A DOGS PRAYER

It’s been too long I cannot wait, wait
Can’t hold me back gonna make it on my own some day
I will go into my dreams and fly away
I will go into my dreams and fly away

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 to live as a stray.
But now God I’m tired and hungry and cold
And I’m so afraid that I’ll never grow old
They’ve chased me with sticks and hit me with stones
While I run the streets just looking for bones!
I’m not really bad God, please help if you can
For I have become just a “victim of man!”

It’s been too long I cannot wait, wait
Can’t hold me back gonna make it on my own some day
I will go into my dreams and fly away
I will go into my dreams and fly away.

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
It’s all I’m really asking on this very day
Cause it’s been too long and I just can’t wait

It’s been too long I cannot wait,
can’t hold me back gonna make it on my own some day,
I will go into my dreams and fly away,
I will go into my dreams and fly away

This was posted in "For the Love of Dog Blog" thank you Deanna

This and that :)))))))

You know that you have been in rescue too long when:

Your chatroom handle is “Queen of Spayeds.”

You and your vet are on a first name basis and he genuflects when you enter the waiting room. His daughter at Harvard refers to you as “Auntie.”

You needed a prescription to recover from “Old Yeller.”

You’ve forwarded more warnings about the dangers of chocolate, onions and mistletoe than the National Center for Disease Control has issued about anthrax and smallpox.

You wear white year ’round, not because you are flaunting a fashion law or belong to a religious sect but because it is BLEACHABLE.

By the time you investigate different flea control products, their advantages and potential risks,natural versus chemical methods, and study the life cycle of the flea, any fleas have died of old age.

You tell your children to “heel!” in a grocery store.

For relaxation, you went mall hopping with your girlfriends. Your eyes glazed over when you saw a sign in front of a pet shop, “20% Off All Puppies & Kittens,” and you slapped three security guards before they got you safely contained in the manager’s office.

People are still talking about your spay-neuter holiday greeting from last year, “Deck the Halls with Balls of Collies.

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This was obtained from "For the Love of Dog" website- thank you Deanna

Reflections

Feeling a bit melancholy today, I sat down and, looked deeply into the eyes of my beloved furbaby. What I saw reflected there was almost magical.

I thought that for New Year's Eve I'd write a small editorial to share that wonderful, positive experience with all of you.

I see in her such a wisdom that far outweighs anything a human might have; because she is unencumbered by all of the games that humans play. Her life is so pure and simple, and yet complex in her own way..

She has no need to play mind games with anyone. The emotions animals feel are straight and true; the devotion given without question or cost. How blessed are we humans who have had rare and precious opportunity to be loved by an animal?

What I saw reflected back at me was the purest and most unconditional love. She adores me for myself; for the raw person deep inside. Not the makeup that covers the flaws on my face, or the clothes that try to express who I am.
She sees who I am; the naked and unadorned human being
and sees straight through to my heart; the heart that feels that special love that only comes from the purest of places. I'm so proud of her- she is everything that we humans are not and for that
alone-she deserves unconditional love.

Seniors have so much love to give (in honor of Tessa)

One by one, they pass my cage,
Too old, too worn, too broken, no way.
Way past his time, he can’t run and play.
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,
Those 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 the 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 angel who made my last days so dear.

Hospice Guidelines For You and Your Companion Animal (from- your fur friend's perspective)

To my beloved people:

1. Always be present and in the moment with me. Your presence is everything. Listen to me with your heart as we write the final chapters of my life.
2. I have a right for compassionate, considerate and respectful care. Choose for me a veterinarian who will honor me physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
3. Keep me free from pain and symptoms so that I may enjoy my day and my precious time I have left with you. Seek to understand the different types of pain I may have. Look for enthusiasm in my eyes as a gauge. Celebrate my life with me until the very end.
4. Keep me well nourished. Offer me my favorite foods to encourage me to eat...but honor my decision if I choose not to eat.
5. Keep me well hydrated.
6. Keep me warm and comfortable. My favorite bed or blanket gives me security and makes me feel safe.
7. Let me stay active and continue to be part of my family I love so dearly. I still want to go for car rides and walks. I still love to snuggle with you. Please keep "fun" in our day.
8. Touch me. Your loving hands have fed me, played with me, comforted me, and now give me strength. Stay just a little longer as you scratch my ear.
9. Give me permission to leave...I need to hear those words from you. Support me as I take my final breath.
10. If there comes a time when you know that I am suffering, please let me go. I trust that you will always make the right decision. Be with me; I want you to be my final vision.
11. As there has been great joy in our life together now let there be joy in my passing. Cherish and be thankful for our happy moments together. Promise to keep my memory alive in you.

The Reason-

I would've died that day if not for you.
I would've given up on life if not for your kind eyes.
I would've used my teeth in fear if not for your gentle hands.
I would have left this life believing that all humans don't care.
Believing there is no such thing as fur that isn't matted, skin that isn't flea bitten,
good food and enough of it, beds to sleep on, someone to love me, to show me I deserve love, just because I exist.
Your kind eyes, your loving smile, your gentle hands
Your big heart saved me...
You saved me from the terror of the pound,
Soothing away the memories of my old life.
You have taught me what it means to be loved.
I have seen you do the same for other dogs like me.
I have heard you ask yourself in times of despair
Why you do it?
There is no more money, no more room, no more homes.
You open your heart a little bigger, stretch the money a little tighter.
Make just a little more room...to save one more like me.
I tell you with the gratitude and love that shines in my eyes,
In the best way I know how,
Reminding you why you go on trying.
I am the reason.
The dogs before me are the reason.
As are the ones who come after.
Our lives would've been wasted, our love never given,
We would die if not for you. ~Anonymous

This is from the :Nbran Brittany Rescue.

Lest we forget!

This is reprinted with the permission of the "For the Love of Dogs" blog.
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He was named after the brightest winter star in the Northern Hemisphere – Sirius the Dog Star. A star of legend and mythology.

K-9 Sirius was a yellow Labrador Retriever,born in January 1997. He became an Explosive Detection Dog upon graduation from the Port Newark K-9 Center on July 15, 2000, he was assigned Badge #17 and was partnered with Officer Dave Lim of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police K-9 Unit. Lim and Sirius were stationed at the World Trade Center where they often searched hundreds of trucks and vehicles each day, as part of America’s “War on Terrorism”. Sirius was the only police dog killed by the terrorists on September 11, 2001.


On the morning of September 11, 2001, Sirius and Officer Lim were at their Station located in the basement of Tower Two. Lim heard an explosion and assumed a bomb had gone off, not knowing that it was actually the first hijacked airliner that crashed into WTC Tower One. Officer Lim went to aid evacuation of people from the building and left Sirius in his Kennel, thinking 1) it would be easier to have two free hands, and 2) Sirius would be safe in Tower Two basement. He promised Sirius he would be back.

Officer Lim failed to return for Sirius. Becoming trapped in the falling debris of Tower One, he wasn’t rescued until five hours later. Lim tried to make his way to the basement but was stopped by other rescue workers for it was too dangerous.

Four months later, on January 21, 2002, recovery teams at Ground Zero located Sirius’s remains. It was determined Sirius was killed instantly when the tower collapsed. Officer Lim was there when recovery teams found Sirius. Everything stopped and everyone saluted while Lim and other officers carried his dog’s body from the wreckage – draped with the American Flag.

A Memorial Service for Sirius was held on April 24, 2002 at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey. Earlier that month, Sirius had been posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross at the British Embassy in Manhattan. Almost one hundred police dogs wearing badges covered by black ribbon as far away as California attended and filed past the wooden urn containing the ashes of Sirius, each stopping to salute. Seven officers fired a 21-gun salute.

FBI Special Agent Gerry Fornino, who had been in charge of searching for evidence and personal belongings at the Fresh Kills landfill on Staten Island, presented Officer Lim with Sirius’ metal water bowl, which had been pulled from Lim’s car. The bowl had been inscribed with Sirius’ shield number and the words:

“I gave my life so that you may save others.”

He was a loyal and courageous dog. He was also a good friend. Rest in Peace, Sirius. Your memory will be added to the legend of the star that shares your name.

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Many brave men-women and dogs died because of the horror of 911- some within the first hours and days and many- months and years later because of the toxins released into the air when the towers fell. They are all worthy of being remembered and honored.

The "Specials"

The Rainbow Bridge is not just a place for dear friends and/or beloved companions but for all
creatures.

There is a special group-quite large and growing each day- of those who stay out of sight for a variety
of reasons. They are the ones who arrived without a name or who have never been loved or had
a home. They are those whose died behind a dumpster-chained to a doghouse- in a fighting ring
or by the hand of a human for amusement- those abandoned by owners or died in a puppy mill.

At the Bridge- they too know when a beloved human is arriving to join their pack. The "specials"
creep forward on twisted or missing limbs and sit so very quietly hoping against hope. There is a
chance that a human will notice them and decide that they are worthy to join their pack. If that is
the case- the human can take the tag from their neck and call the name out loud. Then the gate
opens to their area and they emerge. Along the way to join the human- their fur becomes thick
and glossy-limbs are restored-the pain and hopelessness disappears and the terrible
memories fades away.

All of the "special creatures" whether dogs-cats-rabbits-horses-etc will eventually be chosen and
know the love and care that it their right. Please think of these lonely ones today too.

Did you know???

This was posted in "Have A Heart For Others" by Barbara Wilt
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Barbara Wilt 11:51am Jun 29
Did you know that I get tired of the stories of abuse and neglect too?

Did you know that they make my heart hurt just like yours?

Did you know that I am also stunned and amazed by the depths that some people are capable of sinking?
...
Did you know that it makes my head hurt sometimes?

Did you know that I cry for the ones that can not be saved?

Do you know that I shake my head in bewilderment when I discover that a gorgeous, healthy, adoptable dog has been killed after his owner "surrendered him"?

Did you know that I cry for the seniors that are left behind too?

Did you know that I weep for the ones neglected for years...left to die alone...never knowing joy or love?

Did you know that I am often baffled by comments crying "no more bad news", yet stories of "good news" seem often to be "liked" less often?

Did you know that I would love to bury my head in the sand and pretend that none of this happens? That people could be so heartless...that anyone is capable of such utter cruelty?

Did you know that even if I stop writing about the pain and heartache, that it will still all be there?

Did you know that even if you stop reading about it, it won't go away?

Did you know that by sharing these stories you can save a life? Did you realize that you do make a difference?

Do you understand that one simple "like" or "share" can forever change the destiny of a dog?

Do you know that your name on a petition, or your email to an official does have an impact?

Do you know that I am forever touched by the knowledge that stories my readers have shared have saved a life?

Do you know that my heart swells with gratitude for donations that pour in to save the life of a forgotten dog? To buoy the efforts of a struggling rescue?

Did you know that I am grateful for each and every reader? For each and every rescuer?

Did you know that despite all of the sadness, I am eternally grateful that I am able to share the stories - both good and bad?

Now you do.
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I shared this with you because it mirrors our feelings exactly- maybe if others are reminded-
they will speak up- sign a petition or rescue a needy animal.

I rescued a Pittie today

This was cross posted by a fellow dog lover and so now I'm sharing with you:)))
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Puyallup, WA - I rescued a Pittie today. Well, not really - I didn't do the hard part. I didn't foster - I didn't adopt...

I showed up at the animal control facility, pulling another dog for a rescue organization.
The rescue organization let me know that the foster home had room for one more - "high need" dog.
I asked the officers if the 4 month old Pittie in the back needed out - they agreed that she was most "at risk".
I loaded the smushie faced little puppy into my car - we had a mere 40 minutes to hang out together. She promptly buried her face in my arms - grateful to be out of the kennel runs at the shelter.
When the next transport person arrived, I helped to load her into the new vehicle - inside of a crate.
The wiggle-butt puppy that had sat silently with me for 40 minutes began to cry - the most sorrowful, heart-wrenching cry.
I thought that my beloved German shepherds bonded quickly - I guess that they can be outdone.
This little butterball gave her heart to me in just 40 minutes. She realized that she was being separated from someone again.
She howled and cried, wrapping her little jowls loosely over her teeth....mourning a new friend.
I've been asked before - why do you write so many Pit bull related stories - they aren't even the dogs that you have done rescue for. You've never owned one - what is the draw?
Quite simply - I hate discrimination.
I also see the hurdles that these dogs face - between poor ownership, flashy negative headlines in the media, and heart-wrenching stories of abuse that all to often include Pit bulls - I see the need to help.
Today was my first experience with a Pittie.
Sure, I've had some that I've stopped to pat on the head - others that I've attempted to comfort behind shelter cage doors - but none that I've ever dealt with first hand.
To out myself publicly - I even said, many years ago, that I was happy that I did not volunteer with a Pit bull rescue.
Not because I did not like the breed - but because there are SO many in need. So many people hate them - they are banned from so many places...it just seemed too hard...too heart-breaking.
The little girl that I transported today certainly touched my heart - quickly, but deeply. She will be safe - she will find a good home.

I cry for the others.