 10 year old, unhealthy dog? You? No, not me either. I already have four dogs that were considered unadoptable. Because we can't get this owner to face reality and allow us to euthanize right away, the dog has to spend her last 24 hours on earth in a holding cage, wondering what happened. But, we held her as often as we could and tried to comfort her! It's quite unlikely that there is someone that wants an elderly dog that needs a few hundred dollars worth of veterinary care, but maybe you're right. Our crystal ball is broken, but if you think she can find a home and you want to save her, please go back to the kennel and pick which young healthy dog has to give up its space here.

Ok. You can't work at an animal shelter. Not everyone can. Can you help in other ways? Can you buy us a bag of food when you buy for your own pet? Can you come in and talk to the cats? Walk the dogs? We are so busy running the place that we often don't have time. When you come back next week we won't tell you the final destination of your favorite one if you don't want to know. We are a compassionate group and we understand about broken hearts. Could you go to your friend or neighbor and offer to get their pet spayed/neutered? Could you trap one of those stray cats in your neighborhood and get it vaccinated and neutered? That will be one more free-roaming cat that's out of the reproduction loop. Maybe you could just send a check to say "thank you." Anything at all would help. I know you mean well. I know you mean to say "I couldn't work here because my own emotions get in the way of doing what has to be done for the animals. Thank you for doing it."

There are over 27 Million unwanted animals in US shelters each year...

Precious Bertha
- Donna Ayala, 1987
Bertha was a winner
or so her breeder thought
the biggest of the litter
there was not even a male fitter
many would have bought her
if they had only known
but, Bertha's breeder worked hard
her parents were never shown.
One day a couple took a fancy to the pup
the breeder had decided to keep
but we all know how money talks.
Bertha went home with a family
but here the story begins
the child was allergic
Bertha is for sale again
the local paper an outlet
they had to let her go
each day the child sickened
Bertha's heart was broke.
Tears were ever present
as she rode in back of that truck
a guard dog was her purpose
but Bertha just wanted to love
she lashed at the end of her chain
"pet me, pet me please!"
but she wasn't wanted
they could not make her mean.
A madam saw her picture
at the local vet
she bought the dog
sent her away
her friend owned a pet ranch
Bertha seemed happy
the lady here is nice
her bed is warm and dry
the lady bred her twice
Bertha had no puppies
now worthless in her eyes
and so she took poor Bertha
to the shelter to be euthanized.
Bertha cried out weakly
her heart was not intact
she begged each passing visitor
"Oh please love me,
give me a home
I'll always be your friend
and I will never roam"
She touched the hearts of many
"Such a pretty dog!"
"She seems so sweet and gentle"
"Let us give her a home".
A sign hung on her cage
"NOT FOR ADOPTION" (Mean!)
and so the breed
was deemed to be
they did not want the responsibility.
Bertha oh poor Bertha
she only wanted a home
a hug, a touch,
someone to love so much.
Bertha is at rest now
her tombstone should have read
"Here lies precious Bertha
a constant loving friend".
That did not happen
she lies at the local dump
her coffin a plastic garbage bag
along with a tiny numbered ID tag
her bones are not alone
they were all once owned
there are not a surplus
of loving lifelong homes.
Bertha's breeder has a litter
she recalls those of the past
"I wonder what happened to Bertha?
She was one of the BEST!"

I Am Famous Now
- Author Unknown

I was born today. One of 10. My daddy was very famous. I have lots of half brothers and sisters.

My mother is very famous. Since she got famous, she has only had puppies. No more loving hands, no more fun trips...just puppies. She is always sad when they leave her.

I left home today. I didn't want to go, so I hid behind my mama and my three littermates that were left. I didn't like you. But one day they said I would be famous. I wonder; is famous the same as fun and good times?

So you picked me up and carried me away, even though you were concerned about me hiding from you. I don't think you liked me.

My new home is far away. I am scared and afraid. My heart says BE BRAVE. My ancestors were. Did they go to good homes like mine?

I'm hungry because I can't eat too much because it will be bad for my bones. I can't bite or snap when the children are mean to me. I just run and play and pretend I am in a big green field with butterflies and robins and frogs.

I can't understand why they kick me. I am quiet, but the man hits and says loud things.

The lady doesn't feed me good things like I had with my mother. She just throws dry food on the ground, then goes away before I can get too close for touching and petting. Sometimes my food smells bad, but I eat it anyways.

Today I had 10 puppies. They are so wonderful and warm.

Am I famous now?

I wish I could play with them, but they are so tiny. I am so young and playful that it is hard to lay here in this hole under the house nursing my puppies. They are crying now. I am so hungry. I scratch and worry my fur. I wish someone would throw me some food. I am also very thirsty.

I now have eight. Two got cold during the night and I couldn't make them warm again. They are gone. We are all very weak. Maybe if I take them out on the porch, we can get some food.

Today they took us away. It was too much trouble to feed us and someone came to take us away. Someone grabbed my puppies, they were crying and whimpering. We were put in a truck with boxes in it.

Are my babies famous now?

I hope so, because I miss them. They are gone.

The place smelled of urine, fear and sickness. Why was I here? I was beautiful, like my ancestors. Now I am hungry, dirty, in pain and unwanted. Maybe the worst is unwanted. No one came though I tried to be good.

Today someone came. They put a rope on my neck and led me to a room that was very clean and had a shiny table. They put me on the table. Someone held me and hugged me. It felt so good!!! Then I felt tired and laid over the last one who cared.

I AM FAMOUS NOW. Today someone cared.

Three Days
by Martin Scot Kosins

If you ever love an animal, there are three days in your life you will always remember...

The first is a day blessed with happiness when you bring home your young new friend. You may have spent weeks deciding on a breed. You may have asked numerous opinions of many vets, or done long research in finding a breeder. Or, perhaps in a fleeting moment, you may have just chosen that silly looking mutt in a shelter - simply because something in its eyes reached your heart. But when you bring that chosen pet home and watch it explore and claim its special place in your hall or front room--and when you feel it brush against you for the first time - it instills a feeling of pure love you will carry with you through the many years to come.

The second day will occur eight or nine or ten years later. It will be a day like any other, routine and unexceptional. But, for a surprising instant, you will look at your longtime friend and see age where you once saw youth. You will see slow deliberate steps where you once saw energy. And you will see sleep where you once saw activity. So you will begin to adjust your friend's diet--and you may add a pill or two to her food. And you may feel a growing fear deep within yourself which bodes of a coming emptiness. And you will feel this uneasy feeling, on and off, until the third day finally arrives.

And on this day - if your friend and God have not decided for you, then you will be faced with making a decision of your own - on behalf of your lifelong friend and with the guidance of your own deepest spirit. But whichever way your friend eventually leaves you - you will feel as alone as a single star in the dark night.

If you are wise, you will let the tears flow as freely and as often as they must. And if you are typical, you will find that not many in your circle of family or friends will be able to understand your grief, or comfort you. But if you are true to the love of the pet you cherished through the many joy-filled years, you may find that a soul - a bit smaller in size than your own - seems to walk with you, at times, during the lonely days to come.

And at moments when you least expect anything out of the ordinary to happen, you may feel something brush against your leg - very very lightly.

And looking down at the place where your dear, perhaps dearest, friend used to lay - you will remember those three significant days. The memory will most likely be painful, and leave an ache in your heart - As time passes the ache will come and go as if it has a life of its own. You will both reject it and embrace it and it may confuse you. If you reject it, it will depress you. If you embrace it, it will deepen you. Either way, it will still be an ache.

But there will be, I assure you, a fourth day when - along with the memory of your pet - and piercing through the heaviness in your heart - there will come a realization that belongs only to you. It will be as unique and strong as our relationship with each animal we have loved and lost. This realization takes the form of a Living Love - like the heavenly scent of a rose that remains after the petals have wilted, this Love will remain and grow - and be there for us to remember. It is a love we have earned. It is the legacy our pets leave us when they go. And it is a gift we may keep with us as long as we live. It is a Love which is ours alone. And until we ourselves leave, perhaps to join our Beloved Pets - it is a Love that we will always possess.

This Dog and This Child
- Author Unknown

The Dog:

When I'm a puppy, I'll cry at night, and you'll have to get up every couple of hours during the night.
When I'm sick, I sneeze, get runny noses, run a fever, cough, and sometimes throw up.
When I'm hungry my stomach makes noises.
When I'm tired I take a nap.
When I'm thirsty I look for something to drink.
When I'm happy, I smile and when I'm sad, you can see it in my eyes.

When I don't get my way, I throw a tantrum.
When I get hurt, I cry.
When I get hit, I cower.
When I get scared, I hide behind your leg and look to you for assurance.
When you leave me, I miss you.
When you come home from work, I get excited.
When you ask me about my day, I get silly.
When you play catch with me, take me fishing, take me for a walk and teach me stuff about the world, I look to you with admiration.
When you're mad at me, I feel sorrow.
When you're proud of me, I feel accomplishment.

The Child:

When I'm a baby, I'll cry at night, and you'll have to get up every couple of hours during the night.
When I'm sick, I sneeze, get runny noses, run a fever, cough, and sometimes throw up.
When I'm hungry, my stomach makes noises.
When I'm tired, I take a nap.
When I'm thirsty, I look for something to drink.
When I'm happy, I smile and when I'm sad, you can see it in my eyes.

When I don't get my way, I throw a tantrum.
When I get hurt, I cry.
When I get hit, I cower.
When I get scared, I hide behind your leg and look to you for assurance.
When you leave me, I miss you.
When you come home from work, I get excited.
When you ask me about my day, I get silly.
When you play catch with me, take me fishing, take me for a walk and teach me stuff about the world, I look to you with admiration.
When you're mad at me, I feel sorrow.
When you're proud of me, I feel accomplishment.

We have the same feelings, this dog and this child.
We will spark in your emotions, of Joy and of Pride.

We have the same feelings, this dog and this child.
We both feel pain, we both bleed and we both cry.

We have the same feelings, this dog and this child.
We both feel the fear, of you not loving us and of dying.

We ask you to consider, why is one of us more disposable than the other.

Sincerely,
This Dog and This Child