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RESCUE POEMS & STORIES
*~*~*A Rescue Poem*~*~*
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Once I was a lonely dog
I wandered up and down the streets, "No one again will hurt you," |
"And all around you are
Then just when I began to think But most of all protect the dogs |
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So You Want a Rescue to Take Your Pet? The Stray Dog Do I Go Home Today? Excepts From A Dog's Diary Dog Dictionary Dog Haikus Twas the Night Before Christmas One by One Rescue Me
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*~*~*I Have Done
Something*~*~*
*~*~*100
Ways to Help Rescue*~*~*
*~*~*So
You Want a Rescue to Take Your Pet?*~*~* By Cindy Wolff
*~*~*My
Foster Dog is Beautiful*~*~*
THE
STRAY DOG 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 God and 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, hit me with stones, While I run the streets, just looking for bones! I'm not really bad, God, please help if you can, For 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, I won't chew their shoes, and I'll do as I should. I will 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 Oh, so alone. Each night as I sleep in the bushes I cry, Cause I'm so afraid God, that I'm
gonna die! I've got so much love and devotion to give, That I should be given a new chance to live. So, dear God, please, please answer my prayer, and send me somebody who will really care! Author
Unknown
DO I
GO HOME TODAY? by Sandi Thompson Dog
Dictionary LEASH: A strap which attaches to your collar, enabling you to
lead your person where you want him/her to go. DOG BED: any soft, clean surface, such as the white bedspread
in the guest room or the newly upholstered couch in the living room.
DROOL: Is what you do when your persons have food and you
don't. To do this properly you must sit as close as you can and look sad
and let the drool fall to the floor, or better yet, on their laps. SNIFF: A social custom to use when you greet other dogs. Place
your nose as close as you can to the other dog's rear end and inhale
deeply, repeat several times, or until your person makes you stop. GARBAGE CAN: A container which your neighbors put out once a
week to test your ingenuity. You must stand on your hind legs and try to
push the lid off with your nose. If you do it right you are rewarded with
margarine wrappers to shred, beef bones to consume and moldy crusts of
bread. BICYCLES: Two-wheeled exercise machines, invented for dogs to
control body fat. To get maximum aerobic benefit, you must hide behind a
bush and dash out, bark loudly and run alongside for a few yards; the
person then swerves and falls into the bushes, and you prance away. DEAFNESS: This is a malady which affects dogs when their person
want them in and they want to stay out. Symptoms include staring blankly
at the person, then running in the opposite direction, or lying down.
THUNDER: This is a signal that the world is coming to an end.
Humans remain amazingly calm during thunderstorms, so it is necessary to
warn them of the danger by trembling uncontrollably, panting, rolling your
eyes wildly, and following at their heels. WASTEBASKET: This is a dog toy filled with paper, envelopes,
and old candy wrapper. When you get bored, turn over the basket and strew
the papers all over the house until your person comes home SOFAS: Are to dogs like napkins are to people. After eating it
is polite to run up and down the front of the sofa and wipe your whiskers
clean. BATH: This is a process by which the humans drench the floor,
walls and themselves. You can help by shaking vigorously and frequently.
LEAN: Every good dogs's response to the command "sit !",
especially if your person is dressed for an evening out. Incredibly
effective before black-tie events. BUMP: The best way to get your human's attention when they are
drinking a fresh cup of coffee or tea. GOOSE BUMP: A maneuver to use as a last resort when the Regular
Bump doesn't get the attention you require.....especially effective when
combined with The Sniff. See above. LOVE: Is a feeling of intense affection, given freely and
without restriction. The best way you can show your love is to wag your
tail. If you're lucky, a human will love you in return.
Hello: You have reached 123-4567, Tender Hearts Rescue. Due to the high Dog Haikus I love my master; Message from Max My name is Max and I have a little something I'd like
Rescuer's Poem God's Friend
‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS AT THE SHELTER
I looked at all the caged animals in the shelter...the cast-offs of
human society.
I saw in their eyes love and hope, fear and dread, sadness, and
betrayal. And I was angry.
"God," I said, "this is terrible! Why don't you do something?"
God was silent for a moment, and then spoke softly, "I have done
something," was the reply. "I created you."
How Could
You?
-
http://www.crean.com/jimwillis/hcy.html
Copyright © Jim Willis 2001, all rights reserved
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 housetraining 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, 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, especially their touch - because your touch was now so
infrequent - and I would have defended them with my life if need be.
I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret
dreams. 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 or cat, 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 goodbye
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, 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. 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 meant for her. It was
you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of. I will think of you and wait
for you forever.
May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty.
Can you...
1.Transport a dog?
2.Donate a dog bed or towels or other *bedding* type items?**
3.Donate MONEY?
4.Donate a Kong? A nylabone? Treats?
5.Donate a crate?
6.Donate an x-pen or baby gates?
7.Donate a food dish or a stainless bucket for a crate?
8.Donate a leash?
9.Donate a collar?
10.Donate some treats or a bag of food?
11.Donate a halti or a gentle leader?
12.Walk a dog?
13.Groom a dog?
14.Donate some grooming supplies (shampoos, combs, brushes, etc.)?
15.Go to the local shelter and see if that dog is the breed the shelter
says it is or go with rescue to be a second opinion on the dog?
16.Make a few phone calls?
17.Mail out applications to people who've requested them?
18.Provide local vet clinics with contact information for educational
materials on responsible pet ownership?
19.Drive a dog to and from vet appointments?
20.Donate long distance calling cards?
21.Donate the use of your scanner or digital camera?
22.Donate the use of a photocopier?
23.Attend public education days and try to educate people on responsible
pet ownership?
24.Donate a gift certificate to a pet store?
25.Donate a raffle item if your club is holding a fund raiser?
26.Donate flea stuff (Advantage, etc.)?
27.Donate heartworm pills?
28.Donate a canine first aid kit?
29.Provide a shoulder to cry on when the rescue person is overwhelmed?
30.Pay the boarding fees to board a dog for a week? Two weeks?
31.Be a foster partner in care and give the foster gifts or food for
the dog?
32.Clip coupons for dog food or treats?
33.Bake some homemade doggie biscuits?
34.Make book purchases through Amazon via a web site that contributes
commissions earned to a rescue group?
35.Host rescue photos with an information link on your website.?
36.Donate time to take good photos of foster dogs for adoption flyers,
etc.?
37.Conduct a home visit or accompany a rescue person on the home visit?
38.Go with rescue person to the vet to help if there is more than one dog?
39.Have a yard sale and donate the money to rescue?
40.Be volunteer to do rescue in your area?
41.Take advantage of a promotion on the web or store offering a free ID tag and
instead of getting it for your own dog, have the tag inscribed with a rescue's
name and phone # to contact?
42.Talk to all your friends about adopting and fostering rescue dogs?
43.Donate vet services or can you help by donating a spay or neuter each year or
some vaccinations?
44.Interview vets to encourage them to offer discounts to rescues?
45.Write a column for your local newspaper or club newsletter on dogs on dogs
currently looking for homes or ways to help rescue?
46.Take photos of dogs available for adoption for use by the rescue?
47.Maintain web sites listing/showing dogs available?
48.Help organize and run fundraising events?
49.Help maintain the paperwork files associated with each dog or enter the
information into a database?
50.Tattoo a rescued dog?
51.Microchip a rescued dog?
52.Loan your carpet steam cleaner to someone who has fostered a dog that was
sick or marked in the house?
53.Donate a bottle of bleach or other cleaning products?
54.Donate or loan a portable dog run to someone who doesn't have a quarantine
area for quarantining a dog that has an unknown vaccination history and has been
in a shelter?
55.Drive the fosters' children to an activity so that the foster can take the
dog to obedience class?
56.Use your video camera to film a rescue dog in action?
57.Pay the cost of taking a dog to obedience class?
58.Be the one to take the dog to its obedience class?
59.Go to the foster home once a week with your children and dogs to help
socialize the dog?
60.Help the foster clean up the yard (yes, we also have to scoop what those
foster dogs poop)
61.Offer to test the foster dog with cats?
62.Pay for the dog to be groomed or take the dog to a *Do It Yourself* Grooming
Place?
63.Bring the foster take out so the foster doesn't have to cook dinner?
64.Pay a house-cleaning service to do the spring cleaning for someone who
fosters dogs all the time?
65.Lend your artistic talents to your club's newsletter, fundraising ideas,
t-shirt designs?
66.Donate printer paper, envelopes and stamps to your club?
67.Go with a rescue person to the vet if a foster dog needs to be euthanized?
68.Go to local shelters and meet with shelter staff about how to identify your
breed or provide photos and breed information showing the different types of
that breed may come in and the different colour combinations?
69.Go to local businesses and solicit donations for a club's fundraising event?
70.Offer to try and help owners be better pet owners by holding a grooming
seminar?
71.Help pet owners be better pet owners by being available to
answer training questions?
72.Loan a crate if a dog needs to travel by air?
73.Put together an *Owner's Manual* for those who adopt rescued dogs of your
breed?
74.Provide post-adoption follow up or support?
75.Donate a coupon for a free car wash or gas or inside cleaning of a vehicle?
76.Pay for an ad in your local/metropolitan paper to help place rescue dogs?
77.Volunteer to screen calls for that ad?
78.Get some friends together to build/repair pens for a foster home?
79.Microchip your own pups if you are a breeder, and register the chips, so if
your dogs ever come into rescue, you can be contacted to take responsibility for
your pup?
80.Donate a small percentage of the sale of each pup to rescue if you are a
breeder?
81.Buy two of those really neat dog-items you "have to have"
and donate one to Rescue?
82.Make financial arrangements in your will to cover the cost of caring for your
dogs after you are gone - so Rescue won't have to?
83.Make a bequest in your will to your local or national Rescue?
84.Donate your professional services as an accountant or lawyer?
85.Donate other services if you run your own business?
86.Donate the use of a vehicle if you own a car dealership?
87.Loan your cell phone (and cover costs for any calls) to someone driving
a rescued dog?
88.Donate your *used* dog dryer when you get a new one?
89.Let rescue know when you'll be flying and that you'd be willing to be a
rescued dog's escort?
90.Do something not listed above to help rescue?
91.Donate a doggy seatbelt?
92.Donate a grid for a van or other vehicle?
93.Organize a rescued dog picnic or other event to reunite the rescued
dogs that have been placed?
94.Donate other types of doggy toys that might be safe for rescued dogs?
95.Donate a roll-a-treat or Buster cube?
96.Donate clickers or a video on clicker training?
97.Donate materials for a quarantine area at a foster's home?
98.Donate sheets of linoleum or other flooring materials to put under crates to
protect the foster's floor?
99.Donate an engraving tool to make ID tags for each of the rescued dogs?
100.Remember that rescuing a dog involves the effort and time of many people and
make yourself available on an emergency basis to do *whatever* is needed?
**gently-used dog equipment is always welcomed.
Dog trainer
on WREC
One of the most frustrating parts of writing a pet column is the phone
calls from people wanting me to find a home for their pets. They're
getting a divorce. They're moving in with someone who won't allow
pets. They are having a baby. They're tired of their pet. The
dog is barking too much. It can't be housebroken. The cat won't use
the litter box. Excuses, excuses, excuses.
The caller is sometimes sad about breaking the bond they have with their
pet. But, oh well. It has to go. They don't want to hear solutions
or suggestions. They don't want to spend $20 for a dog trainer. They
don't want to look for another place to live that will accept their
pet. They want to hurt the soon-to-be-ex-spouse.
They want a place to dump their pet that will help them feel a
little less creepy about their decision.
The first question they typically ask: Is there a rescue group I can give
my dog to? No. There isn't. There's not one rescue group calling around
asking for pets to take in. At least none are calling here. They're up to
their armpits in dogs and cats. Every spare penny of their paycheck goes
to take care of them. Any free time is spent caring for them. Dozens of
tireless, animal-loving volunteers work full-time jobs and then go home to
take care of a house full of foster pets. Their own animals get some
attention, too. They go to the shelter and try to save some of the cats
and dogs from the trauma of the noise and commotion or the sadness that
comes with being abandoned by an owner. Or they find strays on the street,
former pets roaming the neighborhoods looking for a friendly face to save
them.
These rescuers spend hundreds of their own money to rehabilitate
these animals and then keep them in their home for months searching
for a permanent home. Some people balk at spending $65 or more to adopt
one of these rescued animals. But the price doesn't touch what is
actually spent on the pets. It's just a figure that covers part of the
expense while giving the animal a monetary value. Some people treat things
they pay for better than things they get for free.
Here's the easiest way to never have to put yourself in the position
to find a home for your pet. Don't get one unless you are
absolutely committed to taking care of it for its entire life. It's
not an impulse purchase. It's not a possession that gets tossed out
in the divorce.
It's a deal breaker when you're looking for a place to live. It's
your responsibility, no matter what.
Don't kid yourself that the pet you dump at a shelter will find a home.
Remember, no one is looking for it. The shelter doesn't have to hold it
for three working days in hopes that an owner will retrieve it. If the
cages are full, which they typically are, chances are your pet, the one
that gave you unconditional love and companionship,
will be marched straight back to the euthanasia room. No second chance. No
better home. No owner to rescue it. Just an undeserved ending because
someone didn't think ahead before adopting it.
Part of being a responsible human being is acknowledging that you aren't
capable of being a responsible pet owner. There's no shame in admitting
that. Some people don't like pets. They don't want the responsibility or
expense of pet ownership. They don't want to make a 12-year commitment.
It's much better to find these things out before you adopt a pet than it
is to call me.
If you call me, here's what I'll tell you. Make up some cute fliers that
feature all your pet's good qualities. State whether the pet is
housebroken or not. Don't lie. You aren't doing your pet a favor by
misleading a new owner. Run an ad in the newspaper. Screen people. Ask
them why they want your pet. Do they have other pets? Do they have a
fenced backyard? Will the cat stay indoors? Charge an adoption fee of $30
or so. You can always waive it after you spend some time with the
potential owners. But the fee may weed out some unsavory people who only
want a noisemaker in their backyard.
If you have an ounce of decency, you will, at the very least, keep your
pet until you find it a good home. No matter how long it takes. It's the
least you can do for something that loves you unconditionally.
His eyes are blank and hard. He won't let me pet him and growls when I
reach for him. He has ragged scars and crusty sores on his skin. His
nails are long and his teeth which he showed me are stained. I sigh. I
drove two hours for this. I carefully maneuver him so that I can stuff
him in the crate. Then I heft the crate and put it in the car. I am
going home with my new foster dog.
At home I leave him in the crate till all the other dogs are in the
yard. I get him out of the crate and ask him if he wants 'outside.' As I
lead him to the door he hikes his leg on the wall and shows me his
stained teeth again. When we come in he goes to the crate because that's
the only safe place he sees. I offer him food but he won't eat it if I
look at him, so I turn my back. When I come back the food is gone. I ask
again about 'outside.' When we come back I pat him before I let him in
the crate, he jerks away and
runs into the crate to show me his teeth.
The next day I decide I can't stand the stink any longer I lead him into
the bath with cheese in my hand. His fear of me is not quite overcome by
his wish for the cheese. And well he should fear me, for I will give him
a bath. After an attempt or two to bail out he is defeated and stands
there. I have bathed four legged bath squirters for more dog years than
he has been alive. His only defense was a show of his stained teeth that
did not hold
up to a face full of water. As I wash him it is almost as if I wash not
only the stink and dirt away but also some of his hardness. His eyes
look full of sadness now. And he looks completely pitiful as only a soap
covered dog can. I tell him that he will feel better when he is cleaned.
After the soap the towels are not too bad so he lets me rub him dry. I
take him outside. He runs for joy. The joy of not being in the tub and
the joy of being clean. I, the bath giver, am allowed to share the joy.
He comes to me and lets me pet him.
One week later I have a vet bill. His skin is healing. He likes for me
to pet him. I think I know what color he will be when his hair grows in.
I have found out he is terrified of other dogs. So I carefully introduce
him to my mildest four legged brat. It doesn't go well.
Two weeks later a new vet bill for an infection that was missed on the
first visit. He plays with the other dogs.
Three weeks later he asks to be petted. He chewed up part of the rug.
Eight weeks later his coat
shines, he has gained weight. He shows his clean teeth when his tongue
lolls out after he plays chase in the yard with the gang. His eyes are
soft and filled with life. He loves hugs and likes to show off his
tricks, if you have the cheese.
Someone called today and asked about him, they saw the picture I took
the first week. They asked about his personality, his history, his
breed. They asked if he was pretty. I asked them lots of questions. I checked up on them. I prayed. I said yes. When they saw him
the first time they said he was the most beautiful dog they had ever
seen.
Six months later I got a call from his new family. He is wonderful,
smart, well behaved and very loving. How could someone not want him?
I told them I didn't know.
He is beautiful.
They all are.
Written by:
Martha O'Connor
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 chewed 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 had no 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?
By Sandi Thompson
volume of calls we have been receiving, please listen closely to the
following
options and choose the one that best describes you or your situation:
Press 1 if you think we are veterinarians and want free medical advice.
Press 2 if you know we are a rescue organization but want to save money
and
have us give you free, untrained medical advice anyway.
Press 3 if you make $200,000 a year but still want us to pay to spay the
"stray" in your yard (house).
Press 4 if you have a 10-year-old dog and your 15-year-old son has
suddenly
become allergic and you need to find the dog a new home right away.
Press 5 if you have three dogs, had a baby and want to get rid of your
dogs
because you are the only person in the world to have a baby and dogs at
the
same time.
Press 6 if your dog is sick and needs a vet but you need the money for
your
vacation.
Press 7 if you just got a brand new puppy and your old dog is having
problems adjusting so you want to get rid of the old one right away.
Press 8 if your little puppy has grown up and is no longer small and cute
and you want to trade it in for a new model.
Press 9 if you are elderly and want to adopt a cute puppy who is not
active
and is going to outlive you.
Press 10 if your relative has died and you don't want to care for their
elderly dog because it doesn't fit your lifestyle.
Press 11 if you are moving today and need to immediately place your 150
pound, 8-year-old dog.
Press 12 if you want an unpaid volunteer to come to your home today and
pick
up the dog you no longer want.
Press 13 if you have been feeding and caring for a "stray" for the last
three years, are moving and suddenly determine it's not your dog.
Press 14 if you are calling at 6 a.m. to make sure you wake me up before I
have to go to work so you can drop a dog off on your way to work.
Press 15 to leave us an anonymous garbled message, letting us know you
have
left a dog in our yard in the middle of January, which is in fact, better
than just leaving the dog with no message.
Press 16 if you are going to get angry because we are not going to take
your
dog that you have had for fifteen years, because it is not our
responsibility.
Press 17 if you are going to threaten to take your ten year old dog to be
euthanized because I won't take it.
Press 18 if you're going to get angry because the volunteers had the
audacity to go on vacation and leave the dogs in care of a trusted
volunteer
who is not authorized to take your personal pet.
Press 19 if you want one of our perfectly trained, housebroken, kid and
cat
friendly purebred tiny dogs that we have an abundance of.
Press 20 if you want us to take your dog that has a slight aggression
problem, i.e. has only bitten a few people and killed your neighbor's
cats.
Press 21 if you have already called once and been told we don't take
personal surrenders but thought you would get a different person this time
with a different answer.
Press 22 if you want us to use space that would go to a stray to board
your
personal dog while you are on vacation, free of charge, of course.
Press 23 if it is Christmas Eve or Easter morning and you want me to
deliver
an eight week old puppy to your house by 6:30 am before your kids wake up.
Press 24 if you have bought your children a duckling, chick or baby bunny
for Easter and it is now Christmas and no longer cute.
Press 25 if you want us to take your female dog who has already had ten
litters, but we can't spay her because she is pregnant again and it is
against your religion.
Press 26 if you're lying to make one of our younger volunteers feel bad
and
take your personal pet off your hands.
Press 27 if your two year old male dog is marking all over your house but
you just haven't gotten around to having him neutered.
Press 28 if you previously had an outdoor only dog and are calling because
she is suddenly pregnant.
Press 29 if you have done "everything" to housebreak your dog and have had
no success but you don't want to crate the dog because it is cruel.
Press 30 if you didn't listen to the message asking for an evening phone
number and you left your work number when all volunteers are also
working and you are angry because no one called you back.
Press 32 if you need a puppy immediately and cannot wait because today is
your daughter's birthday and you forgot when she was born.
Press 33 if your dog's coat doesn't match your new furniture and you need
a
different color or breed.
Press 34 if your new love doesn't like your dog and you are too stupid to
get rid of the new friend (who will dump you in the next month anyway)
instead
of the dog.
Press 35 if you went through all these 'presses' and didn't hear enough.
This press will connect you to the sounds of tears being shed by one of
our
volunteers who is holding a discarded old dog while the vet mercifully
frees
him from of the grief of missing his family.
Thus I perfume myself with
This long-rotten squirrel.
I sound the alarm!
Paperboy - come to kill us all -
Look! Look! Look! Look!
I lift my leg and
Anoint each bush. Hello, Spot -
Sniff this and weep.
I lie belly-up
In the sunshine, happier than
You will ever be.
Today I sniffed many
Doggie derrieres - and I celebrate
By kissing your face.
My human is home!
I am so ecstatic I
Have made a puddle.
Behold my choke chain -
Look, world, they strangle me!
Ack! Ack! Ack! Ack!
Sleeping here, my chin
On your foot -no greater bliss -
Well, maybe catching rats. . .
Dig under fence-why?
Because it's there. Because it's
There. Because it's there.
My owners' mood is
Romantic - I lie near their
Feet, expelling much gas.
How do I love thee?
The ways are numberless as
My hairs on the rug.
I am your best friend,
Now, always, and especially
When you are eating.
Look in my eyes and
Deny it. No human could
Love you so much.
to Whisper in your ear.
I know that you humans lead busy lives.
Some have to work,
Some have children to raise.
It always seems like you are running here and there,
often much to fast,
often never noticing the truly grand things in life.
Look down at me now while you sit there at your computer.
See the way my dark brown eyes look at yours?
They are slightly cloudy now.
That comes with age.
The gray hairs are beginning to ring my soft muzzle.
You smile at me; I see love in your eyes.
What do you see in mine?
Do you see a spirit,
a soul inside who loves you as no other could in the world?
A spirit that would forgive all trespasses of prior wrong doing
for just a simple moment of your time?
That is all I ask.
To slow down if even for a few minutes to be with me.
So many times you have been saddened by the words you read on that
screen,
of others of my kind, passing.
Sometimes we die young and oh so quickly,
sometimes so suddenly it wrenches your heart out of your throat.
Sometimes we age so slowly before your eyes that you do not even seem to
know,
until the very end,
When we look at you with grizzled muzzles and cataract clouded eyes.
Still the love is always there,
even when we take that long sleep,
to run free in distant lands.
I may not be here tomorrow,
I may not be here next week.
Someday you will shed the waters from your eyes,
that humans have when deep grief fills their souls,
and you will be angry at yourself that you did not have
just "One more day" with me.
Because I love you so,
your sorrow touches my spirit and grieves me.
We have now, together.
So come, sit down here next to me on the floor.
And look deep into my eyes.
What do you see?
If you look hard and deep enough we will talk,
you and I,
heart to heart.
Come to me not as "alpha" or as a "trainer"
or even a "Mom or Dad," come to me as a living soul
and stroke my fur and
let us look deep into one another's eyes, and talk.
I may tell you something
about the fun of chasing a tennis ball,
or I may tell you something profound
about myself, or even life in general.
You decided to have me in your life (I hope)
because you wanted a soul to share just such things with.
Someone very different from you, and here I am.
I am a dog, but I am alive.
I feel emotion, I feel physical senses,
and I can revel in the differences of our spirits and souls.
I do not think of you as a "Dog on two feet"
I know what you are.
You are human, in all your quirkiness, and I love you still.
Now, come sit with me, on the floor.
Enter my world, and let time slow down
if even for only 15 minutes.
Look deep in my eyes, and whisper into my ears.
Speak with your heart, with your joy
and I will know your true self.
We may not have tomorrow, and life is oh so very short.
Love,
Max (on behalf of all canines everywhere)
Now I lay me down to rest
I pray my soul can stand this test
Of watching critters lose their homes
While owners gripe and cry and moan
I long for strength of spirit and
I pray they'll find a home again
Where they will know a loving heart
I can't do much, but it's a start........
And spare me from the owners pleas
About the baby's allergies
Or how they're moving out of state
Or spitefulness 'tween the cat and mate
Please keep me sane while dealing with
The woman who bought as a gift
A wriggling tiny ball of fluff
That now is playing way to rough
Remind me I should bite my lip
When confronted with, "he grew to quick"
"I didn't know he'd get so large"
"He seems to think that he's in charge"
Protect my heart when I hear them say
"I think we'll breed our dog one day"
Sometimes I think it'll break in two
Each day brings trials harsh and new
And if I die before I wake
I pray a hopeless soul you'll take
My tears are gone, my faith is bare
Lord, please hear my rescue prayer.
~Author unknown~
When God had made the earth and sky
the flowers and the trees,
He then made all the animals
the fish, the birds and bees.
And when at last He'd finished
not one was quite the same.
He said, "I'll walk this world of mine
and give each one a name."
And so He traveled far and wide
and everywhere He went,
a little creature followed Him
until it's strength was spent.
When all were named upon the earth
and in the sky and sea,
the little creature said,
"Dear Lord,
there's not one left for me."
Kindly, the Father said to him,
"I've left you to the end.
I've turned my own name back to front
and called you dog, My friend."
Author Unknown
author unknown
'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the town,
every shelter is full - we are lost but not found.
Our numbers are hung on our kennels so bare,
we hope every minute that someone will care.
They'll come to adopt us and give us the call,
"come here, Max and Sparkie - come fetch your new ball!"
But now we sit here and think of the days.....
we were treated so fondly - we had baby ways.
Once we were little, then we grew and we grew ~
now we're no longer young, and we're no longer new.
So out the back door we were thrown like trash,
they reacted so quickly - why were they so rash?
We "jump on the children," "don't come when they call",
we "bark when they leave us," "climb over the wall."
We should have been neutered, we should have been spayed,
now we suffer the consequence of the error they made.
If only they'd trained us, if only we knew.....
we'd have done what they asked us and worshipped them too.
We were left in the back yard, or worse - left to roam....
now we're tired and lonely and out of a home.
They dropped us off here and they kissed us good-bye....
"Maybe someone else will give you a try."
So now here we are, all confused and alone........
in a shelter with others who long for a home.
The kind workers come through with a meal and a pat,
with so many to care for, they can't stay to chat.
They move to the next kennel, giving each of us cheer....
we know that they wonder how long we'll be here.
We lay down to sleep and sweet dreams fill our heads....
of a home filled with love and our own cozy beds.
Then we wake to see sad eyes, brimming with tears ~
our friends filled with emptiness, worry and fear.
If you can't adopt us and there's no room at your inn ~
could you help with the bills and fill our food bin?
We count on your kindness each day of the year ~
can you give more than hope to everyone here?
Please make a donation to pay for the heat......
and help us get something special to eat.
The shelter that cares for us wants us to live,
and more or us will, if more people give.
ONE BY ONE ...
One by One, they pass by 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 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 thru the grey, and the legs bent with age,
And felt 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 who will hear,
Of the person who made my last days so dear.
Leslie Whalen 2/01.
Rescue Me
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 sooth your spirit.
I will cherish you.
Rescue me not to be your pet but to be your friend.
I will give you unconditional love.
Author Unknown
Dog's Diary vs. Cat's Diary
EXCERPTS FROM A DOG'S DIARY
Day number 180
8:00 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
9:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
9:40 am - OH BOY! A WALK! MY FAVORITE!
10:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
11:30 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
12:00 noon - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
1:00 pm OH BOY! THE YARD! MY FAVORITE!
4:00 pm - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
5:00 PM - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
5:30 PM - OH BOY! MOM! MY FAVORITE!
Day number 181
8:00 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
9:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
9:40 am - OH BOY! A WALK! MY FAVORITE!
10:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
11:30 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
12:00 noon - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
1:00 pm OH BOY! THE YARD! MY FAVORITE!
4:00 pm - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
5:00 PM - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
5:30 PM - OH BOY! MOM! MY FAVORITE!
Day number 182
8:00 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
9:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
9:40 am - OH BOY! A WALK! MY FAVORITE!
10:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
11:30 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
12:00 noon - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
1:00 pm OH BOY! THE YARD! MY FAVORITE!
1:30 pm - ooooooo. bath. bummer.
4:00 pm - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
5:00 PM - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
5:30 PM - OH BOY! MOM! MY FAVORITE
EXCERPTS FROM A CAT'S DIARY
DAY 752 - My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while I am forced to eat dry cereal. The only thing that keeps me going is the hope of escape, and the mild satisfaction I get from ruining the occasional piece of furniture...Tomorrow I may eat another houseplant.
DAY 761 - Today my attempt to kill my captors by weaving around their feet while they were walking almost succeeded, must try this at the top of the stairs. In an attempt to disgust and repulse these vile oppressors,I once again induced myself to vomit on their favorite chair...must try this On their bed.
DAY 765 - Decapitated a mouse and brought them the headless body in attempt to make them aware of what I am capable of, and to try to strike fear into their hearts. They only cooed and condescended about what a good little cat I was... Not working according to plan.
DAY 768 - I am finally aware of how sadistic they are. For no good reason I was chosen for the water torture. This time however it included a burning foamy chemical called "shampoo." What sick minds could invent such a liquid. My only consolation is the piece of thumb still LODGED between my teeth.
DAY 771 - There was some sort of gathering of their accomplices. I was placed in solitary throughout the event, however, I could hear the noise and smell the foul odor of the glass tubes they call "beer." More importantly I overheard that my confinement was due to MY power of "allergies." Must learn what this is and how to use it to my advantage.
DAY 774 - I am convinced the other captives are flunkies and maybe snitches. The dog is routinely released and seems more than happy to return. He is obviously a half-wit. The bird on the other hand has got to be an informant, and he speaks with them regularly. I am certain he reports my activities. Due to his current placement in the metal room his safety is assured. But I can wait, it is only a matter of time...
-Author Unknown
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 nose prints 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 everyone 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 puts her head 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 life-style has changed. Things won't be the same. Yes, those dogs are addictive and so is the dog game!!
-Author unknown
THE TIME HAS
COME
If it should be that I grow frail and weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then, will you do what must be done,
For this, the last battle cannot be won.
You will be
sad, I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
What is to come, can hold no fears,
You would not want me to suffer so,
When the time comes, please let me go.
Take me to 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 can see.
It is a kindness you do for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has decided this thing to do,
We've been so close, we two, these years,
Don't let your heart hold any more tears.
(unknown author)
THE STRAY DOG
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 God and 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, hit me with stones,
While I run the streets, just looking for bones!
I'm not really bad, God, please help if you can,
For 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,
I won't chew their shoes, and I'll do as I should.
I will 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 Oh, so alone.
Each night as I sleep in the bushes I cry,
Cause I'm so afraid God, that I'm gonna die!
I've got so much love and devotion to give,
That I should be given a new chance to live.
So, dear God, please, please answer my prayer,
and send me somebody who will really care!
Author Unknown
The Show Dog Owner's Glossary ANGULATION: Degree to which dog handlers will bend over backwards to impress the judges. BALANCE: How to arrange the checkbook so your spouse won't know how much money you spent on dog shows last month. Usually done in the bathroom with the door locked. BITCH: a) Name for a female dog. b) Name often overheard at dog shows, not always to describe a female dog. COAT: The hairy covering of a dog that usually falls out about one week before the Specialty show. DAM: a) A female dog with children. b) Expression frequently overheard at dog shows as losers leave the ring. ELBOW: Method of getting to ringside when late. EXPRESSION: "Sweet" look adopted by dogs while staring ravenously at chunks of liver. FANCIER: Degree to which some gentlemen handlers dress more than others. FEATHERING: What winners are accused of doing to Judges' nests. FRONT: Part of the dog often stacked toward the outside of the ring. HEEL: a ) What you feel like when your dog beats the one you had just sold to an eager novice. b) Expression often screamed to attract the attention of deaf dogs. HEIGHT: As in "Maximum Allowed," a measurement which all champions fall under by AT LEAST 1/8 inch. HOCK: A way of financing your dog shows by the use of jewelry such as wedding rings. KENNEL: Where you go when the lads fight and your spouse yells at you. LITTER: Trash left all over the building and parking lot after a dog show. MASK: What to wear when you have to show the pet you sold six months ago. MUZZLE: What to put on your kids at a dog show to prevent them from calling your competition what they overheard you call him last night. NOSEPRINTS: Cute marks left all over your French doors. OUTCROSSING: What your spouse tells the minister you are doing out in the kennel with the dog and the bitch. POINTS: Minute, invisible awards for winning which you cannot convince your spouse are more important than cash prizes. PUPPIES: Small, dog-like food-processing machines with the ability to stink up an entire house and collectively deafen a band of magpies, (these creatures have not yet been perfected, as they come with a leaky system, and can also be dangerous to weak hearts and bank accounts).
Things I MUST remember as a dog: 1. The garbage collector is not stealing our stuff. 2. I do not need to suddenly stand straight up when I'm lying under the coffee table. 3. I will not roll my toys behind the fridge, behind the sofa or under the bed. 4. I must shake the rainwater out of my fur before entering the house. 5. I will not eat the cats' food, before they eat it or after they throw it up. 6. I will stop trying to find the few remaining pieces of clean carpet in the house when I am about to get sick. 7. I will not throw up in the car. 8. I will not roll on dead seagulls, fish, crabs, etc. just because I like the way they smell. 9. "Kitty box crunchies", although they are tasty, are not food. 10. I will not eat any more Kleenex or napkins and then redeposit them in the backyard after processing. 11. The diaper pail is not a cookie jar. 12. I will not chew my human's toothbrush and not tell them. 13. I will not chew crayons or pens, especially not the red ones, or my people will think I am hemorrhaging. 14. When in the car, I will not insist on having the window rolled down when it's raining outside. 15. We do not have a doorbell. I will not bark each time I hear one on TV. 16. I will not steal my mom's underwear and dance all over the backyard with it. 17. The sofa is not a face towel. Neither are mom & dad's laps. 18. My head does not belong in the refrigerator. 19. I will not bite the officer's hand when he reaches in for mom's driver's license and car registration. 20. I will not play tug-of-war with dad's underwear when he's on the toilet. 21. I will not eat mint flavored dental floss out of the bathroom garbage to avoid having a string hanging out of my butt. 22. I will not use "roll around in the dirt" as an option after just getting a bath. 23. Sticking my nose into someone's crotch is not an acceptable way of saying hello. 24. I will not hump on any person's leg just because I thought it was the right thing to do. 25. I will not fart in my owners face while sleeping on the pillow next to their head. 26. I will not come in from outside and immediately drag my butt across the carpet. 27. The toilet bowl is not a never ending water supply and, just because the water is blue, it doesn't mean it is cleaner. 28. I will not sit in the middle of the living room and lick my crotch when company is over. 29. Suddenly turning around and smelling my butt can quickly clear a room. 30. The cat is not a squeaky toy so when I play with him and he makes that noise, it's usually not a good thing.
I Want To Quit! Author: Joan C. Fremo Published on: May 16, 2001
I want to quit! My health is bad. There are days I feel so terrible that I can barely move. My phone bills are outrageous, and I could have replaced my van with the funds I have spent these last 3 years---on animals that were not my own. I want to quit! I spend hours and hours emailing about dogs. There may be 500 messages when I start---and at 4 AM, when I finally shut down the computer, there are still 500 emails to be read. I want to quit! Gosh, I haven't the time left to email my friends. I can't remember the last book I read, and I gave up my subscription to my local newspaper---I used to enjoy reading it, cover to cover, but now it often ends up in the bottom of the squirrel's cage---unread. I want to quit! I've spent days emailing what seems like everyone---trying to find a foster home, help for a dog languishing in a shelter---but his time has run out, and the shelter has had to euthanized to make room for the next sad soul. I want to quit! I swear, I walk away from my computer to stretch my legs---let the dogs out---and come back to find another dog in desperate need. There are times I really dread checking my email. How will I find the funds, the help, to save yet another dog? I want to quit! I save one dog, and two more take its place. Now an owner who doesn't want his dog---it won't stay in his unfenced yard. An intact male wanders... This bitch got pregnant by a stray... This 3-month-old pup killed baby chicks... The dog got too big... This person's moving and needs to give up his pet. I ask you, friends---what town, what city, what state doesn't allow you to own a pet? I want to quit! I just received another picture, another sad soul with tormented eyes that peer out of a malnourished body. I hear whimpering in my sleep, have nightmares for days... I want to quit! Many of the "Breed People" don't seem to want to hear about these dogs. Breeders either don't realize, or just don't care, how many dogs of their breed are dying in shelters. I want to quit! I just got off the phone. "Are you Pyr Rescue? We want to adopt a male to breed to our female." How many times do I have to explain? I have tried to explain about genetics, about health and pedigrees. I explain that rescue NEUTERS! I usually end up sobbing, as I explain about the vast numbers of animals dying in shelters across the country, as I describe the condition many of these animals are found in. I wonder if they really heard me... I want to quit! It is not like I don't have enough rescues of my own to worry about---but others have placed dogs improperly and aren't there to advise the new owners. I want to quit! There ARE some unscrupulous rescues out there---hoarders, collectors, and folks who will short change the care of the animals to make a dollar. The save them all, regardless of temperament, putting fellow rescuer's and adopters at risk but not being truthful. I want to quit! I have trusted the wrong people--- had faith and heart broken... I want to quit! AND THEN... My dog, Magnus, lays his head in my lap, he comforts me with his gentle presence---and the thought of his cousins suffering stirs my heart. I want to quit! AND THEN... One of those 500 emails is from an adopter. They are thanking me for the most wonderful dog on earth---they cannot imagine life with out their friend---their life is changed, and they are so grateful. I want to quit! AND THEN... One of my adopted Rescues has visited a nursing home. A patient that has spent the last few years unable to communicate, not connecting---Lifts his hand to pat the huge head in his lap, softly speaks his first words in ages--- to this gentle furchild. I want to quit! AND THEN... A Good Samaritan has found and vetted a lost baby, "I can't keep him, but I'll take care of him until you find his forever home." I want to quit! AND THEN... "Jamie took his first steps holding on to our Pyr." "Joan, you should see this dog nursing this hurt kitten!" "I was so sick, Joan, and he never left my side..." I want to quit! AND THEN... I get an email from a fellow rescuer, "Haven't heard from you in a while---you OK? You know I think of you..." I want to quit! AND THEN... A dozen rescuers step up to help, to transport, to pull, and to offer encouragement. I have friends I have never seen, but we share tears, joys, and everything in between. I am not alone. I am blest with family of the heart, my fellow Rescuers. Just days ago it was a friend who shared her wit and wisdom, whose late night email lifted my heart. Sometimes it is friends who only have time to forward you a smile. Often, it is my friends who forward me the notices of dogs in need. There are Rescuers who see a failing transport and do everything they can to find folks to pull it together for you. Rescuers who'll overnight or foster your Dog while you seek transport. There are Rescuers not used to or comfortable with your breed, but who put aside their discomfort to help. There are Rescuers whose words play the music of our hearts. Foster homes that love your Rescue, and help to make them whole again---body and spirit. Foster homes that fit your baby in, though it may not be their breed. Rescuers whose talents and determination give us tools to help us. Rescuers we call on for help in a thousand ways, who answer us, who hear our pleas. Rescuers who are our family, our strength, our comrades in battle. I know I cannot save every Pyr in need. I know my efforts are a mere drop in a sea. I know that if I take on just one more---those I have will suffer. I want to quit! But I won't. When I feel overwhelmed, I'll stroke my Magnus's head while reading my fellow Rescuers emails. I'll cry with them, I'll laugh with them---and they will help me find the strength to go on. I want to quit! But not today. There's another email, another dog needing Rescue.
This piece is dedicated, with love and gratitude, to all my fellow Rescuers