now playing "A Gift of a Thistle"
LOVE FELT AT LAST
No more lonely cold nights or hearing that I'm bad.
No more growling belly from the meals I never had.
No more scorching sunshine with a water bowl that's dry.
No more complaining neighbors about the noise when I cry.
No more hearing "shut up," "get down" or "get out of here"!
No more feeling disliked, only peace is in the air.
Euthanasia is a blessing, though some still can't see
Why I was every born if I weren't meant to be.
My last day of living was the best I ever had.
Someone held me very close, I could see she was very sad.
I kissed the lady's face, and she hugged me as she cried.
I wagged my tail to thank her, then I closed my eyes and died.
–Animal Shelter Volunteer
Massena, NY
A PETS PRAYER
Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in the world is more grateful for kindness than mine.
Do not break my spirit with a stick, for although I should lick your hand between blows, your patience and understanding will teach me more quickly 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 I hear your step.
When the weather is cold and wet please take me inside for I am a domestic animal, no longer used to bitter elements, and I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet.
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 so that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side standing ready to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.
And master, when I am very old and the Greatest Master sees fit to deprive me of my health and sight, do not turn me away, rather, see that my trusting life is gently taken away and I shall leave you knowing with the last breath I draw, my fate was always safest in your hands. Amen.
--Author Unknown
IF IT SHOULD BE
If it should be that I grow weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Than you must do what must be done,
For this last battle cannot be won.
You will be sad, I understand;
Don't let your grief then stay your hand.
For this day more than all the rest,
Your love for me must stand the test.
We've had so many happy years -
What is to come can hold no fears.
You'd not want me to suffer so;
The time has come, so let me go.
Take me where my needs they'll tend
And please stay with me until the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time that you will see
The kindness that you did for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.
Please do not grieve - it must be you
Who had this painful thing to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years -
Don't let your heart hold back its tears.
--Author Unknown
AM I FAMOUS NOW?
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 has only had 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 mama and my three litter mates 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 like 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 also 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 very weak. Maybe if I take them out 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 crying 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 hugged me. It felt so good!!! Then I felt tired and laid my head over the last one who cared.
I AM FAMOUS NOW! Today someone cared.
--Author Unknown
YOU TAUGHT ME
I remember the first time I saw you, just off the plane, covered in
drool, hiding in the back of your crate. You were afraid of the world,
it was so big and cold. I held out my hand and you kissed it. I asked
you to come out and see the world. And just because I asked you to you
did. I remember that day. You taught me trust.
I remember you as a puppy, surrounded by toys, put there just for you. I
would laugh as you would bow your head and bark at me inviting me to play. You would grab and run away with my shoe or my
sock, just to make me chase you till you would give it away.
I remember that day. You taught me play.
I remember you as a grown dog, big and strong. I would watch you greet every
guest with a wagging tail, and a watchful eye. I would smile and feel
safe. I knew that you would always stand by my side.
I remember that day. You taught me courage.
I remember you as a new mother, surrounded by puppies. I sat by you side
and showed you each one, as you would inspect them approvingly. You
would clean them and nurse them. Even though you were tired and weak.
I remember that day. You taught me strength.
I remember you as a mother, surrounded by growing puppies. I would laugh as you would grimace in pain, as one of your children would bite you,
and try to make you play. I watched you hold those puppies down and clean them, while they tried to break free.
I remember that day, You taught me patience.
I remember you today, tired and weak. I would hold you, and kiss you,
and cry. You looked at me with those soft brown eyes. And as your soul
spoke to mine, you left this big cold world. So I just held you and
whispered goodbye. And even in this passing moment, when my eyes burned
with tears, you taught me one final lesson.
I will always remember this day. You taught me love.
--Greg Hibler
Leviathans Lair Mastiffs
A DOG'S BILL OF RIGHTS
I have the right to give and receive unconditional love.
I have the right to a life that is beyond mere survival.
I have the right to be trained so I do not become the prisoner of my own misbehavior.
I have the right to adequate food and medical care.
I have the right to fresh air and green grass.
I have the right to socialize with people and dogs outside my family.
I have the right to have my needs and wants respected.
I have the right to special time with my people.
I have the right to only be bred responsibly–if at all.
I have the right to be foolish and silly, and to make my person laugh.
I have the right to earn my person's trust and to be trusted in return.
I have the right to be forgiven.
I have the right to die with dignity.
i have the right to be remembered well.
--Carolyn Krause
If you would like to see your poem added to this page or know of a poem that would be appropriate, please e-mail me at:
latutela@twcny.rr.com
|Puppies & Dogs Available||ENCI-FCI Standard||In Memory Of.....||Rainbow Bridge|
|My Tribute to Collo||Amina's Story||Sasso Remembered|
|Goodbye My Faithful Friend, Barabbas||Things to Think About Before Breeding|
|What is a Breeder??||Something to Ponder||Our Friends and Their Neapolitan Mastiffs||Links|
latutela@twcny.rr.com
