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| A Foster Parent Speaks Thank You for bringing this foster dog into my life. Had I not made the decision to participate in rescue, I would never have had the chance to meet her. If I had sat here comfortably in my home and said "I already have four dogs and I know that I couldn't take in another - even on a temporary basis," I would never have met this dog. Yes, it takes time to rescue and foster... but who gave me time in the first place? And why or what was the reason I was given time? To fill my own needs? Or was there another reason ever so small and seemingly insignificant, like rescuing this one dog, that could make a difference in an other's life? Perhaps to add joy, hope, help and companionship to another who is in need? With great sadness, I sat down on a footstool in my kitchen this morning and watched as this foster dog bounced back into the house and skidded across the floor to sit ever so perfectly in front of me. She was the picture of health, finally. She was all smiles for me.... and I smiled back at her happy face. Deep in her eyes, the storm clouds of illness and generalized poor health had blown away, and the clear light of her perfection radiated out from her beautiful soul. She holds no ill will toward man. She forgives us all. I thought to myself as I impressed this one last long look of her into my heart, what a very fine creature You have created. Tears slowly pooled and spilled over my cheekbones as the deeper realization of how wonderful this dog is sank into my internal file cabinet of Needful Things to Remember. Lord, she's a dog - but she's a better human being than I am. She has forgiven quickly. Would I do the same? She passionately enjoys the simple things in life. And I have often overlooked them. She accepts change and gets on with this life. I fuss and worry about change. She lives today and loves today. And I often dwell in the past or worry about the future. She loves no matter what. I am not that free. This very lovely dog has gone to her new home today and already I miss her. Thank You for bringing this dog into my life. And thank You for the beautiful and tender lesson on how to be a better human. -Author Unknown |
| The Reason Author Unknown I would've died that day if not for you. I would've given up on life if not for your kind eyes. I would've used my teeth in fear if not for your gentle hands. I would have left this life believing that all humans don't care. Believing that there is no such thing as fur that isn't matted; Skin that isn't flea bitten; Good food and enough of it; Beds to sleep on; Someone to love me, To show me that I deserve love, just because I exist. Your kind eyes, your loving smile, your gentle hands, your big heart saved me... Soothing away memories of my old life. You have taught me what it means to be loved. I have seen you do the same for other dogs like me. I have heard you ask yourself, in times of despair, why you do it. When there is no more money, no more room, no more homes, You open your heart a little bigger, stretch the money a little tighter, Make just a little more room... to save just one more like me. I tell you with the gratitude and love that shines in my eyes, In the best way I know how, Reminding you why you go on trying. I am the reason; The dogs before me were the reason; As are the ones who come after. Our lives would've been wasted, Our love never given, We would die if not for you... |
| He is Just My Dog "He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds; my other ears that hear above the winds. He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea. He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason for being; by the way he rests against my leg; by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile; by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him. (I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not along to care for me.) When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive. When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile. When I am happy, he is joy unbounded. When I am a fool, he ignores it. When I succeed, he brags. Without him, I am only another man. With him, I am all-powerful. He is loyalty itself. He has taught me the meaning of devotion. With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace. He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant. His head on my knee can heal my human hurts. His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things. He has promised to wait for me... whenever... wherever - in case I need him. And I expect I will - as I always have. He is just my dog." ~ From "Tears & Laughter" by Gene Hill ~ |
| This is a dedication from our mom to all of you. For all the time and dedication put aside for all the dogs. Without you, where would some of us be? This is a new version of "Away in A Manger". We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Love, Frosty, Nestle, Smoky & Meko ------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- - Away in the dog house, the sad dog does lay Just wishing to come inside at least for a day He sits and he watches on the end of his chain Then slowly he turns to his dog house to pray Alone in the streets, the stray dog wanders all day He keeps searching and wanting a soft pillow to lay He looks all around for someone to play Then back to his wandering dreams does he pray Away in the shelter, one more dog comes this way Unwanted, unloved and just tossed away He wonders what he did to end up this way So he joins in the others and in their dreams do they pray They pray for an angel to show them the way The way to a new life, a new home to stay Someone to love them and have time to play They'll hope and they'll pray til the end of their days Away in a mill, dogs lay sad in their cage Day in and day out, with no time to play Another litter born, another taken away They're neglected and sick but they continue to pray They pray for an angel to show them the way The way to a new life, a new home to stay Someone to love them and have time to play They'll hope and they'll pray til the end of their days Then one day it happens, someone comes their way And lifts off their sadness and shows them the way The way to a new life, a new home and love Their dreams of a Rescue Angel comes to life this day To all the dogs out there we wish you the same A home and a family and maybe a new name May God send a Rescue Angel to come your way And this is our vigil we'll continue to pray by Candi Lynn God bless you all! Thanks Cindy! Candi |
| Puppy Mill Baby's Story 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 a 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 at 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 gently 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 dysplasia, 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 gone 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 companion now, it hurts even to get up and get a drink. I try to get up but can only whine in pain. I am 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 the 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 holds 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. Author Unknown |
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| A Foster Dog Poem by Diane Morgan I am the bridge Between what was and what can be. I am the pathway to a new life. I am made of mush, Because my heart melted when I saw you, Matted and sore, limping, depressed, Lonely, unwanted, afraid to love. For one little time you are mine. I will feed you with my own hand I will love you with my whole heart I will make you whole. I am made of steel. Because when the time comes, When you are well, and sleek, When your eyes shine, And your tail wags with joy Then comes the hard part. I will let you go -- not without a tear, But without a regret. For you are safe forever— A new dog needs me now. |
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Sent to us by: Linda Koser - In honor of her four new cockers.... Judy Byrd - Auction Dog Poem I looked at the people trying to see anyone I know. The people looked at me and started to bid. I wished I wasn't here, just wish that I'd hid. Then off from the back of the room I did see. The face of an angel looking right straight at me. The angel raised her arm and began to shout. I'll take her myself, I'll pay that amount. Then I was carried away to a cage one last time. I'd tried to be good and committed no crime. The cages were opened and dogs left that place. When my cage was opened I saw the angels face. She picked me up and held me even though I smelled bad. I knew by her voice the angel wasn't mad. Then off to this place that I now call home. By her side I will stay and never more roam. I must have been blessed some time long ago. Because when she holds me tight I just seem to glow. I often times think about my life long ago. Rescue people are really angels don't you know. They save us from places called Puppymills you see. I pray all my brothers and sisters will someday be free. Author unknown. |
| I am your dog, and I have a little something I'd like to whisper in your ear. I know that you humans lead busy lives. Some have to work, some have children to raise. It always seems like you are running here and there, often much too fast, often never noticing the truly grand things in life. Look down at me now, while you sit there at your computer. See the way my dark brown eyes look at yours? They are slightly cloudy now. That comes with age. The gray hairs are beginning to ring my soft muzzle. You smile at me; I see love in your eyes. What do you see in mine? Do you see a spirit? A soul inside, who loves you as no other could in the world? A spirit that would forgive all trespasses of prior wrong doing for just a simple moment of your time? That is all I ask. To slow down, if even for a few minutes to be with me. So many times you have been saddened by the words you read on that screen, of other of my kind, passing. Sometimes we die young and oh so quickly, sometimes so suddenly it wrenches your heart out of your throat. Sometimes, we age so slowly before your eyes that you may not even seem to know until the very end, when we look at you with grizzled muzzles and cataract clouded eyes. Still the love is always there, even when we must take that long sleep, to run free in a distant land. I may not be here tomorrow; I may not be here next week. Someday you will shed the water from your eyes, that humans have when deep grief fills their souls, and you will be angry at yourself that you did not have just "One more day" with me. Because I love you so, your sorrow touches my spirit and grieves me. We have NOW, together. So come, sit down here next to me on the floor, and look deep into my eyes. What do you see? If you look hard and deep enough we will talk, you and I, heart to heart. Come to me not as "alpha" or as "trainer" or even "Mom or Dad," come to me as a living soul and stroke my fur and let us look deep into one another's eyes, and talk. I may tell you something about the fun of chasing a tennis ball, or I may tell you something profound about myself, or even life in general. You decided to have me in your life because you wanted a soul to share such things with, someone very different from you. And, here I am. I am a dog, but I am alive. I feel emotion, I feel physical senses, and I can revel in the differences of our spirits and souls. I do not think of you as a "Dog on two feet" -- I know what you are. You are human, in all your quirkiness, and I love you still. Now, come sit with me, on the floor. Enter my world, and let time slow down if only for 15 minutes. Look deep into my eyes, and whisper to my ears. Speak with your heart, with your joy and I will know your true self. We may not have tomorrow, and life is oh so very short. Love, Your Dog |
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