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A Shelter Dogs Poem
Once upon a time, you see,
There was this little pup
For reasons unbeknownst to me,
His family gave him up
Maybe it was chewing
Everything that he could find
Maybe they were busy and
Just didn't have the time
They took him to the shelter
And they just left him there
Outside, alone, in the cage
Shivering and scared
Even though they knew inside
If he went through those doors
He may never have the chance
To find a home like yours
He sat there crying silently
Wondering what he did
That was so bad that they just
Had to leave him like they did
However fate was smiling
On that little pup that day
Because a lady saw him
And she whisked him right away
He got a second chance at life
That others may have not
And now he's in a loving home
With everything he wants
Every day he gets that love
That he was looking for
And silently is thankful for when
She walked through that door
Others may not have this chance
So open up your heart
And adopt a shelter dog to take
And give a brand new start
On Christmas Morning...
I wish:
For every dog searching trash cans for breakfast, a filled bowl with his name printed in bright letters.
For every dog who slept fitfully last night, chained in a frozen yard, a soft, warm bed with a person snoring gently nearby.
For every shelter dog, spending Christmas morning in a soiled run, a forever home, filled with sounds and smells of family.
For every "Christmas" puppy given today, a tolerant, caring owner who won't abandon you as you grow into a real dog.
For every ailing pet, enough money for your owner to pay the bills to make you well.
For every lost dog, a clear, safe road, and well marked path, to lead you home.
For every old and tired friend, a warm fire, and a soft bed, to ease your aches and pains.
and
For every Heart Dog at the Bridge, a moment when you know that you are remembered today, missed again, and loved forever.
Pet Loss Support
It's never easy to lose a loving member of your family. We hope the resources we've included here will help you begin to deal with the pain and the loss.
And, when the time comes that you are ready add a new pet to your family, we hope that you will consider a rescue animal, and let Atlanta Boxer Rescue assist you in any way we can.
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 to them, who had to be 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 quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him 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 the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
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.
A PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS...........
1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be 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, but I have only you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
6.. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, 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 have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.
9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.
10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.