Dog Poems

Oh Look At Me

'Oh look at me' said the Boxer

'Oh look at me and sigh'

None can compare with my beauty

For a Boxer puppy am I.

I'm soft and adorably cuddly

With eyes full of mischief and joy

'We'll have her' they said so excited

They looked on me just as a toy.

'Oh look at me' said the Boxer

'Oh look at me and cry'

No longer adorably cuddly

No longer with joy in my eye.

I cried in the night, so they told me

Made puddles on their kitchen floor

And though I was only a baby

They left me outside the back door.

It's cold out here, and I'm lonely

They've forgotten to feed me today

They've packed up their bags and

they've left me

To go off on some grand holiday.

I've been trying to look for my people

Though really I cannot think why

They've hit me, and kicked me, and

starved me

Still I'm willing to have one more try.

But now as I lay at the roadside

My heart is so weary and sore

Won't someone out there simply love

I've nowhere to go any more.

'Oh look at me' said the Boxer

'Oh look at me and sigh'

None can compare with my beauty

And the joy has come back to my eye.

For I've found someone to love me

To care about me, to adore

The ice round my heart it has melted

And I'm ready to trust you once more.

So now all you Boxer breeders

Before you sell your next whelp

Don't just get rid to the highest bidder

Or, like me, they might just need help.

Anon

A Boxers Tale

When I arrived at this house just two years ago,

Not a frightened pup was I ready for friend and foe,

I announced "my name is Bhuna and a Boxer I'm here to stay,

But let me warn you mum and dad, I'm going to get my way."

To stop my cries in the night they let me in their bed,

As a tiny pup I comfortably squeezed in between their heads,

But a handsome Boxer I am today and as big as I can be,

That decision to let me sleep with them is regretted ruefully.

My daily chore is walking Dad, I do it every day,

A harness and a lead attached so he doesn't lose his way.

His confidence grows as we hit the fields, he no longer needs his stead,

I've lots of running I need to do so he lets me off my lead.

If I met my doggy mother now I'm sure it would be plain to see,

The loyal proud upstanding Boxer I've turned out to be.

I remember her last words spoken as we left the breeders run,

"The golden rule given to us in life is you must make everything fun!

You've got the pleasure of being a boxer dear, so in everything you do,

Live every day like it were your last and to the Boxer pride be true,

When you're old and slowing down think back to this day

You'll have done your best if you know you got there doing it your way"

I'm the type to stick to my word can't let her down you see,

That's why to my mother fair and true I listened carefully,

The golden rule of Boxers must be followed day by day,

As I warned them when I arrived, I always get my way!

Claire Lowton

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.

by: Beth Norman Harris

"SOMEONE ONCE LOVED HIM"

HIS HAIR WAS ALL MATTED

AS HE STOOD IN THE RAIN

WITH SAD, PLEADING EYES

AND A HEART FULL OF PAIN

SOMEONE ONCE LOVED HIM

HE WASN'T ALONE

HIS BELLY WAS FULL THEN

HIS RAVEN COAT SHONE

HE LIVED IN A BIG HOUSE

WITH A WARM COZY BED

FILLED WITH LAUGHTER AND LOVE

AND HIS LITTLE FRIEND, TED

BUT THEN HE GOT BIGGER

AND BARKED WHEN ALONE

NO LONGER A PUPPY

HIS "CUTENESS" OUTGROWN.

SO THEY MOVED HIM OUTSIDE

TO A BIG LONELY YARD

AND SCOLDED HIS BARKING

THOUGH HE TRIED REALLY HARD

HE WAITED FOR TEDDY

AS HE WATCHED NIGHT AND DAY

HE THOUGHT "I'LL BE GOOD,

I JUST WANT TO PLAY."

THEY PROMISED HIM LOVE

AND A LIFE AS THEIR FRIEND

NOT THE DARK, LONELY NIGHTS

AND THE COLD, BITTER WIND

HE HUNGERED FOR "TOUCH"

NOT THE FOOD THAT THEY BROUGHT

HE WANTED TO PLEASE THEM

WITH THE TRICKS THEY HAD TAUGHT

BUT THEY WERE TOO BUSY

TO HEAR HIS SAD CRIES

AND DIDN'T HAVE TIME

FOR THE LOVE IN HIS EYES

BUT,, THEN, THEY CAME OUT TO GET HIM

TO GO FOR A RIDE

WOW..A TRIP TO THE COUNTRY

WITH TED BY HIS SIDE!!

BUT SOON IT WAS OVER

AS HE REMEMBERED THAT DAY

AND THE SADNESS HE FELT

WHEN THEY GAVE HIM AWAY

THEY PATTED HIS HEAD

AND WALKED QUICKLY AWAY

WITHOUT LOOKING BACK

AND WITH NOTHING TO SAY

"WHERE ARE YOU GOING??..

WHAT DID I DO??...

TEDDY, DON'T LEAVE ME,

I'M COMING WITH YOU!"

HIS HEART WAS SO HEAVY

WHAT HAD HE DONE WRONG?

THIS WASN'T HIS HOME

HE DIDN'T BELONG

NOW HE WANDERS THE STREETS

CONFUSED AND ALONE

LOOKING FOR TEDDY

AND THE LOVE HE HAD KNOWN

Copyrighted to Pamela (Buni) Wells

Pet "LICKS" for Kids

Do not copy or reproduce without written permission from author.

Our deepest Thanks Pamela Wells for allowing use to share this beautiful poem

For more information please email: PETLICKS@YAHOO.COM

A Dumped Dog's Prayer

Don't close the door! Don't push me away.

Why are you leaving? Don't make me stay.

Slow down the car, I can't keep up.

This pavement is hot and my pads are cut.

I've got to quit running or my heart will pop.

Every muscle is aching. Why don't you stop?

I'm so hungry and thirsty. Darkness is near.

But I shouldn't leave, he will come for me here.

Several weeks have passed, I am dead on my feet.

They call me a nuisance because I eat off the streets.

Every car that passes, I chase it to see

If it's my master coming for me.

Though I approach those that come near

With trust in my eyes and no sign of fear.

With hate in their voices and a cold, heartless stare,

They threaten to kill me - they don't even care.

Batter my body with rocks that they throw,

I will not leave, he will come, don't you know?

Overtaken with weakness, my body is numb.

I'm sick and so lonely. Oh please, let him come!

I will go back where he first threw me out.

I'll wait for him there, he will come, no doubt.

My thoughts are fading. My chest feels like lead.

I'm sleepy, so sleepy - I can't lift my head.

It's so quiet, so peaceful -- all remains still.

There is my master at my home on the hill.

Yes, I can see him, he's calling my name.

His voice is so gentle, his hands are the same.

He decided he wants me. Things will be fine.

I really do love him, that master of mine.

My tail wags with pleasure. I can't catch my breath.

He came in my dreams, but so did my DEATH!!

~~Author unknown

Are You Really the Super Being?

If you can start the day without caffeine,

If you can get going without pep pills,

If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,

If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,

If you can eat the same food everyday and be grateful for it,

If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time.

If you can overlook it when those you love take it out on you,

If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,

If you can ignore a friend's limited education and never correct him,

If you can resist treating a rich friend better than an poor friend,

If you can face the world without lies and deceit,

If you can conquer tension without medical help,

If you can relax without liquor,

If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,

If you can say honestly that deep in your heart you have no

prejudice against creed, color, religion or politics,

THEN, my friend, you are almost as good as your dog.

Then, my friend, you are Almost as good as your dog,

Almost, but not quite,

Because besides not having any of your hang-ups and vices,

He would without hesitation, give up his life for you if need be.

Am I Famous Now?

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. T

he 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 anyway.

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 cryin 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.

Cynethia

Pit Bulls Don't Cry

I see the children in the lane

They look like friends, we'll have a game

They've got a stick, oh boy, what fun

They'll throw it for me and I'll run

But someone stops me,

I wonder why their mother screams "Don't go near those"

Horrid Dogs, come here, come close

They're dangerous-I'll tell you why

They bite little children and they die

All I can do is watch and sigh

Cause now I know that Pit Bull's don't cry

Mum cuddles me up and says "My pet

We love you dearly so don't you fret"

But I love everyone out there

Why can't they love me, I do care

I wish they weren't made to pass me by

I'm a Pit Bull, I don't cry

I sit behind my padlocked gate

From early morn til quite late

When I go out it's on a lead

Is mine the only heart to bleed

I'm held in check as the world goes by

I wish the Pit Bull heart could cry

There are some dogs, and also men

Who cannot tell a foe from a friend

So all of us must bear the blame

Expected to live a life of shame

Condemned, alas and we know not why

All we know is we will not cry!

~Author Unknown

The Power of the Dog

There is sorrow enough in the natural way

From men and women to fill our day;

And when we are certain of sorrow in store,

Why do we always arrange for more?

Brother and Sisters, I bid you beware

Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.

Buy a pup and your money will buy

Love unflinching that cannot lie --

Perfect passion and worship fed

By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.

Nevertheless it is hardly fair

To risk your heart for a dog to tear.

When the fourteen years which Nature permits

Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,

And the vet's unspoken prescription runs

To lethal chambers or loaded guns,

Then you will find -- it's your own affair --

But . . . you've given your heart to a dog to tear.

When the body that lived at your single will,

With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!);

When the spirit that answered your every mood

Is gone -- wherever it goes -- for good,

You will discover how much you care,

And will give your heart to a dog to tear.

We've sorrow enough in a natural way,

When it come to burying Christian clay.

Our loves are not given, but only lent,

At compound interest of cent per cent.

Though it is not always the case, I believe,

That the longer we've kept 'em, the more do we grieve:

For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,

A short-time loan is as bad as a long --

So why in Heaven (before we are there)

Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?

Rudyard Kipling

PUPPY FARMING

I have a tale of which to tell

Of a life of living hell

I was bought with evil intent

For a money making vent

My previous life was quite good

I lived with a family in the neighbourhood

My mother brought me up

To be a lovely social pup

Then one day a man came to buy

And bought me after telling a lie

He said that he wanted a pet

Unfortunately for me they did not vet

He took me from my cosy home

To a building were I could not roam

I had others placed in cages near me

And before long I was scratching at the flea

My home was in a dark dank shed

With damp cold straw for my bed

My weight was not too good

You couldn't say I was a pud

At six months they brought a dog to me

So I was soon in the family

I bore my young and gave them all

Tried to keep them safe next to the wall

I fed them for all of the time

But with hunger they often would wine

When they where taken to be sold

The master said they where 6 weeks old

My skin started to get so sore

And cracks appeared on my paw

My hair fell out in many places

My eyes crusty like other cases

A vet was not asked to call

Another dog came for me to maul

Before long pups where born again

For me to raise often in vain

A few of my babes did not survive

Cause lack of food didn't help them thrive

No one cared about our cause

About repeat matings against no laws

At 6 the master took me out

I saw the sky with clouds about

He held a gun to my head

And now I am what I longed for

DEAD!!!!!!!!!

Polielin

*RagTyme Boxers would like to thank Linda Robinson for sharing this poem with us. Please do not copy, reproduce or distribute without her

written permission. linda.robbo@ntlworld.com

I WILL LEND YOU A PUP

I will lend to you for a while,

a pup, God said,

For you to love him while he lives

and mourn for him when he's dead.

Maybe for twelve or fourteen years,

or maybe two or three

But will you, 'till I call him back,

take care of him for me.

He'll bring his charms to gladden you

and (should his stay be brief)

you'll always have his memories

as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise he will stay,

since all from earth return

But there are lessons taught below

I want this pup to learn.

I've looked the whole world over

in search of teachers true

And from the folk that crowd's life's land

I have chosen you.

Now will you give him all your love

Nor think the labor vain,

Nor hate me when I come to take my Pup back again.

I fancied that I heard them say

"Dear Lord Thy Will be Done,"

For all the joys this Pup will bring,

the risk of grief we'll run.

We'll shelter him with tenderness

we'll love him while we may

And for the happiness we've known forever grateful stay

But should you call him back

much sooner than we've planned,

We'll brave the bitter grief that comes,

and try to understand.

If, by our love, we've managed,

your wishes to achieve

In memory of him we loved,

to help us while we grieve,

When our faithful bundle departs this world of strife,

We'll have yet another Pup and love him all his life.

DEDICATED TO PEOPLE IN RESCUE

I wasn't a pup when I came to your home,

I'd been dumped on the road, left to roam.

Don't remember the people except the pain.

They left me to die in the cold and the rain.

You were driving down the hwy, it was late at night

When you saw the faintest glimmer of light.

You took a chance and turned around

Got out of the van and knelt to the ground.

My quivering body felt the gentlest of hands.

I knew I need not make any demands.

In your heart, and your home, there was always room

For those who would face certain doom.

You healed my body and you healed my heart.

You gave me what I needed, a fresh start.

When I cried at night, you were always there

With soft words, a kiss, a hug to share.

When I misbehaved and would cower with guilt

You only showed love.....up to the hilt.

You loved and cared for me in sickness and health

Our love for each other was more precious than wealth.

Even when you were tired and had a bad day

You'd always come home to me and say,

"I missed you my baby. I'm glad to be back."

Then you'd give me kiss, a hug and a pat.

We'd have a nice dinner then go out to play

There was so much love I wanted to stay.

But my eyes, they faded and my heart grew weak

As my time grew closer you could not speak.

You held me tight, tears flowed from your eyes

We both had to say our sad good byes.

The release from pain we knew must end

No more time on this Earth would we spend

Running in the fields, playing ball

Sitting quietly together at the end of it all.

But our time together is not through

Because I'll be there waiting for you

At the edge of the Rainbow Bridge I'll stand

Until I once again see those gentle hands.

I'll run to you with tail held high

We will never again have to say goodbye.

My love at death, it does not end

Because you are, indeed, dogs best friend.

BET YOU CAN'T OWN JUST ONE

Why own a dog? There's a danger you know,

You can't own just one, for the craving will grow.

There's no doubt they're addictive, wherein lies the danger.

While living with lots, you'll grow poorer and stranger.

One dog is no trouble, and two are so funny.

The third one is easy, the fourth one's a honey.

The fifth one delightful, the sixth one's a breeze,

You find you can live with a houseful with ease.

So how 'bout another? Would you really dare?

They're really quite easy but oh, Lord the hair!

With dogs on the sofa and dogs on the bed,

And crates in the kitchen, it's no bother you've said.

They're really no trouble, their manners are great.

What's just one more dog and just one more crate?

The sofa is hairy, the windows are crusty,

The floor is all footprints, the furniture dusty.

The housekeeping suffers, but what do you care?

Who minds a few noseprints and a little more hair?

So let's keep a puppy, you can always find room,

and a little more time for the dust cloth and broom.

There's hardly a limit to the dogs you can add,

The thought of a cutback sure makes you sad.

Each one is so special, so useful, so funny.

The vet, the food bill grows larger, you owe money.

Your folks never visit, few friends come to stay,

Except other dog folks, who all live the same way.

Your lawn has now died, and your shrubs are dead too,

But your weekends are busy, you're off with your crew.

There's dog food and vitamins, training and shots.

And entries and travel and motels which cost lots.

Is it worth it, you wonder? Are you caught in a trap?

Then that favorite dog comes and climbs in your lap.

His look says you're special and you know that you will

Keep all of the critters in spite of the bill.

Some just for showing and some just to breed.

And some just for loving, they all fill a need.

But winter's a hassle, the dogs hate it too.

But they must have their walks though they're numb and you're blue.

Late evening is awful, you scream and you shout

At the dogs on the sofa who refuse to go out.

The dogs and the dog shows, the travel, the thrills,

The work and the worry, the pressure, the bills.

The whole thing seems worth it, the dogs are your life.

They're charming and funny and offset the strife.

Your lifestyle has changed. Things won't be the same.

Yes, those dogs are addictive and so is the dog game!!

---Author Unknown

I Stood Beside Your Bed Last Night

Author Unknown.

I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep.

I could see that you were crying, you found it hard to sleep.

I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear.

"Its me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here"

I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea.

You were thinking of the many times your hands reached down to me.

I was with you at the shops today, your arms were getting sore.

I want to take your parcels, I wished I could do more.

I was with you at my grave today, you tend it with such care.

I want to reassure you that I'm not lying there.

I walked with you towards the house as you fumbled for the key,

I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said "It's me".

You looked so very tired and then you sank into a chair,

I tried so hard to let you know that I was standing there.

Its possible for me to be so near you everyday,

to say to you with certainty "I never went away".

You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew

That in the stillness of that evening I was very close to you.

The day is over.... I smile and watch you yawning

and say, " Good Night, Sweet Dreams, God Bless,

I'll see you in the morning".

And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide

I'll rush to greet you and well stand together side by side.

I have so many things to show you, there's much for you to see.

Be patient, live your journey out; then come home and be with me.

FREE TO BE ME

My life was nearly at it’s end

And that’s when you stepped in.

My hope was gone, only fear remained,

You had come to deliver me from my pain.

I had no trust left on which to draw,

You reached for me...I began to crawl.

How could I know then, what was to be?

What your touch of love could bring to me?

You instinctively knew my every need

My confidence and body you began to feed.

My trust in you had begun to build

Achieving the result that you had willed.

Your relentless efforts in my behalf

Outline the blueprint your mind did draft.

For the outcome that only your vision could see

My life filled with love and free to be me.

These weeks and months you labor in love

To restore to me what was stolen..and I rise above.

This bond we have created I have never known

Look what honor, trust, and love have sown.

Your words say that I am now going to leave

Please don’t make me go! My heart will grieve.

These people are wonderful...but you own my heart

With tears in your eyes, you say it’s my new start.

Looking back now, I understand what you said that day,

You had reformed me as though I was a type of clay.

My new family loves me, and now my joy is complete

I trust and adore them, only your memory can compete.

And I will carry you with me to my dying day

Treasured few are gifted with your loving way.

I know now it was God’s will for us to part

So you could give another their new start.

When you get to Heaven do you know what you’ll see?

Everyone of us that you worked so hard to set free.

God gave people dominion over the animals, that’s true.

But God, with His wisdom, then created people like you.

In Heaven we’ll sing a song in honor of you, and your heart will see,

What your gift of love gave, we each lived our lives “free to be me”.

(Dedicated to “Rescue People” everywhere)

A LIVING LOVE

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-simple 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 when 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 lone 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 to 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 we will always possess.

I Love You This Much

When you were just a pup, and you were new to home and heart, I used to laugh so hard and pick you up and hold you squirming and struggling my arms and whisper to you "I love you this much".

I laughed as you tried to rid yourself of those pesky tapes and watched as you struggled through the puppy stuff, and mostly I didn't mind for I knew that puddles turned to piddles, and piddles would soon pass. I even managed to grin when you decided that our house should be free of all wood products, and we fought constantly to decide who was right about the crate. I guess you were because I can not imagine not having you at the foot of my bed at night. I don't know how I would have made it from room to room without your guidance or stood erect without your silken head to rest my hands on, but then, I never had to.

And I smiled a lot as you grew and decided that squirrels were indeed evil, and that there was no really good reason for cats; that every dog in the neighborhood posed a potential threat and needed to be sent packing.

And I was delighted when you discovered children, and you found they were much like you---they liked to run; they liked to play; and there was an endless quality to the day when they were around.

And when you gave me my first kiss(lick), I smiled then too, even though you slobbered and it was you who led the way or dawdled behind to visit at ringside to see if someone else would step in to complete our routine.

You and I as adults together developed a deep and abiding respect for one another. Your constant devotion made life's valleys a little less deep, and there were times when I needed you: to listen, to love and to lick away the tears...and you were always there.

You liked Chinese food, spaghetti and cheese. Lettuce and pickles and heartworm pills were for other dogs. We adventured, you and I. We camped, we fished, we hiked, and we played ball. Oh, did we play ball. And through all those years, you gave so much, and I could only hold you in my arms at the end of each day, and we'd both smile, and I would whisper "I love you this much".

And now we've come to this. I don't believe I have the strength to say goodbye, but you tell me it's time. Neither one of us has smiled in a very long time, and the only part of you that doesn't indicate pain is your stubby little tail. I cried when the doctor told me, and I railed against the Powers That Be, and all the platitudes in the world and all the comforting friends can't make up for the undeniable fact that you will no longer be with me. And I don't think I can do this. I envy those with ones who passed so quickly. The shock must numb the grief.

But now, as I have done so many, many times before through so many, many years, I fold you in my arms, lay my head upon your velvet cheek, and whisper, one last time, "I love you this much".

This is for all who have had to make that final decision to let your beloved go in peace.

GOOD-BYE

With heavy hearts, and a tear in our eyes

After all these years, we must say goodbye.

Please understand, we've done all we could

If there was anything we could do, you know we would.

I'm sitting right here, gently rubbing your ears

While I talk to you softly, trying to hold back the tears

The memories you gave us, we'll never forget

Especially the ones of the day we all met.

One last hug and one last kiss

You have no idea how much you'll be missed.

To look into your eyes this one last time

You tell me it's okay, you know it's your time.

Close your eyes now and go to sleep

We'll pray to the Lord your soul he'll keep

Go in peace now, our good friend

We'll stay right here with you until the end.

Dream of that special day and time

When we'll meet at the Bridge and all will be fine

We'll run and play, side by side

With a soft warm feeling deep down inside.

Your memory will live on in each one of us

You'll always be number one to all of us

Have a safe journey through the night

I promise when you awake, you'll be in God's light.

So with heavy hearts and tears in our eyes

Just for now my friend, we say goodbye

HOW COULD YOU?

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 housebreaking 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 and 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 and their touch -- because your touch was now so infrequent -- and I would've defended them with my life if need be. I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams, and 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, 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 good-bye 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 and 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. And 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 directed at her.

It was directed at you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of you. I will think of you and wait for you forever. May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty.

ROOM IN YOUR HEART

Sorrow fills a barren space

you close your eyes and see my face

and think of times I made you laugh

the love we shared, the bond we had,

the special way I needed you -

the friendship shared by just we two.

The day's too quiet, the world seems older,

the wind blows now a little colder.

You gaze into the empty air

and look for me, but I'm not there -

I'm in heaven and I watch you,

and I see the world around you too.

I see little souls wearing fur,

souls who bark and souls who purr

born unwanted and unloved -

I see all this and more above.

I watch them suffer, I see them cry,

I see them lost, I watch them die.

I see unwanted thousands born -

and when they die, nobody mourns.

These little souls wearing fur

(Some who bark and some who purr)

are castaways who - unlike me -

will never know love or security.

A few short months they starve and roam,

Or caged in shelters - nobody takes home.

They're special too (furballs of pleasure),

filled with love and each one, a treasure.

My pain and suffering came to an end,

so don't cry for me, my person, my friend.

But think of the living - those souls with fur

(some who bark and some who purr) -

And though our bond can't be broken apart,

make room for another in your home and your heart.

IF HE WAKES IN YOUR ARMS

I can hardly see through my tears... today I sent my best friend of years and years

somewhere he had to go, where pain and sickness he won't have to know.

He's been with me ever since he was a pup... today I've had to give him up.

He was sick, we both knew it and I wouldn't put him through it.

Thinking back to the day my wife brought him, I told her then that I didn't want him...

"Noise and mess and bills to pay!" - I can't believe I felt that way.

Didn't know that in the end, he would be my dearest friend.

Didn't know that he would be the greatest gift that came to me.

How did one like me deserve a friend who wanted just to serve?

What was there that made him love me, with nobody else above me?

When I looked into his eyes, never did he criticize,

never did he hold a grudge, never did he try to judge.

Recently, an anxious day. "How come you don't want to play?"

Took him to the vet to see what might be wrong with my "puppy".

Worse by far than I expected, fatal illness was detected.

Nothing much that we could do but keep him comfy til he's through.

Back at home I tried to tell him of the bad luck that befell him

All I could see in his eyes was wondering why his master cries.

I don't think he understood - his eyes just asked "Wasn't I good?"

"How come now I make you sad? Let me kiss and hug you, dad!"

Two last weeks I had to try to find a way to say goodbye.

In that time I told him more than I ever had before

just how much I loved my pup, how it hurt to give him up.

How though gone, he'd always be inside my heart, a part of me.

Then today was no mistaking, I made the decision, my heart was breaking.

I called and asked the vet to come by - I didn't have to tell him why.

He arrived in a while and asked "Are you ready?" I sighed, I nodded, I felt so unsteady.

Got down on the floor by my boy who was dying, and I just didn't care if the vet saw me crying.

As my pup slipped away, the last things he felt were the kisses and hugs of his master who knelt

On that "blankie" beside him to bid him goodbye, who had just one more minute to tell him, to try

to say thanks to his boy for a lifetime of love...."Dear God, let me see him in heaven above!

But for now Lord, please hold him, watch over his rest...

if he wakes in Your arms tell him I love him best."

A TIME TO REMEMBER

They come into our lives for such a short time

A time we wouldn't trade not even for a dime.

Then before you know it the years have flown by

And then all of the sudden we're saying good-bye.

It wasn't that long ago we said our good-byes

We held on to you tight as you closed your eyes.

Your spirit has flown home on the wings of a dove

Into God's loving arms, in heaven above.

Over the days we've shed many tears

But the memories we have will live on for years.

We feel your presence and we know that you're near

You're keeping us safe and calming our fear.

We think about memories from years past

When you were young and strong and ran so fast.

We remember all the great times that we all had

How you always made us happy, never made us mad.

They were the best and happiest years we had

We'll always look back on them and never be sad.

We look forward to the time we'll be together again

And we thank the Lord for such a great friend.

Now you run and play up in heaven above

Cradled in God's arms covered with his love.

Playing by the bridge waiting for the day

We come down thru the meadow to the bridge to stay.

The love that you showed us we'll never forget

Because to us you're one very special pet.

You're like a star in the dark of night

Always watching over us with the Lord's light.

So now we take time to remember our best friend

Who will always be with us even to the end.

We'll always remember you the way you were

One big lovable huggable pile of fur.

RESCUE PUP

Once I was a lonely dog, just looking for a home.

I had no place to go, no one to call my own.

I wandered up and down the streets, in rain, in heat and snow.

I ate what ever I could find, I was always on the go.

My skin would itch, my feet were sore, my body ached with pain.

And no one stopped to give a pat or gently say my name.

I never saw a loving glance, I was always on the run.

For people thought that hurting me was really lots of fun.

And then one day I heard a voice so gentle, kind and sweet,

And arms so soft reached down to me and took me off my feet.

"No one again will hurt you" was whispered in my ear.

"You'll have a home to call your own where you will know no fear".

"You will be dry, you will be warm, you'll have enough to eat

And rest assured that when you sleep, your dreams will all be sweet".

I was afraid I must admit, I've lived so long in fear.

I can't remember when I let a human come so near.

And as she tended to my wounds and bathed and brushed my fur

She told me about the rescue group and what it meant to her.

She said, "We are a circle, a line that never ends.

And in the center there is you protected by new friends.

And all around you are the ones that check the pounds,

And those that share their home after you've been found.

And all the other folk are searching near and far.

To find the perfect home for you, where you can be a star".

She said, "There is a family, that's waiting patiently,

and pretty soon we'll find them, just you wait and see.

"And then they'll join our circle, they'll help to make it grow,

So there'll be room for more like you, who have no place to go".

I waited very patiently, the days they came and went.

Today's the day I thought, my family will be sent.

Then just when I began to think it wasn't meant to be,

There were people standing there just gazing down at me.

I knew them in a heartbeat, I could tell they felt it too.

They said, "We have been waiting for a special dog like you".

Now every night I say a prayer to all the gods that be.

"Thank you for the life I live and all you've given me.

But most of all protect the dogs in the pound and on the street.

And send a Rescue Person to lift them off their feet".

~ Author Unknown ~