poemsandsuch

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

Stray's Prayer
Author 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!

Once I Was A Lonely Dog
by David Klein

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 to 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 bout 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 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."

A Letter From Heaven
Author Unknown

To my foster family, some things I'd like to say,
But first of all to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this letter from the Bridge - where I now dwell
with God above -
Up here there are no tears or sadness, only eternal love.

Please don't be unhappy, just because I am out of sight,
Remember that I am with you, every morning, noon and night.
The other day I had to leave you, when my life on earth was
through -
God picked me up and hugged me, and he said, "I welcome
you...
Its good to have you back again, you were missed while you
were gone...
As for your foster family, they'll be here later on".

When you think of my life on earth, and the neglect in my
last years,
Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you
tears.
But do not be afraid to cry: it does relieve the pain,
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some
rain.

God gave me a list of important things, that he would like
for me to do,
And foremost on his special list, was to watch over and
care for you.
And when you lie down and try to sleep, with the day's
chores put to flight,
Remember that God is closest to you, in the middle of the
night.

I wish that I could tell you, everything that God has
planned,
But even if I could tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my earthly life is
over,
I'm more happy, healthy and content, than I ever was
before.

If you can help another, who is in sorrow or in pain,
Then you can say to God at night; "My day was not in vain".
And when you're walking down the street, with me on your
mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps, only a short trot behind.

There are rocky roads ahead of you, and many hills to
climb,
But a rescuer's heart is big and strong, just take it one
day at a time.
For it is simply God's nature, and I'd like it for you too,
That as you give to the world, the world will give to you.

And when your time on earth is up, to leave your body and
be free,
Remember you are not "going," You are coming up here to me.

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.

Dear Foster Mom
Author Unknown

DEAR FOSTER MOM:

There I sat, alone and afraid,
You got a call and came right to my aid.
You bundled me up with blankets and love,
And, when I needed it most, you gave me a hug.

I learned that the world was not all that scary and cold,
That sometimes there is someone to have and to hold.
You taught me what love is, you helped me to mend,
You loved me and healed me and became my first friend.

And just when I thought you'd done all you do,
There came along not one new lesson, but two.

First you said, "Sweetheart, you're ready to go,
I've done all I can, and you've learned all I know."
Then you bundled me up with a blanket and kiss,
Along came a new family, they even have kids!

They took me to their home, forever to stay,
At first I thought you sent me away.
Then that second lesson became perfectly clear,
No matter how far, you will always be near.

And so, Foster Mom, you know I've moved on,
I have a new home, with toys and a lawn.
But I'll never forget what I learned that first day,
You never really give your fosters away.

You gave me these thoughts to remember you by,
We may never meet again, and now I know why.
You'll remember I lived with you for a time,
I may not be yours, but you'll always be mine.

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.