Fifteen reasons why men have 2 dogs and not 2 wives
1. The later you are, the more excited your dogs are to see you.
2. Dogs don't notice if you call them by another dog's name.
3. Dogs like it if you leave a lot of things on the floor.
4. A dog's parents never visit.
5. Dogs agree that you have to raise your voice to get your point across.
6. Dogs like to do their snooping outside rather than in your wallet or desk.
7. You never have to wait for a dog; they're ready to go 24 hours a day.
8. Dogs find you amusing when you're drunk.
9. Dogs like to go hunting and fishing.
10. A dog will not wake you up at night to ask, 'If I died, would you get another dog?'
11. If a dog has babies, you can put an ad in the paper and give them away.
12. A dog will let you put a studded collar on it without calling you a pervert.
13. If a dog smells another dog on you, they don't get mad. They just think it's interesting.
14 Dogs like to ride in the back of a pickup truck.
And last, but not least,
15. If a dog leaves, it won't take half of your stuff.
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A Dog Before Christmas
Twas the night before Christmas when all thru the house not a creature was stirring not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care in hopes that St. Nick soon would be there.
The children all nestled snug in their beds with no thought of the dog filling their head.
And mom in her kerchief and I in my cap knew the dog was cold, but didn’t care about that.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash figuring the dog was free of his chain and into the trash.
The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow gave the luster of mid-day to objects below.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear but Santa Claus with his eyes full of tears.
He unchained the dog once so lively and quick, last year’s Christmas present now painfully sick.
More rapid than eagles he called the dog’s name and the dog ran to him despite all his pain.
Now Dasher, now Dancer, now Prancer and Vixen on Comet on Cupid on Donner and Blitzen.
To the top of the porch to the top of the wall let’s find this dog a home where he will be loved by all.
I knew in an instant there would be no gifts this year, for Santa had made one thing quite clear.
The gift of a dog is not just for the season, we had gotten the dog for all the wrong reasons.
In our haste to think of the kids a gift, there was one important thing we missed.
A dog should be family, and cared for the same, you don’t give a gift, then put it on a chain.
And I heard him explain as he rode out of sight, “You weren’t given a gift, you were given a life.”
~Author unknown
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A letter worth your time to read:
Dear Friends of the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County,
Why do we have pets? Is it for them, or for us? I might have said “both” or more selfishly thought that it was really for my own enjoyment that I brought this dog home; it was really what I wanted, what I needed. I thought I knew the answer, until I came face to face with a more difficult question – the question of letting go.
It was just a few short months ago that I shared the story of my new found love, George, and how he had captured my heart, how I adopted him out of our kennels, and how he had taken over my life. We were settling into a happy routine of him coming to work with me each day and me showing him off as the perfect “shelter” pet. Then one day I noticed the swollen lymph nodes. Within a short while those lymph nodes were so enlarged George was having trouble swallowing and even breathing. His vet started running tests; and then more tests. Maybe it was allergies.
It wasn’t. My beautiful 3 year old perfect dog has high grade advanced Immunoblastic Lymphoma. At best he will live no more than two months. How could this be? We’re a new couple, he and I, with so much ahead of us. What happened to the “forever friend” part? What happened to the “lifetime commitment”? How is it possible that we went from just finding each other to saying goodbye in just over 3 months? Life is not fair.
Looking into those gorgeous big brown eyes of his, I realized, George came to me for a reason – and the reason was not me. This is about George – his needs, his comfort, his trust. George came to me so I could speak for him. I will let George go, with him never knowing pain or fear or suffering. I can give him that gift. It will break my heart, but for these months of unconditional love and devotion, I can give him that.
So each day we spend a little extra time together. I watch him, not knowing what I’m watching for but knowing that I’ll see it when it comes. He’s weaker now, but not yet showing signs of discomfort. But now I understand my role. I will give George a good life for as long as life is good, and then I’ll give him comfort and security as he moves on. Because it’s really not about me; it’s all about George now.
So hold on to that illusion that our pets are ours to enjoy, here for our pleasure and comfort. But in the end, remember you’re really here for them – to do what’s right and bring comfort to them. It’s a fair trade for all the love they give, even when they can only give it for a short time.
Carol Carlson, Executive Director
Make A Difference
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Ada
I have been more than guilty of wishing time away.... I wish it would hurry up and be 5:00 so I can go home, I wish it was Friday already. I was recently struck at how selfish and really stupid I have been for wasting precious time. This very simple, yet eye opening reminder came to me after our last rescue of a Boston we have affectionately named Ada.
She is in our lives by what seemed to be happenstance.
Happenstance is known as an event that might have been arranged although it was really accidental. Well she was an accidental blessing for me. We didn't wake up that morning planning to go pick up yet another abandoned soul from Fulton County animal control, but yet everything fell together as if it had been arranged weeks in advance.
Unknowing to us, Ada only had a few hours left before she was going to be euthanized. Something or someone put her in front of us, provided the individuals who could turn the wheels for her second chance and gave me yet another opportunity to be reminded of several great lessons. We brought her home, fell in love with her smile and of course had to take her camping with us.
The next morning as I watched her playing in the lake, I was struck at what a difference 24 hours has made in her life, but in mine as well.
Renee
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Dear Mom and Dad
Dear Mom and Dad,
I died today.
You got tired of me and took me to the shelter - They were overcrowded and I drew an unlucky number
Some other puppy will get the barely used leash you left-My collar was too dirty and too small, and the lady took it off before she sent me to the Rainbow Bridge
Would I still be at home if I hadn't chewed your shoe?
I didn't know what it was, but it was leather and it was on the floor-I was just playing- You forgot to get puppy toys.
Would I still be at home if I had been housebroken?
Rubbing my nose in what I did was not the way to make me understand - There are books on obedience and puppy training classes that would have taught you how to teach me to go to the door
Would I still be at home if I hadn't brought fleas into the house?
Without anti-flea medicine I couldn't get them off me after you left me in the yard for months
Would I still be at home if I hadn't barked?
I was only saying, "I'm scared, I'm lonely, I'm here, I want to be your best friend"
Would I still be at home if I had made you happy?
Hitting and ignoring me didn't make me learn how
Would I still be at home if you had taken the time to care for me and to teach me manners? You didn't pay attention to me after the first week or so, but I spent my time waiting for you to love me
Well I guess it does not matter now because
I died today
~Author Unknown~
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An old poem that reminds me of Doc
He drew a circle that shut me out
Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout
But love and I had the wit to win
We drew a circle that took him in.
Love,
Kathy
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Here in this house
Here in this house... I will never know the loneliness I hear in the barks of the other dogs 'out there'. I can sleep soundly, assured that when I wake my world will not have changed. I will never know hunger, or the fear of not knowing if I'll eat. I will not shiver in the cold, or grow weary from the heat. I will feel the sun's heat, and the rain's coolness, and be allowed to smell all that can reach my nose. My fur will shine, and never be dirty or matted.
Here in this house... There will be an effort to communicate with me on my level. I will be talked to and, even if I don't understand, I can enjoy the warmth of the words. I will be given a name so that I may know who I am among many. My name will be used in joy, and I will love the sound of it!
Here in this house... I will never be a substitute for anything I am not. I will never be used to improve peoples' images of themselves. I will be loved because I am who I am, not someone's idea of who I should be. I will never suffer for someone's anger, impatience, or stupidity. I will be taught all the things I need to know to be loved by all. If I do not learn my lessons well, they will look to my teacher for blame.
Here in this house... I can trust arms that hold, hands that touch... knowing that, no matter what they do, they do it for the good of me. If I am ill, I will be doctored. If scared, I will be calmed. If sad, I will be cheered. No matter what I look like, I will be considered beautiful and known to be of value. I will never be cast out because I am too old, too ill, too unruly, or not cute enough. My life is a responsibility, and not an afterthought. I will learn that humans can almost, sometimes, be as kind and as fair as dogs.
Here in this house...
I belong.
I am home.
---
I Fell For Your Eyes
Amber Burchfield
I fell for your eyes that fateful night, you gazed from the back of the cage, the noise was overwhelming, my blood pumped with rage, so many needy faces, so many abandoned souls.
The others bounced around you, they seemed so unaffected, the whines and cries got to me, I almost ran away, I knew I could only take but one, it felt so sad to have to choose, like pulling the knot tighter, in the loop of the time noose.
They cried, they barked, they jumped against the doors, they all worked so hard, all they wanted was a little love, I walked by each and every kennel, petted every single one, told them each I loved them all, told them I was sorry for what was done.
I sat on my knees, I curled my arms, I laid my head down, I couldn't take much more, the cries grew louder from each furry soul, all they wanted was love, they wanted to be whole.
I couldn't handle only choosing one, I felt like it was my fault, I felt so small and useless, then a small whimper called from behind, turning around I saw you again.
You had come to the front, trying to push past the others, your eyes so somber, you sat patiently waiting, waiting for me to come, I was drawn in by your eyes.
A soft brown gaze, a coat black as the sky outside, fur like a silk cloth, a heart of a saint, and a soft kiss to boot, I rolled you on your back, you went willingly, who could resist a good scratch?
Finally I decided you were to be mine, what a hard choice to make, to leave all the others behind, it broke my heart each footstep I took, I saved one life but what about the rest.
I fell for your eyes that fateful night, so much did I gain, a friend, a love, a guardian, nothing I could ever put into words, a kiss, a hug, more than I could receive, I gained more than I could explain.
I fell for your eyes, and I never stopped.
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I adopted your pet today
I adopted your pet today... The one you left at the pound. . . the one you had for ten years, and no longer wanted around.
I adopted your pet today... Did you know that he's lost weight? Did you know he's scared and depressed and seems to have lost all faith?
I adopted your pet today... He had fleas and a little cold; guess you don't care what shape he's in . You abandoned him I am told.
I adopted your pet today... Were you having a baby or moving away? Did you suddenly develop allergies, or was there NO reason he couldn't stay?
I adopted your pet today... He doesn't play or even eat much; I guess he's very sad inside and It'll take time for him to trust.
I adopted your pet today... And here he is going to stay; he's found his FOREVER home And a warm bed in which to lay.
I adopted your pet today... And shall give him all that he will need. Patience, love, and security, so he can forget your selfish deed.
Author Unknown
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If I Didn't Have Dogs...
I could walk around the yard barefoot in safety.
My house could be carpeted instead of tiled and laminated.
All flat surfaces, clothing, furniture, and cars would be free of hair.
When the doorbell rings, it wouldn't sound like a kennel.
When the doorbell rings, I could get to the door without wading through fuzzy, jumping bodies who beat me there.
I could sit on the couch and my bed the way I wanted, with out taking into consideration how much space several fur bodies would need to get comfortable.
I would have money, and no guilt to go on a real vacation.
I would not be on a first-name basis with 6 veterinarians, as I put their yet unborn Grandkids through college.
The most used words in my vocabulary would not be: out, sit, down, come, no, stay, and leave it ALONE.
My house would not be cordoned off into zones with baby gates or barriers.
I would not talk 'baby talk'. 'Eat your din din'. 'Yummy yummy for the tummy' 'Who did pee pee on mommy's floor?'
My house would not look like a day care center, toys everywhere.
My pockets would not contain things like poop bags, treats and an extra leash.
I would no longer have to spell the words B-A-L-L, W-A-L-K, T-R-E-A-T, O-U-T, G-O, R-I-D-E, C-O-O-K-I-E
I would not have as many leaves INSIDE my house as outside.
I would not look strangely at people who think having ONE dog/cat ties them down too much.
I'd look forward to spring and the rainy season instead of dreading 'mud' season.
I would not have to answer the question 'Why do you have so many animals?' from people who will never have the joy in their lives of knowing they are loved unconditionally by someone as close to an angel as they will ever get.
How EMPTY my life would be!!!
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If Not for You
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 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 I deserve love just because I exist.
Your kind eyes, your loving smile, your gentle hands, Your big heart saved me...
You saved me from the terror of the pound, soothing away the 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 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 are the reason, as are the ones who come after.
Our lives would've been wasted, our love never given.
We would all die if not for you.
---
Inner Peace
thanks to Donna Farmer for passing this along
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 every day and be grateful for it,
If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you anytime,
If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,
If you can resist treating a rich friend better than a poor friend,
If you can conquer tension without medical help,
If you can relax without liquor,
If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,
...Then You Are Probably The Family Dog!
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Just a Dog
"From time to time, people tell me, “lighten up, it’s just a dog”, or, “that’s a lot of money for just a dog”.
They don’t understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for “just a dog”. Some of my proudest moments have come about with “just a dog”.
Many hours have passed and my only company was “just a dog”, but I did not once feel slighted. Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by “just a dog” and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of “just a dog” gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.
If you, too, think it’s “just a dog”, then you will probably understand phases like “just a friend”, “just a sunrise”, or “just a promise”. “Just a dog” brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy.
“Just a dog” brings out the compassion and patience that makes me a better person. Because of “just a dog” I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future.
So for me and folks like me, it’s not “just a dog” but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.
“Just a dog” brings out what’s good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day. I hope that someday they can understand that it’s not “just a dog” but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being “just a human.”
So the next time you hear the phrase “just a dog”, just smile, because they “just don’t understand”.
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Lakota Sioux Legend
The Pact of Fire
When the world was created, First Man and First Woman struggled to stay alive and warm through the first winter. First Dog struggled also.
Deep in the winter, First Dog gave birth to her pups. Each night, she huddled in the brush of the forest, longingly watching the fire which kept First Man and First Woman warm.
First Winter was severe, so cold that First Dog dared not leave her pups to search for food to fill her own belly, fearing that her pups would freeze to death in her absence. She curled around them, but the wind was bitter.
Her belly shrank with hunger, and soon she had no milk. The smallest pup perished, and First Dog felt her own life draining away as she struggled to care for the remaining pups. Fearing for the fate of the others, she knew she had no choice but to approach the fire and ask First Woman and First Man to share their food and the fire's warmth.
Slowly, she crept to the fire and spoke to First Woman who was heavy with child. "I am a mother," said First Dog, "and soon you will be a mother too. I want my little ones to survive, just as you will want your little one to survive. So I will ask you to make a pact."
First Woman and First Man listened.
"I am about to die. Take my pups. You will raise them and call them Dog. They will be your guardians. They will alert you to danger, keep you warm, guard your camp, and even lay down their life to protect your life and the lives of your children. They will be companions to you and all your generations, never leaving your side, as long as Mankind shall survive. In return, you will share your food and the warmth of your fire. You will treat my children with love and kindness, and tend to them if they become ill, just as if they were born from your own belly. And if they are in pain, you will take a sharp knife to their throat and end their misery. In exchange for this, you will have the loyalty of my children and their offspring until the end of time."
First Man and First Woman agreed. First Dog went to her nest in the brush, and with the last of her strength, one by one, she brought her pups to the fire. As she did so, First Woman gave birth to First Child, wrapped her in Rabbit skins, and nestled First Child among the pups by the fireside. First Dog lay down by the fire, licked her pups, then walked away to die under the stars.
Before she disappeared into the darkness, she turned and spoke once more to First Man, "My children will honor the pact for all generations. But if Man breaks this pact, if you or your children's children deny even one Dog food, warmth, a kind word or a merciful end, your generations will be plagued with war, hunger, and disease, and so shall this remain until the pact is honored again by all Mankind." With this, First Dog entered the night and returned in spirit to the Creator.
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Man's Best Friend - The Phrase
The Phrase "Man's Best Friend" originated in a court of law. Back in October 28, 1869, A man's dog (named old drum), was shot to death by a neighbor. Animals had no rights back in those days, but the man wanted justice and so he hired 3 lawyers to sue the man who shot his dog. One of these lawyers, named George Graham Vest, is given credit for originally coining the phrase "Man's Best Friend" during his final summation to the jury. By the time he was finished with his speech, the jury only took 2 minutes to reach a verdict. The jury awarded the victim $5 (a very large amount of money back then). The jury also wanted the man to be sent to prison, but there were no laws governing this type of incident back then so the judge was not able to honor the jury's request for prison time.
This is a record of the final summation given by the lawyer...
Gentlemen of the Jury
The best friend a man has in this world may turn against him and become his enemy. His son and daughter that he had reared with loving care may become ungrateful. Those who are nearest and dearest to us, those whom we trust with our happiness and our good name, may become traitors to their faith. The money that a man has, he may lose. It flies away from him when he may need it most. Man's reputation may be sacrificed in a moment of ill-considered action. The people who are prone to fall on their knees and do us honor when success is with us may be the first to throw the stone of malice when failure settles its cloud upon our head. The only absolutely unselfish friend a man may have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous is his dog.
A man's dog stands by him in prosperity and poverty, in health and sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground, when the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only he can be near his master's side. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer, he will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounter with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of a pauper as if he were a prince. When all other friends desert... he remains.
When riches take wings and reputations fall to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens. If fortune drives the master forth an outcast into the world, friendless and homeless, the faithful dog asks no higher privilege than that of accompanying him to guard him against danger, to fight against his enemies, and when the last scene of all comes, and death takes his master in its embrace and his body is laid away in the cold ground, no matter if all other friends pursue their way, there by his grave side will the noble dog be found, his head between his paws and his eyes sad, but open in alert watchfulness, faithful and true even to death.
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MARTHA'S CHRISTMAS MIRACLE
Martha was sitting in her living room watching television this Christmas Eve, alone as she had been for the last five years. All of her children had married and moved to the four corners of the nation, her youngest, a surgery resident at the Vet School across the state had planned on coming home, but had been assigned to work the emergency clinic and couldn't find a replacement. Martha told herself that having Sally working to help the sick and injured animals this Christmas Eve was worth being alone, besides, Sally would be driving over for Christmas dinner the next afternoon.
All the animals had been fed and now were safely in either the kennel building or lazily laying around the house. Martha had to stop to think how many dogs she had at her house this Christmas, she sighed when she realize there were 16. She did rescue and the number of dogs was always changing with some dogs being adopted, and new abandoned dogs coming in. Feeling overwhelmed by the number of dogs she had and all the dogs still left in shelters to die because there was no room for them in rescue, Martha seriously wondered if she should stop working rescue. If she didn't have all these dogs, she could have flown to any of her other children's homes for the holidays to be with family. Besides, the heartbreak of seeing each dog in such need was beginning to really weigh on her.
Tonight she had a new dog, brought home that day. Martha didn't really plan on adding another dog but on her way home from the store she saw a dog lying on the side of the road. Certain the dog was dead, Martha stopped, to pick up the body and take it home for a burial. As she got closer, she recognized the shell of an Alaskan Malamute, the breed she rescued. Covered by cuts and festering wounds, what fur was left was matted and filthy, it was so skinny that laying there you could see each rib and it's hipbones were the widest part of his body.
With tears in her eyes, mourning for what once had been a majestic animal now reduced to almost a skeleton she reached down to give the poor dog one last pat on the head. "Oh, you poor boy, what away to end your life. Well, at least I can name you and give you a decent farewell." As her tears fell on the dog's head, one eye slowly opened and the tail gave a single wag.
"You're alive! Everything will be OK now, I'll take you home and you will have a soft bed and food tonight." She said, tears streaming down her face, this time from happiness.
The rest of the afternoon was spent cleaning the dog's wounds and making sure he was able to eat and drink water. Martha set up the large run in the kennel building for him. A soft blanket and a thick foam pad was to be his bed, fresh water and food beside him. Papers for his 'necessary functions' were placed at the far end of the run. He laid there watching every move she made.
Martha left the dog resting on his bed, somewhat surprised at the reaction of the rest of the dogs in the kennel. Pandemonium usually broke out with all the other dogs wooing and barking when a new dog was brought in, tonight all the other dogs just stood and silently watched as Martha cared for the new dog. Thankful the other dogs were not disturbing the new boy, Martha went to the house to finish preparations for tomorrow's dinner.
Later that evening Martha went down to the kennel to check on the new boy and feed the other dogs. As she walked in the door the new boy shakily stood to greet her. As she was straightening up the kennel after feeding and exercising the dogs, she saw her microchip reader. "Well, this will be a waste of time" she thought as she ran the reader over the dog's body. BEEP! The reader had located a chip! Writing the number down, she hurried to the house to call the chip registry and report the found dog. As she suspected on Christmas Eve, all she got was a machine.
Very late that night, the phone rang. Martha answered and a strange voice was on the other end. "Did you find a dog with a microchip?"
"Yes, are you the registry needing more information?" Martha asked.
"No, the registry called us and told us you found our dog!" and then the man broke down crying.
After composing himself, he continued.
"The dog you found is BISS AM/CAN/INT CH Wasilla's Ice Sculpture, WPD, WTD, WLD, TT, CGC but to us he is our heartdog, the love of our life, Icy.
Three years ago Icy was stolen from his exercise area in our back yard. We did everything we could think of to find him, but lately we had almost given up hope of ever seeing him again. This is a miracle. We are leaving now to come pick him up. We are about 14 hours from you so we will see you and Icy in the morning."
Martha was crying, indeed it was a miracle! And the new dog now had a name, his own name and his people were coming for him. What a wonderful Christmas gift.
Martha hurried down to the kennel to let Icy know that his humans had been found and they were on their way to take him home. As Martha walked up to Icy's kennel he stood to greet her, "Icy, yes, I know your name and I have spoken to your people. They're coming to take you home." As she was taking to Icy, she heard the old clock in the building strike Midnight.
Much to her amazement, Icy said "Thank you."
Martha thought, Now I am sure I have been around dogs too long, I could swear I heard Icy speak.
Icy continued "Martha, yes I am talking to you in human language, You see at the stroke of Midnight on Christmas Day, all animals can speak. Let me tell you what happened to me today."
"I have been kept in a dark barn for a long time by some very mean people who beat me and often forgot to feed me. Two days ago I found a loose board on the barn and was able to escape. I walked as fast as I could, looking for my people, or at least for some kind person to feed me and give me a warm place to sleep before I died. I was in the middle of a big field when I couldn't walk or even crawl any more, I laid down, knowing I was about to cross to the Rainbow Bridge. As I stepped onto the Bridge, an Angel came towards me."
"Icy," the Angel said "If you agree, He has a job for you before cross the Bridge. There is a very kind human who needs you today to restore her spirit."
"Of course I agreed to help a human -- that is what Malamutes do. The Angel picked up my body and carried it to the side of a road and laid it down. The next thing I remember is you were scratching my ear and talking to me and your tears were falling on my face. You have cared for me this day."
Martha heard a chorus of voices all about her. To her amazement she was surrounded not only by her dogs, but dogs she had rescued and sent on to forever homes, all voicing stories how Martha had cared for them and restored them to health and loved them, thanking her for her love.
The first Malamute Martha had rescued many years ago stepped to the front of the gathering and said, "Martha, you took us in to your home, cared for us, healed us both in body and spirit then, even though it broke your heart, sent us on to our new forever families. This gave us a life we would never have had without you. Others of us here, never were adopted and lived out our lives with you, loved and cared for as if we were your own dogs. In our hearts we are your dogs. Thank you."
Then one small mixed breed puppy stepped forward from the back and said, "Miss Martha, you never held me nor fed me, you see I am speaking for all the shelter dogs and cats gathered here for which you did all you could. We understand that you can't save us all, but you read our shelter stories, knowing we would cross the Bridge without knowing a home of our own, and you cried for us. We thank you for that. You see, we knew you cared and loved us, too. And that love helped us as we crossed. We thank you and all the other Rescuers for that small act of love."
Icy looked at Martha and told her, "It is getting late and you will have many people here tomorrow to celebrate Christmas. And you have your rescue work to continue. Our time to be able to talk to you is growing short, but always remember what happened tonight. What you do for the animals is a gift to us and to Him, the Father of us all. Each of us, animals of every species, needs people like you. Please keep on helping. You are doing the work of Angels."
At that point all of the dogs in unison said, Thank You and their voices blended into a joyous howl which echoed from the heavens to the ends of the earth.
Humbly offered as a Christmas Gift to all who love animals.
Christmas 2007 (c) Bilinda Marshall 2007, Bilinda Marshall, Texas, USA, CW Singin' Alaskan Malamutes
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My Dogs Live Here
My dogs live here, they're here to stay.
if you don't like pets, be on your way.
they share my home, my food, my space
this is their home, this is their place.
You will find dog hair on the floor,
they will alert you're at the door.
they may request a little pat,
a simple 'no' will settle that.
It gripes me when I hear you say
'just how is it you live this way?
they smell, they shed, they're in the way..'
WHO ASKED YOU? is all I can say..
They love me more than anyone,
my voice is like the rising sun,
they merely have to hear me say
'C'mon , time to go and play'
then tails wag and faces grin,
they bounce and hop and make a din.
They never say 'no time for you',
they're always there, to GO and DO.
And if I'm sad? They're by my side
and if I'm mad? they circle wide
and if I laugh, they laugh with me
they understand, they always see.
So once again, I say to you
come visit me, but know this too..
My dogs live here, they're here to stay.
you don't like pets, be on your way.
they share my home, my food, my space
this is their home, this is their place..
Author Unknown
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Nobody's Dog by Heidi Tidd
Today, I found Nobody's Dog
Her ribs were beginning to show through.
At first, she tucked her tail tightly and ran,
Then, ever hopeful, returned with a tentative wag.
I bet she was cute as a puppy.
Somebody picked her out special, took her home,
And made her believe she would always be loved;
But some humans change their minds
As often as dirty socks.
Even so, the betrayed black dog is still loving them,
Futilely waiting for them to come back for her.
She had a name once, and now she can't understand,
For you see, a dog's love never dies.
Today, I found Nobody's Dog. One of millions abandoned each year by owner's who take the cowardly way out.
They won't see her slowly starve or freeze to death,
Be hit by a car, or live at the mercy of strangers,
As she begs for a scrap of attention.
Today, the Shelter rescued Nobody's Dog.
There, she'll be fed, she'll be loved, and hopefully
She'll be claimed by a more fitting, deserving human.
If not, she'll go to an even better place,
One where dogs are always loved,
And are never thrown away on a cruel whim
But, she still yearns........
To be Somebody's Dog once more.
---
One by One
One by one, they file past my cage
Too old, too worn, too broken, no way
Way past his time, he can't run and play
Then they shake their heads slowly and go on their way
A little old man, arthritic and sore
It seems I am not wanted anymore
I once had a home, I once had a bed
A place that was warm, and where I was fed
Now my muzzle is grey, and my eyes slowly fail
Who wants a dog so old and so frail?
My family decided I didn't belong
I got in their way; my attitude was wrong
Whatever excuse they made in their head
Can't justify how they left me for dead
Now I sit in this cage, where day after day
The younger dogs all get adopted away
When I had almost come to the end of my rope
You saw my face, and I finally had hope
You saw through the grey and the legs bent with age
And felt that I still had life beyond this cage
You took me home, gave me food and a bed
And shared your own pillow with my poor tired head
We snuggle and play and you talk to me low
You love me so dearly, you want me to know
I may have lived most of my life with another
But you outshine them with a love so much stronger
And I promise to return all the love I can give
To you, my dear person, as long as I live
I may be with you for a week or for years
We will share many smiles, you will no doubt shed tears
And when the time comes that God deems I must leave
I know you will cry and your heart it will grieve
And when I arrive at the Bridge all brand new
My thoughts and my heart will still be with you
And I will brag to all that will hear
Of the person who made my last days
oh, so dear
Unknown
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THE PERFECT DOG
In "Chicken Soup for the Kid's Soul," Jan Peck shares this story:
"During summer vacations, I would volunteer at the vet's, so I'd seen a lot of dogs. Minnie was by far the funniest-looking dog I'd ever seen. Thin curly hair barely covered her sausage-shaped body. Her bugged-out eyes always seemed surprised. And her tail looked like a rat's tail.
"She was brought to the vet to be put to sleep because her owners didn't want her anymore. I thought Minnie had a sweet personality, though. "No one should judge her by her looks," I thought. So the vet spayed her and gave her the necessary shots. Finally, I advertised Minnie in the local paper: "Funny-looking dog, well behaved, needs loving family."
"When a young man called, I warned him that Minnie was strange looking. The boy on the phone told me that his grandfather's sixteen-year-old dog had just died. They wanted Minnie no matter what. I gave Minnie a good bath and fluffed up what was left of her scraggly hair. Then we waited for them to arrive.
"At last, an old car drove up in front of the vet's. Two kids raced to the door. They scooped Minnie into their arms and rushed her out to their grandfather, who was waiting in the car. I hurried behind them to see his reaction to Minnie.
"Inside the car, the grandfather cradled Minnie in his arms and stroked her soft hair. She licked his face. Her rat tail wagged around so quickly that it looked like it might fly off her body. It was love at first lick.
"She's perfect!" the old man exclaimed.
"I was thankful that Minnie had found the good home that she deserved.
"That's when I saw that the grandfather's eyes were a milky white color – he was blind."
---
Why I Like Fences
We live on several, private, wooded acres in the county – with a couple hundred foot setback from the road via curving gravel driveway, 11 wooded acres behind us, a deep ravine creek along one long boundary line, with our house set in a relatively small clearing….the perfect place for some privacy, and what for several years had been a safe place for our BTs to run/play without fearing traffic and other threats.
Although we never let our BTs outside unsupervised – and rarely off leash, one afternoon after arriving home from a weekend trip to the mountains (our BTs have all loved mountain trails), the unthinkable happened. As we were unloading the car and our BT was taking care of post-travel “duties” in the front wooded area, two large-breed dogs from up the road entered our property (had either “escaped” – or were let out of their pen) while running wild/unsupervised and attacked/mauled/killed our little BT.
It was terrible timing that resulted in terrible results. What had been a great weekend getaway had a somber ending with a burial in our back woods. The two dogs, ended up being re-homed, separately way out in the country.
Yes, it was tragic for our BT, but since we have two grandkids under 2 years of age, our realization was they – and any future BT – would need a secure fenced in area, to keep “small ones” in – and “big ones” out.
Epilogue: We installed nearly 400 feet of 48” high, 2X4 mesh wire fence from the deck/garage out into/through the woods – with another 50 foot decorative, picket section connected to it through the yard to the corner of the house. In short, we now have a large, pretty-secure (nothing’s perfect) area for our grandkids and our newest, adopted BT to play – with supervision – without the overarching fear of another attack situation. Yes, it cost about $400 and a bit of hard work, but we look at it as a one-time, “insurance premium” – money well spent.
The reason I said I like “real” fences, became painfully evident when a friend of ours, upon hearing of our tragedy last summer, shared how she was walking – on leash – a neighbor’s small dog in their medium-density, residential neighborhood. Suddenly, and without warning, a large-breed dog ran directly at the small pooch – right through the “invisible fence” – and attacked it. In this case, the small dog lived – but needed extensive surgery and lost an eye. It was a harrowing experience for the dog, the dog-sitter, and the owners (probably of both animals).
---
Rescue Me Please
Rescue me not only with your hands
but with your heart as well.
I will respond to you.
Rescue me not out of pity
but out of love.
I will love you back.
Rescue me not with self-righteousness
but with compassion.
I will learn what you teach.
Rescue me not because of my past
but because of my future.
I will relax and enjoy.
Rescue me not simply to save me
but to give me a new life.
I will appreciate your gift.
Rescue me not only with a firm hand
but with tolerance and patience.
I will please you.
Rescue me not only because of who I am
but who I'm to become.
I will grow and mature.
Rescue me not to revere yourself to others
but because you want me.
I will never let you down.
Rescue me not with a hidden agenda
but with a desire to teach me to trust.
I will be loyal and true.
Rescue me not to be chained or to fight
but to be your companion.
I will stand by your side.
Rescue me not to replace one you've lost
but to soothe your spirit.
I will cherish you.
Rescue me not to be your pet
but to be your friend.
I will give you unconditional love.
Please Rescue Me!
~author unknown~
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18 Things Boston Terrier Owners Must Never Forget
Read the article here!
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Grow Old With Dogs
When I am old...
I will wear soft gray sweatshirts and a bandana over my silver hair, and I will spend my social security checks on wine and my dogs.
I will sit in my house on my well-worn chair and listen to my dogs' breathing.
I will sneak out in the middle of a warm summer night and take my dogs for a run, if my old bones will allow.
When people come to call, I will smile and nod as I show them my dogs, and talk of them and about them...... the ones so beloved of the past and the ones so beloved of today.
I will still work hard cleaning after them, mopping, washing, brushing, and feeding them, and whispering their names in a soft loving way.
I will be an embarrassment to all, especially my family, who have not yet found the peace in being free to have dogs as your best friends.
These friends who always wait, at any hour, for your footfall, and eagerly jump to their feet out of a sound sleep, to greet you as if you are a God.
With warm eyes full of adoring love and hope that you will always stay, I'll hug their big strong necks.
I'll kiss their dear sweet heads, and whisper in their very special company.
I look in the mirror and see I am getting old.
This is the kind of person I am, and have always been.
Loving dogs is easy, They are part of me.
Please accept me for who I am.
My dogs appreciate my presence in their lives; they love my presence in their lives.
When I am old this will be important to me.
You will understand when you are old.... if you have dogs to love too.
-Author Unknown