POEMS AND STORIES
A POEM TO MY FOSTER DOG
BY Diane Morgan
I am the bridge,
Between what was and what can be.
I am the pathway to a new life.
I am made of mush,
Because my heart melted when I saw you,
Matted and sore, limping, depressed
Lonely, unwanted, afraid to love.
For one little time you are mine.
I will feed you with my own hand.
I will love you with my whole heart.
I will make you whole.
I am made of steel.
Because when the time comes,
When you are well, and sleek,
when your eyes shine,
And your tail wags with joy
Then comes the hard part.
I will let you go-not without a tear,
But without a regret.
For you are safe forever--
A new dog needs me now.
Ten Commandments for Responsible Owners (from your dog)
1. My life is likely to last about 10 years. Any separation from you will be very painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well being.
4. Don't be angry with me for long, and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment. I only have you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I understand your voice and when it's speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I'll never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, remember that I have teeth that could crush the bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I've been in the sun too long or my heart may be getting old and weak.
9. Take care of me when I get old. You too, will grow old.
10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, "I can't bear to watch it" or "Let it happen in my absence". Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember, I love you.
Author Unknown
THE DACHSAHOLIC CREED
I am a Dachsaholic. I live to serve the long and low beings that allow me to share their home. I will provide for their every need even if it means I must give up my own bed, chair, couch and, yes, food. I am a Dachsaholic. I will surround myself with things that remind me of the ones I serve. I will do these things because--I AM A DACHSAHOLIC.
Rescuer's Prayer
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 please
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 too rough
Remind me I should bite my lip
When confronted with, "he grew too 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~
THE DACHSHUND - by EDWARD ANTHONY
Because I waddle when I walk,
Should this give rise to silly talk?
That I’m ungainly? What’s ungainly?
I’m really rather graceful - mainly.
The experts have been known to state
That there’s a twinkle in our gait.
One said “They have a clumsy grace,”
Which after all is no disgrace.
My funny features may abound:
Short legs, long body, low-to-ground,
But I’m about the perfect pal
For man or woman, boy or gal.
I’m gentle, very playful, kind,
I housebreak fast ‘cause I’m refined
I’m smart but never sly or foxy -
No, do not underrate the dachsie!
ANIMAL RESCUERS CREED
I’ll never bring about world peace. I won’t single handedly save the rain forest. I’m not a brain surgeon and I’ll never transplant an organ to save a life. I don’t have the ear of a powerful politician or world power. I can’t end world hunger. I’m not a celebrity, and God knows I’m not glamorous! I’m not looked up to by millions around the world. Very few people even recognize my name. I’ll never win the Nobel prize or end global warming. There are a lot of things that I’ll never do or become.
But today I helped place an animal!
It was a small, scared, bundle of flesh and fur that was dumped at a shelter, or on the streets by unfeeling people who didn’t care what happened to it, but yet who were responsible for it having existence in the first place.
I helped find it a loving home!
It now has contentment and an abundance of love, a warm place to sleep and plenty to eat. Two little girls have a warm and playful new friend who will give them unending affection and teach them about responsibility and love. A wife and mother has a new free spirit to cuddle, nurture and care for. A husband and father has a furry friend to sit in his lap at the end of a hard day of work and help him relax and enjoy life. And he has a sense of satisfaction that when he is gone all day at work, there is a gentle spirit in his home keeping watch over his family.
No, I’m not a rocket scientist. But today, I made a difference! And I’ll do it tomorrow too, if given a chance.
Author unknown
