Rainbow Bridge

It's been 4 years today since I left my mom to cross the Rainbow Bridge. I miss her every day and I know she still misses me. I'm happy that she has my two sisters Lola and Suzie Q to comfort her when she misses me, and now when she misses my sister BG, who joined me here at the bridge on March 30, 2010. Don't worry mom, I'm happy and healthy and I"m taking care of BG, showing her around and introducing her to many new friends. She's now young and healthy again too. I know she misses grandma and grandpa very much and you can tell them that we are together and we are waiting till the day all of you join us!

Love you mom!
Lady and BG

Christmas at the shelter

CHRISTMAS AT THE SHELTER
author unknown

'Tis 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 cute, 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 the 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 errors THEY made.

If only they'd trained us, if only we knew...
we'd have done what they asked us and worshiped them too.
We were left in the backyard, 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 the 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 get us something special to eat.
The shelter that cares for us wants us to live,
and more of us will, if more people will give.

How could you?

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 belly rub.
My housebreaking 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 and 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 and their touch-because your touch was now so infrequent-and I would´ve defended them with my life if need be. I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams, and 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, 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 good-bye 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 and 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. 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.

A DOG IS FOR LIFE - NOT JUST FOR CHRISTMAS!

I wish a lot of people with pets could understand this pome, and not let this happen to dogs all over the world! And know that a dog or cat is a life long comitment, not just a gift on christmas, that in a week or a couple of months, you get rid of. Just because he is eating your shoes, not making in out side to do his thing, or barking , or meowing two much! You have to love and care for a pet, and help teach us what you want us to do, and how to act. Puppies and Kittens, need your help while they grow up to become a member of your familey, just like you would help your child learn!

A DOG IS FOR LIFE - NOT JUST FOR CHRISTMAS!
Twas the nite before Xmas 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 all snug in their beds
With No thought of the dog filling their head
And mamma 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 Clause with eyes full of tears

He unchained the dog once so lively and quick
Last years Xmas present now painfully sick
More rapid than eagles he called the dogs 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

Creating a Sucker: A How to Guide for Petting

This was written by Athena, Dogster ID 639019

Creating a Sucker: A How to Guide for Petting

They say a sucker is born everyday. Well, in my case I don’t wait for them to come around, I make them. Here are a few tips on how to make that human a sucker for you.

The main factor in making any human a sucker is cuteness. All dogs have it. Some dogs have adorable faces, good temperaments, or impeccable breeding; others have to rely on fun expressions or being so ugly they’re cute. Whatever your cuteness level is, remember this: all dogs are cute. So embrace this, it will be your best tool in getting your way.

When I feel that I want to be pet, there are a few different techniques that work for me. I like to start out with the “Oh, but I’m so shy!” technique, followed by the “Pet me, pet me, pet me” technique, and finally the “I’ll just do it myself” technique.

How to do: “Oh, but I’m so shy”
This is the easiest of my preferred techniques. Just stare at the human you want to dupe, go in to investigate, then run away. Don’t act scared, just shy. Speak with your eyes, as if you were saying “I want to come over there, but I’m not sure if I should.” Let the human make the first move. After they say a genuine “come here pretty girl” or pat their leg, jump into their arms as if you are the happiest dog in the world. You want to make the human feel like they were the one that tricked you to come over. It is a good technique but remember not to use it multiple times on the same human.
CAUTION: Don’t try on young children or cranky pants people; you will fail

How to do: “Pet me, pet me, pet me”
This one easily gets me the most pats, rubs and scratches. It can be used directly after “Oh, but I’m so shy” or on a human you have already played. Work up all the enthusiasm that you have, and jump into your human’s arms. Let them pet you as much as they want. What do you do if they stop? Slap them with your paw. This will point out the fact that they had taken their focus off of you for a moment, and that they should begin to pet you again. Make cute and funny sounds, something like a half bark, half growl. Feeling frisky? Go in for a kiss if you feel comfortable. The point is to sell yourself, without over selling.
CAUTION: Don’t try on manly men; they feel it threatens their masculinity

How to do: “I’ll just do it myself”
Is your human not paying attention to you? The best way to get their attention (if barking, wining, and slapping doesn’t work) is to pet yourself. Now, inexperienced dogs trying to do this normally think to roll onto their backs and wiggle around. While this is a good way to get a chuckle out of the humans, it is not how you master this technique. The “proper” way is to place your hind end just below the cushion of the couch or chair they are sitting on. Energetically lift your rump up and down, all the while making funny sounds. Look back at them, as if to say “I have an itch, but I can’t reach it!” The human will laugh, think you're funny, but then will place his or her hand on your rump to scratch. This technique will work every time if applied correctly.
CAUTION: For experienced dogs only

There are hundreds of different techniques that work, so if you don’t like mine… figure some out for yourself. Good luck making a sucker!

I've got a boyfriend!

I'm so excited! I now have an angel boyfriend! :-) His name is Shopsy and he's so cute {blush} ! He's such a sweet boy! I can't wait to spend more time with him at the Rainbow Bridge. If you want to see how cute he is, visit his page. :-)

http://www.dogster.com/dogs/508028

Angel kisses!
Lady

It's been one year

My swee Ladybaby, it's been one year today since you had to leave me to cross the Rainbow Bridge. I still miss you terribly, but it is getting easier. At least I know that you will never have endure another eye, ear or skin infection, and that you never have to take meds again for your hypothyroid. Now you are young again and will always be strong and healthy like you always should have been.

I know that you have forgiven me for adopting Lola, as you know that she will never replace you. She and I are getting ready to move into our own house and your picture will be put up in a place of honor where everyone can see how beautiful you were and how much I loved you and still do!

I hope you're happy across the Rainbow Bridge and that you have found Mitzi, Tramp, Denali, Patches, Precious and Lightening, and that you are all together, taking care of each other while you wait for me to join you. I love you Ladybaby and always will!

Still missing you

Hi Ladybaby! I still miss you terribly. I have a picture of the two of us together, hanging in my bedroom where I can see it all the time, as well as a picture of you on my desk at work. I miss you so much that at times my heart just hurts. There are times that I just sit and cry, wishing that you were still with me. I know you didn't like to be cuddled, but I do miss rubbing your soft belly. That was also so comforting to me, and I know how much you enjoyed it!

It's still hard for me to believe you are gone and that it's been over six months since you crossed the Rainbow Bridge. I do hope you are happy there and are having fun playing with Lightening, Denali, Precious, Patches, Tramp and Mitzi. Those are your brothers and sisters who crossed before you. I just know they were all waiting to welcome you.

I do hope you have forgiven me for brining another puppy home. There is no way she will ever replace you in my heart, even though I do love her very much. She is a very sweet baby and I really think you would have loved her too! She and BG play all the time and get along very well; although there are times when she gets a little too playful and BG has to put her in her place! :-)

Please know that I will ALWAYS love and miss you. I can't wait to see you again one day and shower you with kisses! I love you my precious Ladybaby!

New Puppy

My sweet Ladybaby:

For the last month and a half, I have put off telling you that I have adopted a new puppy. Please don't think that I was trying to replace you, as there will never be another you, and no other dog will ever fill the special place you hold in my heart. I loved you from the first minute I laid eyes on you and will love you for the rest of my life.

I did miss the companionship I had with you however, and when I found this sweet little dog that needed a new home and a new mom, I didn't think you would mind if I adopted her. She's your new little sister and her name is Lola. She and BG get along really great, and they play just like the two of you used to. I know BG really misses you too, but she's enjoying the companionship with Lola.

Don't ever forget my sweet Ladybaby, that momma loves and will miss you forever.

My Tail of Devotion for Lady - In loving memory

This is a special Tail of Devotion

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