I was born today. One of 10. My daddy was very famous. I have lots of half brothers and sisters. My mother is very famous. Since she got famous, she only has puppies. No more loving hands, no more fun trips.. just puppies. She is always sad when they leave her.

I left home today. I didn't want to go, so I hid behind my mamma and my three littermates that were left. I didn't like you. But one day they said I would be famous. I wonder, is famous the same as fun and good times? So you picked me up and carried me away, even though you were concerned about me hiding from you. I don't think you liked me.

My new home is far away. I am scared and afraid. My heart says BE BRAVE. My ancestors were. Did they go to good homes like mine? I'm hungry because I can't eat too much because it will be bad for my bones. I can't bite or snap when the children are mean to me. I just run and play and pretend I am in a big green field with butterflies and robins and frogs. I can't understand why they kick me. I am quiet, but the man hits and says loud things. The lady doesn't feed me good things like I had with my mother. She just throws dry food on the ground, then goes away before I can get too close for touching and petting. Sometimes my food smells bad but I eat it anyway.

Today I had 10 puppies, They are so wonderful and warm. Am I famous now? I wish I could play with them, but they are so tiny. I am so young and playful that it is hard to lay here in this hole under the house nursing my puppies... They are crying now. I am so hungry. I scratch and worry my fur. I wish someone would throw me some food. I am so very thirsty. I now have eight. Two got cold during the night and I couldn't make them warm again. They are gone. We are all so very weak. Maybe if I take them on the porch, we can get some food.

Today they took us away. It was too much trouble to feed us and someone came to take us away. Someone grabbed my puppies, they were cryin and whimpering. We were put in a truck with boxes in it. Are my babies famous now? I hope so, because I miss them. They are gone.

The place smelled of urine, fear and sickness. Why was I here? I was beautiful, like my ancestors. Now I am hungry, dirty, in pain and unwanted. Maybe the worst is unwanted. No one came though I tried to be good.

Today someone came. They put a rope on my neck and led me to a room that was very clean and had a shiny table. They put me on the table. Someone held me and hugged me. It felt so good!!! Then I felt tired and laid over the last one who cared. I AM FAMOUS NOW. Today someone cared.

The little dog arrived at the Rainbow Bridge, and a pack of dogs rushed up to greet him. He braced himself, expecting a fight, but this was the first pack that wagged their tails and kissed him instead of attacking him.

It was beautiful here, and everyone was nice to him. None of them had been born in a puppy mill, like he had, and used for dog-bait fighting and left to die in a shelter because he was a mix-breed battle-scarred cur and wasn't cute. They explained why they were waiting for their humans who loved them. "What is love?" he asked, and God let him go back to earth and find out.

Warm, and dark, he squeezed in with the others and waited for the day to be born. Scared, he held back as long as he could, but finally got dragged out, by his hind feet. Hands without fur held him gently and rubbed him dry and opened his mouth and guided him to a warm nipple with milk. He didn't get a good hold on it, because one of his big fat brothers pushed him aside. The human hand moved the other puppy to another nipple and held his body, so he could drink.

"Ahhh, that's better, " he thought, and drank until his jaws got tired and he curled up to sleep next to his warm hairy mother. "I remember this," he mused... "Too bad I'll have to grow up to be hit, left out in the cold and rain, and used for dog-bait fighting, and die as an unclaimed rescue dog. I remember what it's like, being a dog." he thought sadly.

That night, he crawled up to his mother and tried to nurse, but he kept getting pushed off to the side. When they were full, the big brothers and sisters got their bottoms cleaned and he finally latched on to a nipple, but the human hands weren't there to hold him up, and there wasn't any milk in any of the nipples, anyway. He was weak and so tiny. It was even hard to stay upright, and he fell over on his back and couldn't right himself. So he began to cry, and suddenly the human hands were there, holding him up and putting a rubber thing in his mouth. It didn't taste or feel like mother, but it was warm and made the ache in his tummy go away. He was having trouble breathing as his lungs weren't fully developed, because he had waited too long to join the others in the womb, as he took one last romp at the Rainbow Bridge. He could feel the heartbeat of the human, who had laid him on her chest and covered him with a soft cloth, keeping him warm, and soothing his bony body with gentle circling touches. He kept thinking of his new friends who had been so nice to him at the bridge and asked God if he could go back. God said, "Yes, but not just yet. You wanted to experience Love."

So for several hours (seemed like days but it was dark and he couldn't tell what time it was), the human supplemented his feeding and let him experience the warmth of his mother's body and tongue, and the pile of warm soft littermates. He got weaker, and the human held him more often, leaving the littermates to sleep in a pile while he got caressed, kissed, and got to listen to the heartbeat which was strong and loving. Finally God came back and asked, "are you ready to come back to the Rainbow Bridge?"

"Yes, he responded," with a little sorrow, because the human didn't want to let him go, and was crying. He pushed the air out of his lungs and floated back to the Rainbow Bridge and looked back at the human, who was still crying and holding the limp body that he had borrowed for his trip.

"Thank you, God," he said. "Love is beautiful, and I will wait near the Bridge and let the human know, when she arrives, that I loved her, too."

DOGAHOLICS ANONYMOUS

Good Afternoon. I AM a dogaholic. I would like to welcome all of you to this month's meeting of "Dogaholics Anonymous." Some of you are here tonight because a friend or relative brought you here. You may be sitting here thinking that you are OK and that you really don't need any help. It is not easy to admit that you are a dogaholic, and it is even harder to bring yourself to a DA meeting for help. DA is here to assist you. I have some questions to ask. If you answer YES to more than three of the following, you have come to the right place:

Can you say "Bitch" in public without blushing?

Do you drive a station wagon, van or 4x4 when everyone else drives a real car?

Do you have more than one car? One for you and one for the dogs?

Do you spend your vacations and holidays going to shows, specialties and seminars when everyone else goes on a cruise?

If you do go overseas, is it to London in March to attend Crufts? [or Finland in June to attend the World Dog Show?]

Do you discuss things at the dinner table that would make most doctors leave in disgust?

Do you consider formal wear to be clean jeans and freshly washed tennis shoes?

Is your interior decorator R.C. Steele?

Was your furniture and carpeting chosen to match your dogs?

Are your end tables really dog crates with tablecloths thrown over them?

Do you know the meaning of CD, CDX, UD, CGC, HIT, WC, JH, MH, CH, BIS, AD, AX, TD, TDX and OTCH?

Is your mail primarily dog catalogs, dog magazines and premium lists?

Do you get up before dawn to go to Training Classes, Dog Shows, Seminars? [but have trouble getting up for "work?"]

If you do have dresses, do they all have pockets?

Do those pockets often contain freeze dried liver, Rollover or squeaky toys?

When you meet a new person do you always ask them what kind of dog they have and pity them if they don't have one?

Do you remember the name of their dog sooner than you remember their name?

Do you find non-dog people boring?

If you answered YES to one of the above, there is still hope. If you answered YES to two, you are in serious trouble. If you answered YES to three or more, you have come to the right place.

My advice to all of you with three or more YES's is to sit back and smile, turn to the smiling person next to you, and know that your life will always be filled with good friends and good dogs and it will never be boring.

~author unknown~







ALONE AGAIN

I wish that someone would tell me what it is that I've done wrong. Why I have to stay chained up and left alone so long.

They seemed so glad to have me when I came here as a pup. There were so many things we'd do while I was growing up.

They couldn't wait to train me as a companion and a friend. And told me how they'd never fear being left alone again.

The children said they'd feed me and brush me every day. They'd play with me and walk me If I could only stay.

But now the family "hasn't time", they often say I shed. They do not want me in the house, not even to be fed.

The children never walk me. They always say "not now"! I wish that I could please them. Won't someone tell me how??

All I had, you see, was LOVE. I wish they would explain why they said they wanted me, Then left me on a CHAIN??

~ Author Unknown ~



A DOG'S PRAYER

Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me. Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.

When it is cold and wet, please take me inside...for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements... and I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth... though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land... for you are my god... and I am your devoted worshiper.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger.

And, beloved master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest... and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.

~ by Beth Norman Harris ~





THINGS WE CAN LEARN FROM DOGS

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

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

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

When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.

Let others know when they've invaded your territory.

Take naps and stretch before rising.

Run, romp and play daily.

Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you've had enough.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you're not.

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

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree.

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout...run right back and make friends.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

~ Author Unknown ~



THE RAINBOW BRIDGE

Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing: they each miss someone very special, someone who was left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly, he breaks from the group, flying over the green grass, faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again.

The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into those trusting eyes, so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart. Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together...

~ Author Unknown ~







DO I GO HOME TODAY?

My family brought me home all 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, they 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 things I'll never forget, a cherished memory. For now I live in a 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 chewing the bathroom 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, and tried.

The walks stopped, one by one; they said they hadn't time. I wish that I could change things, I wish I knew my crime.

My life became so lonely, in the backyard on a chain. I barked and barked all day long, to keep from going insane.

So they brought me to the shelter, but were embarrassed to say why. They said I caused an allergy, and each kissed me good-bye.

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 a second chance? Do I go home today?

~ Author Unknown ~







PIT BULLS DON'T CRY

I see the children in the lane

They look like friends, we'll have a game

They'll throw it for me and I'll run

But someone stops me,

I wonder why

Their mother screams

"Don't go near those

Horrid dogs, come here, come close,

They're dangerous--I'll tell you why

They bite little children and they die

All I can do is watch and sigh

Cause now I know that Pit Bulls don't cry.

Mum cuddles me up and says "My pet

We love you dearly so don't you fret"

But I love everyone out there

Why can't they love me, I do care

I wish they weren't made to pass me by

I'm a Pit Bull, I don't cry. I sit behind my padlocked gate

From early morn til quite late

When I go out, it's on a lead

Is mine the only heart to bleed

I'm held in check as the world goes by

I wish the Pit Bulls hearts could cry. There are some dogs, and also men

Who cannot tell a foe from a friend

So all of us must bear the blame

Expected to live a life of shame

Condemned, alas and we know not why

All we know is we will not cry!

~Author Unknown~







LEND ME A PUP

I will lend to you for awhile a puppy, God said,

For you to love him while he lives

and to mourn for him when he is gone.

Maybe for twelve or fourteen years,

Or maybe for months of only two or three

But will you, till I call him back,

Take care of him for me?

He'll bring his charms to gladden you

And (should his stay be brief)

you'll always have his memories

as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise that he will stay,

since all from earth return,

But there are lessons taught below

I want this pup to learn.

I've looked the whole world over

in search of teachers true

And from the folk that crowd life's land

I have chosen you.

Now will you give him all your love

Nor think the labour vain

Nor hate me when I come to take my pup back again?

I fancied that I heard them say

"Dear Lord Thy Will Be Done,"

For all the joys this pup will bring,

the risk of grief you'll run.

Will you shelter him with tenderness,

Will you love him while you may,

And for the happiness you'll know

forever grateful stay?

But should I call him back

much sooner than you've planned

Please brave the bitter grief that comes

and try to understand.

If, by your love, you've managed

my wishes to achieve,

In memory of him that you've loved,

cherish every moment with your faithful bundle,

and know he loved you too.

~ Author unknown ~



When I got My New Dog

I asked for strength that I might rear him perfectly;

I was given weakness that I might feed him more treats.

I asked for good health that I might rest easy;

I was given a "special needs" dog that I might know nurturing.

I asked for an obedient dog that I might feel proud;

I was given stubbornness that I might feel humble.

I asked for compliance that I might feel masterful;

I was given a clown that I might laugh.

I asked for a companion that I might not feel lonely;

I was given a best friend that I would feel loved.

I got nothing I asked for,

But everything that I needed.

~ Author unknown ~

Dear Lord:

Please watch over our humans, they are so weak. They have no claws or teeth, they can't run fast or fly away, neither can they burrow or build a nest in which to be safe. They smell bad, do strange things that aren't altogether intelligent, have no real ability to communicate with us, although we are able to figure out what they want.

Lord, grant US the ability to watch over our humans, care for them, cheer them when they are down, make them laugh, smile, and shower them with our love. We pray that we can bring a little joy into their otherwise mundane existence... Lord...please let them know that when we insist on getting attention, it is so we can check their emotional well being and boost their morale. When we pester them for different foods, toys, etc., its so they will learn to see us in ways they hadn't considered, bringing them closer and back into the fold ... which they are part of but keep forgetting about.

They expect us to know what they want even though sometimes they don't know what we want. Some of them really try and we know they love us but some of them are so dumb yet our love for them remains intensely faltering.

Lord, when we die, please make sure to send us ahead to where ever our humans are going to be, so we can pave the way for them, vouch for them and be there for them when they too die......please allow us to continue proving the humans are worth the effort. You placed these humans in dominion over us, but you charged us with the task of caring for them, SHOWING them your love every day, through us.

God bless these mere mortal humans, they know not that we are their guardian angels sent in love to task them so that they may grow to be part of your plan. You and Us God ... we'll bring them back into the fold ... you and us.

~ Author Unknown ~



WHEN I AM GONE

When I am gone; release me let me go.

I have so many things to see and do.

You musnt tie yourself to me with tears;

Be happy that we had so many years.

I gave you my love. You can only guess

How much you gave me in happiness.

I thank you for the love you each have shown,

But now it's time I traveled on alone.

So grieve awhile for me, if grieve you must.

Then let your grief be comforted by trust.

It's only for awhile that we must part;

So bless the memories that lie within your heart.

I won't be far away, for life goes on.

So if you need me, call and I will come.

Though you can't see me or touch me, I'll be near.

And if you listen with your heart you'll hear;

All of my love around you soft and clear.

And then when you must come this way alone . . .

I'll greet you with a smile and a "Welcome Home"!

~ Author Unknown ~







A Cry From A Lonely Dog

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

Why I've had to stay chained up and left alone so long

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

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

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

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

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

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

But now the family "hasn't time"; they often say I shed.

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

The children never walk me. They always say, "Not now!

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

All I had, you see, was love. I wish they would explain.

Why they said they wanted me, then left me on a chain.

~ Author Unknown ~



A Dogs Soul

Every dog must have a soul

Somewhere deep inside

Where all his hurts and grievances

Are buried with hispride.

Where he decides the good and bad,

The wrong way from the right,

And where his judgement carefully

Is hidden from our sight.

A dog must have a secret place

Where every thought abides,

A sort of close acquaintance that

He trusts in and confides.

And when accused unjustly for

Himself, He cannot speak,

Rebuked, He finds within his soul

The comfort he must seek.

He'll love, tho'he is unloved,

And he'll serve tho'badly used,

And one kind word will wipe away

The times when he's abused.

Altho' his heart may break in two

His love will still be whole,

Because God gave to every dog

An understanding Soul!

~ Author Unknown ~

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