A PLACE IN OUR HEARTS

They will not go quietly,

the dogs who've shared our lives.

In subtle ways they let us know

their spirit still survives.

Old habits still make us think

we hear a barking at the door.

Or step back when we drop

a tasty morsel on the floor.

Our feet still go around the place

the food dish used to be.

And, sometime, coming home at night,

we miss them terribly.

And although time may bring new friends

and a new food dish to fill,

That one place in our hearts

belongs to them...

and always will.

    WHEN TOMORROW STARTS WITHOUT ME

When tomorrow starts without me,

And I'm not there to see;

The sun will rise and find your eyes

All filled with tears for me.

I wish so much you wouldn't cry

The way you did today,

Remembering how I'd lay my head

In your lap that special way.

I know how much you love me,

As much as I love you,

And each time that you think of me,

I know you'll miss me too.

But when tomorrow starts without me.

Please try to understand,

That an angel came and called my name

And petted me with her hand.

She said my place was ready,

In Heaven far above,

And that I'd have to leave behind

All those I dearly love.

But, as I turned to heel away,

A tear fell from my eye,

For all my life I never thought

That I would have to die.

I had so much to live for,

So many sits and downs to do,

It seemed almost impossible,

That I was leaving you.

I thought about our lives together,

I know you must be sad,

I thought of all the love we shared,

And all the fun we had.

Remember how I'd nudge your hand,

And poke you with my nose?

The frisbee I would gladly chase,

The bad guy, I'd "bark and hold".

If I could relive yesterday,

Just even for awhile,

I'd wag my tail and kiss you,

Just so I could see you smile.

But, then I fully realized,

That this could never be;

For emptiness and memories

Will take the place of me.

And when I thought of treats and toys,

I might miss come tomorrow,

I thought of you and when I did,

My dog-heart filled with sorrow.

But then I walked through Heaven's gate,

And felt so much at home;

As God looked down and smiled at me,

From His beautiful golden throne.

He said, "This is eternity,

And now we welcome you,

Today your life on earth is past,

But here it starts anew.

I promise no tomorrow,

But today will always last;

For you see, each days's the same day,

There's no longing for the past.

Now you have been so faithful,

So trusting, loyal and true;

Though there were times you did things,

You knew you shouldn't do.

But good dogs are forgiven,

And now at last you're free;

So won't you sit here by my side,

And wait right here with me?"

So when tomorrow starts without me,

Don't think we're far apart.

For every time you think of me,

I'm right there, in your heart.

~ Author Unknown ~

                                  BYE BABY.

No more lonely cold nights or hearing that I'm bad

No more growling belly from the meals I never had

No more scorching sunshine with a water bowl that's dry

No more complaining neighbors about the noise when I cry.

No more hearing "shut up", "get down" or "get out of here"!

No more feeling disliked, only peace is in the air.

Euthanasia is a blessing, though some still can't see

why I was ever born If I weren't meant to be.

My last day of living was the best I ever had.

Someone held me very close, I could see she was very sad.

I kissed the lady's face, and she hugged me as she cried.

I wagged my tail to thank her, then I closed my eyes and died.

                                  THE OLD SHOW DOG

by Cindy L. Williams

He was a real nice show dog, but his glory days are through,

And he gazes out the kennel gate, with nothing much to do.

They're loading up the van now, 'cause they're going to a show,

But his showing days are over, and he doesn't get to go.

He watches, tail a waggin', his eyes as bright as they can get,

As his crate goes in he wonders why they haven't bathed him yet.

Then your eyes meet through the kennel fence, and you have to look away,

How are you going to tell him that he's staying home today?

Retirement, they call it, now he's in his 'golden years.'

He doesn't look as old, though, when your eyes are full of tears.

And you think of all the rosettes, and the Best in Show he won,

The more he showed, the better he got, and then he had a son...

And so now for the first time, you are leaving him behind,

And trying to convince yourself he doesn't really mind.

He sees the younger dog get in, and he's looking pretty low,

But there isn't time to cheer him up, you really have to go.

'Be a good boy, old dog, this time you have to stay!'

He doesn't bark or climb the fence, he simply looks away

Just like a nice old show dog, whose glory days are through,

He gazes out the kennel gate, with nothing much to do.

Yes, he used to be a show dog, but the glory doesn't last

And he's gazing out the kennel gate, remembering the past.

                The Ten Commandments (pet version)

Author: Unknown

1. My life is likely to last ten to fifteen years. Any separation from you will be 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.

                                  THE LESSON.

I learnt a lesson not too long ago,

When I took my dog to an All Breeds show.

As I watched him standing in the ring,

I overheard a comment which hurt with a sting.

'Twas then I realised there in a trice,

Don't say anything if it isn't nice.

Each dog may have his faults in your eyes,

You may not like his colour, movement or size.

But to the person who loves him he's the most perfect thing,

That's why he's showing him there in the ring!

We'd all like to win, but there aren't many blues,

The judge may not give one to your dog and you.

So remember,each dog is a winner in his own master's heart,

So please don't stand there and pick him apart.

                                 “If It Should Be”

 

If it should be that I grow frail and weak,

And pain should keep me from my sleep.

Then you must do what must be done,

For this last battle can't 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 and friendship stand the test.

We've had so many happy years,

What is to come can hold no fears.

Would you want me to suffer? So,

When the time comes, please let me go.

Take me where my needs they'll tend,

Only, stay with me until the end.

And hold me firm and speak to me,

Until my eyes no longer see.

It is a kindness that you do to me.

Although my tail its last has waved,

From pain and suffering I have been saved.

Do not grieve it should be you,

Who must decide this thing to do.

We've been so close, we two these years,

Don't let your heart hold any tears.

Author Unknown

Many more to come. Check back often.