Doggies are from heaven

This brings me to tears every time I read it. 10 MILLION dogs are euthanized every year in the U.S. and that is just an estimate. If you are considering surrendering or breeding your dog please read this.

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. The prisoner of love had run out of days. 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 dog speak, 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.
And with my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my "How could you?" was not directed at her. It was directed at you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of you. I will think of you and wait for you forever. May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty.

A dog sits waiting in the cold autumn sun.

Too faithful to leave, too frightened to run.

He's been here for days now with nothing to do,

but sit by the road waiting for you.

He can't understand why you left him that day.

He thought you and he were stopping to play.

He's sure you'll come back, and that's why he stays.

How long will he suffer? How many days?

His legs have grown weak, his throat's parched dry.

He's sick now from hunger and falls, with a sigh.

He lays down his head and closes his eyes.

I wish you could see how a waiting dog dies.

-Kathy Flood

A Dumped Dog's Prayer

Don't close the door! Don't push me away.

Why are you leaving? Don't make me stay.

Slow down the car, I can't keep up.

This pavement is hot and my pads are cut.

I've got to quit running or my heart will pop.

Every muscle is aching. Why don't you stop?

I'm so hungry and thirsty. Darkness is near.

But I shouldn't leave, he will come for me here.

Several weeks have passed, I am dead on my feet.

They call me a nuisance because I eat off the streets.

Every car that passes, I chase it to see

If it's my master coming for me.

Though I approach those that come near

With trust in my eyes and no sign of fear.

With hate in their voices and a cold, heartless stare,

They threaten to kill me - they don't even care.

Batter my body with rocks that they throw,

I will not leave, he will come, don't you know?

Overtaken with weakness, my body is numb.

I'm sick and so lonely. Oh please, let him come!

I will go back where he first threw me out.

I'll wait for him there, he will come, no doubt.

My thoughts are fading. My chest feels like lead.

I'm sleepy, so sleepy - I can't lift my head.

It's so quiet, so peaceful -- all remains still.

There is my master at my home on the hill.

Yes, I can see him, he's calling my name.

His voice is so gentle, his hands are the same.

He decided he wants me. Things will be fine.

I really do love him, that master of mine.

My tail wags with pleasure. I can't catch my breath.

He came in my dreams, but so did my DEATH!!

~~Author unknown

I lay down bleeding, bruised, and sore - broken spirit, just like before.

Can't he see my pain, my fright? I want to play, and love - not fight.

I see his hand as it comes down, and as he speaks I can hear his frown.

I shrink down closer to the floor, but I know just what is in store.

I whimper softly, though in vain. My punishment - a four foot chain.

Left outside for seven days. No food, no water, eyes that glaze.

I rest my eyes, close them tight, trying to forget my plight.

As I open them again, there is no grass, there is no chain.

I see your hand as it comes down, to pat my head, call me a clown.

You laugh and tell me how I snore, then you hug me, and pat me more.

"It was only a dream!" I think with a sigh, and thank the big man up in the sky.

The pain I endured, it led you to me, and FINALLY "I" am a part of a "WE".

My heart beats "I love you". I hope you can hear it. There are not many out there that can mend a broken spirit.

Author Unknown

I do not at present have a dog. I am getting a yellow Labrador. Floppy ears, puppy breath, that cute little face. I've already named her Mia. And she's going to be so cute she'll break your heart. But I am stuck waiting till I can get a house with a decent backyard. I hate waiting. I want my puppy so bad.

I choose the name Mia for two reasons. First is it's meaning in Italian which is Mine, and second because M.I.A. to commemorate our fallen war dogs who have paid the ultimate price. We love you and you will live forever in our hearts sweet babies. I'll never forget.

Just My Dog

She's just my dog.

She is my other eyes that can see above the clouds;

My other ears that hear above the winds.

She is the part of me that can reach out into the seas.

She has told me a thousand times over that I am her reason for being.

By the way she rests against my leg.

By the way she thumps her tail at my smallest smile.

By the way she shows her hurt when I leave without taking her.

When I am wrong, she is delighted to forgive.

When I am angry, she clowns to make me smile.

When I am happy, she is joy abound.

When I am a fool, She ignores it.

When I succeed, she brags.

Without her, I am only another person.

With her, I am all powerful.

She has promised to wait for me...whenever...

In case I need her; and I expect I will---

As I always have.

She is my dog.

-Unknown

 So you want to help.

The first place to start is with your own pets. Around 10 MILLION dogs are euthanized every year because there aren't enough homes for them. Please spay or neuter your dogs so they don't contribute to the problem. Don't buy a dog from a pet shop. Their dogs come from puppy farms whose only goal is to make money. Go to your local ASPCA and save a dogs life. The dog will love you forever and you will never regret it. If you must have an animal whose background you can know, then only go to a breeder who knows the particular breed and has been in the breed for long time. Make certain they only have one or at the most two breeds of dogs. And they should be inside dogs, not raised out in the barn. You should be allowed to see the parents or at least the mother. If not then leave. If you see something that shouldn't be then call the animal control. We can't keep letting people get away with harming our furkids. These people are the same as child abusers. There is no difference. If you buy your puppy from these people even to "save it" you have given them more money and they will continue their work of horror. Thank you for visiting. Love your dogs.