"Now I lay me down to sleep,
The king-size bed is soft and deep.
I sleep right in the center groove
My human being can hardly move!
I've trapped her legs, she's tucked in tight
And here is where I pass the night
No one disturbs me or dares intrude
Till morning comes and "I want food!"
I sneak up slowly to begin
my nibbles on my human's chin.
She wakes up quickly,
I have sharp teeth-
I'm a puppy, don't you see?
For the morning's here
and it's time to play
I always seem to get my way.
So thank you Lord for giving me
This human person that I see.
The one who hugs and holds me tight
And shares her bed with me at night!"

- Unknown -

"A dog sits waiting in the cold autumn sun.
Too faithful to leave, too frightened to run.

He's been here 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 days?

His legs have grown weak, his throat's parched 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."

- Kathy Flood -

"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 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 ones 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 chew the bedroom rug.
They said that I was out of control, and would have to live outside.
This I did not 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 embarassed to say why,
They said I caused an allergy, and then they each kissed me goodbye.
If I'd only had some classes, 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?"

- Sandi Thompson -

"I will lend to you for awhile
a puppy, God said,
For you to love him while he lives
and to mourn for him when he is gone.
Maybe for twelve or fourteen years,
or maybe for 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 that 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 life's land
I have chosen you.
Now will you give him all your love
Nor think the labour 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 you'll run.
Will you shelter him with tenderness
Will you love him while you may
And for the happiness you'll know forever grateful stay.

But should I call him back
much sooner than you've planned
Please brave the bitter grief that comes
and try to understand.
If, by your love, you've managed
my wishes to achieve,
In memory of him that you've loved,
cherish every moment with your faithful bundle,
and know he loved you too."

- Author Unknown -

"Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.
Allow the experience of fresh air &
the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.
Let others know when they've invaded your territory.
Take naps & stretch before rising.
Run, romp & play daily.
Eat with gusto & enthusiasm.
Be Loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent,
sit close by & nuzzle them gently.
Thrive on attention & let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On hot days, drink lots of water & lay under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around & wag your entire body.
No matter how often you're scolded,
don't buy into the guilt thing & pout...
run right back & make friends.
Bond with your pack.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk."

- Author Unknown -

"As a pup I dreamed and wondered
What life would hold in store
For ME, I thought, there's something GREAT
Beyond that kennel door.
Out there are needy people
And I have much to give
Love, and wit, and gentleness
To help them learn to live.
I'd be someone's protector,
Keep little ones from harm,
Or guide an old man's steps,
Or help to run a farm.
I'd run and bark and jump and play
With friends along a sandy shore
I'd roll in meadows, thick and green
That lie beyond that kennel door.
I lay here waiting, longing,
As the days and years went by,
My owner kept me fed and brushed,
But inside let me die.
I do not think of greatness now,
I'm old and filled with pain.
My owner has some ribbons,
But I have lived in vain.
I cannot think what could have been,
My dreams are filled with hope no more.
Just floors and walls and a broken heart
For me behind this kennel door."

- M. Kummer -

"1- My life lasts between ten to fifteen years. Every separation from
you means suffering for me. Think about this before you decide whether
or not to take me!
2- Give me time to understand what you are asking from me.
3- Instill confidence in me - I thrive on it!
4- Do not be angry with me for a long time and do not lock me up for
punishment!You have your work, your pleasure, your joy - I have only
you.
5- Talk often to me! Even if I do not understand you completely, I do
understand the tone of your voice when you talk to me.
6- Know that, no matter how I am being treated, I shall
never forget
it!
7- Keep in mind, before you hit me , that my jaws could crush the
knuckles of your hand with ease, but that I do not make use of them.
8- Before you scold me when working with me, consider: perhaps I am
uncomfortable from digesting my last meal;
perhaps I was exposed to the sun too long; or perhaps I have a wornout
heart.
9- Take care of me when I am old -- you too are going to be old one
day.
10- Be with me when my going gets rough. Everything is easier for me
when you are beside me."

- Author Unknown -

"Do you remember thinking it was time that the kids learned some
responsibility and scanning the newspaper ads for a cheap dog for sale?
Do you remember bringing home this little ball of shivering fur and
putting her out in the yard on a chain that was too heavy on a night
that was too cold? Of course you don't remember this.
After all, she is only a dog.

Do you remember this baby crying because she was afraid and alone? Do you
remember screaming at her to be quiet and finally going out there to kick
her to drive home the lesson? Of course you don't remember this.
After all, she is only a dog.

Do you remember the many times you noticed her water bowl was
empty and her food bowl was covered with mold and thinking that it was
the kids' job to take care of her? Do you remember seeing that her coat
was dull and lifeless and, in many places, chewed away down to the skin
because of the parasites no one took the time to rid her of? Of course
you don't remember this. After all, she is only a dog.

Do you remember her first heat and the neighbor's male visiting
her night after night? Do you remember thinking that letting her have
the puppies would be a good experience for the kids? Do you remember
that every one of those pups died because their mother was no more than
a puppy herself? Of course you don't remember this.
After all, she is only a dog.

I know you remember the animal control officer coming to the
house, accusing you of animal cruelty and taking her away because you
couldn't understand what all the fuss was about.
After all, she is only a dog.

I thought you might be interested in how this girl is doing
today. You see, once she found a home that gave her love, attention and
proper care, she blossomed into a beautiful, loyal companion.
To these people, she is much more than only a dog.

She became a therapy dog and now goes to nursing homes and
hospices where she brightens the lives of the infirm and dying. To some
of these people, she has given hope. To others, she's given them a
reason to keep living. To even others, she's given them the will to die
peacefully, with a smile on their lips.
To these people, she is much more than only a dog.

Just last week, she helped find a little boy that was lost in
the woods. She spent a long, cold winter's night, lying over him to keep
him warm and risked her own life to protect his. To this little
boy and his family, she is much more than only a dog.

Why did that filthy, flea ridden animal chained in your backyard suddenly
become so important to so many? Because she never gave up her
trust in people and she never once thought, "After all, he is only a human.""

- Author Unknown -

"I wish someone would tell me what it is
That I've done wrong.

Why I have to stay chained up and
Left alone so long.

They seemed so glad to have me when
I came as a pup.

There were so many things we'd do
While I was growing up.

They couldn't wait to train me as a
Companion and a friend.

And told me how they'd never fear
Being left alone again.

The children said they'd feed me and
Brush me every day.

They'd play with me and walk me
If I could only stay.

But now the family "Hasn't Time";
They often say I shed.

They do not want me in the house
Not even to be fed.

The children never walk me
They always say, "NOT NOW!"

I wish that I could please them
Won't someone tell me how?

All I had, you see, was love.

I wish they would explain
Why they said they wanted me,
Then left me on a chain?"

- Author Unknown -

"I have a little friend whose always by my side,
We're never very far apart no matter what the time.
I have a little friend who listens to what I say and doesn't judge
me for what I've done but what's inside of me.
She gives me the support I need to make it through the day.
And when I'm sad she seems to know just what I need to have.
My little friend is not like me she has some things I don't,
like four legs, a tail that wags and a nose that's wet and cold.
She lets me know with a gentle nudge that she cares
and is there for me.
We'll never be that far apart,
and when the time does come,
I know we'll be together again in that spot above."

- Linda McBroom ©1997 -

"The little dog wandered the streets
as he tried his very best,
to find a scrap of food
and maybe a place to rest.
Darkness was beginning to fall
it started to turn cold,
he had a home but now it's gone
a story so often told.
His family no longer wanted him
they tossed him out one day,
to live or die was no concern
as they went upon their way.
Now he must scrounge for food
and hopes that he will find,
someone to take care of him
and he hopes that they won't mind.
A little dog so full of love
who just can't understand,
if someone will just take him in
he'll do the best he can.
To be the best companion
and friend that he can be,
to love them and protect them
is the future he'd like to see.
He will find that special person
to give him a loving home,
and then from that moment on
he'll no longer have to roam. "

- Mark Childre © 2000 -

"I asked for strength that I might rear her perfectly;
I was given weakness that I might feed her more treats.
I asked for good health that I might rest easy;
I was given a "special needs" dog that I might know nurturing.

I asked for an obedient dog that I might feel proud;
I was given stubbornness that I might feel humble.

I asked for compliance that I might feel masterful;
I was given a clown that I might laugh.

I asked for a companion that I might not feel lonely;
I was given a best friend that I would feel loved.

I got nothing I asked for,
But everything that I needed."

- Unknown -

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!

· When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

· Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

· Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.

· When it’s in your best interest, practice obedience.

· Let others know when they’ve invaded your territory.

· Take naps and stretch before rising.

· Run romp and play daily.

· Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

· Avoid biting, when a simple growl will do.

· On warm days stop to lie on your back on the grass. On hot days drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree.

· When you’re happy dance around and wag your entire body.

· No matter how often you’re scolded don’t buy into the guilt thing and pout. Run
right back and make friends.

· Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

· Eat with gusto and enthusiasm, stop when you have had enough.

· Be loyal.

· Never pretend to be something you’re not.

· If what you want lies buried dig until you find it.