To My BARC Rescue Hero

The first time that I met you on that cold & lonley night, You were searching everywhere for me,BARC had just learned of my plight
I was hiding in a dark alley, I was hungry scared & cold, My family didn't want me now, because I was getting old
They had been hitting me & kicking me, it hurt & made me cry, But I didn't know their reason, I just don't understand why.
I had fleas  I was dirty, but you did not hesitate, You scooped me up into your arms,I did not have to wait.
I felt so safe & happy cradled in your arms that way, Your next words confirmed that this had been my lucky day
While you petted me & kissed me, I heard you whisper in my ear, Please listen to me sweetie, you can believe evey word you hear, I'm with BARC, I'm here to help you,you're going home with me today
You took me home & introduced me to your husband, son & daughter, I had a bath,a big bowl of food, & a big bowl of fresh cool water You played with me & spoiled me, & gave me lots of treats,
You even gave me my own blankie, for when I went to sleep
I overheard you talking, tears glisened in your eyes, You said "If we had'nt rescued him today,he probably would have died" 
I got to stay at your house for a little while longer, And because of your gentle loving care.now I'm feeling so much stronger
A couple of weeks later, you came home from work early, You told me the great news,you had found me a family. You told them that I'm older,that I don't always want to run & jump & play,
You knew that they were perfect for me when you heard them say, "Those things are not important, not to us anyway," "We have a lot of love to give him,can we take him home today?"
     ~ Tami Brown ~
 



DEDICATED TO PEOPLE IN RESCUE

I wasn't a pup when I came to your home I'd been dumped on the road, left to roam. Don't remember the people except the pain. They left me to die in the cold and the rain. You were driving down the hwy, it was late at night When you saw the faintest glimmer of light. You took a chance and turned around Got out of the van and knelt to the ground. My quivering body felt the gentlest of hands. I knew I need not make any demands. In your heart, and your home, there was always room For those who would face certain doom. You healed my body and you healed my heart. You gave me what I needed, a fresh start. When I cried at night, you were always there with soft words, a kiss, a hug to share. When I misbehaved and would cower with guilt
You only showed love...up to the hilt. You loved and cared for me in sickness and health Our love for each other was more precious than wealth. Even when you were tired and had a bad day You'd always come home to me and say, "I missed you my baby. I'm glad to be back." Then you'd give me a kiss, a hug and a pat.  We'd have a nice dinner then go out to play
There was so much love I wanted to stay but, my eyes, they faded and my heart grew weak As my time grew closer you could not speak. You held me tight, tears flowed from your eyes We both had to say our sad goodbyes. The release from pain we knew must end No more time on this earth would we spend Running in the fields, playing ball Sitting quietly together at the end of it all.But our time together is not through Because I'll be there waiting for you At the edge of the Rainbow Bridge I'll stand Until I once again see those gentle hands.I'll run to you with tail held high, we will never again have to say goodbye.
My love at death, it does not end Because you are, indeed, dogs best friend.

Jeane Illsche
June 21, 1998
Permission to reprint given

 

Do I Go Home Today?

My family brought me home cradled in their arms. They cuddled me and smiled at me and said I was full of charm. They played with me and laughed with me and showered me with toys. I sure do love my family,especially the girls and boys. The children loved to feed me, they gave me special treats. They even let me sleep with them - all snuggled in the sheets. I used to go for walks, often several times a day. They even fought to hold the leash, I'm very proud to say. These are the things I'll not forget - a cherished memory.
I now live in the shelter-without my family. They used to laugh and praise me when I played with that old shoe. But I didn't know the difference between the old ones and the new. The kids and I would grab a rag, for hours we would tug. So I thought I did the right thing when I chewed the bedroom rug. They said that I was out of control, and would have to live outside. This I did not understand, although I tried and tried. The walks stopped, one by one; they said they hadn't time. I wish that I could change things, I wish I knew my crime. My life became so lonely, in the backyard, on a chain. I barked and barked all day long to keep from going insane. So they brought me to the shelter but were embarassed to say why. They said I caused an allergy, and then they each kissed me goodbye. If I'd only had some classes, as a little pup. I wouldn't have been so hard to handle when I was all grown up. "You only have one day left." I heard the worker say. Does that mean I have a second chance? Do I go Home today?

By Sandi Thompson

 


Treat me kindly, my beloved friend, 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 blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me learn. 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 footsteps fall upon my ears. Please take me inside when it is cold and wet, For I am a domesticated animal, no longer accustomed to the bitter elements. I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Keep my pan filled with water, for 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, my friend, when I am very old, and I no longer enjoy good health, hearing and good sight, do not make heroic efforts to keep me going. I am not having fun. Please see that my trusting life is taken gently. I shall leave this earth knowing with the last breath I draw, that my fate was always safest in your hand. Author unknown

My Dog He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds; my other ears that hear above the winds. He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea. He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason for being. By the way he rests against my leg. By the way he wiggles his tail at my smallest smile. By the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him. (I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not along to care for me.) When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive. When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile. When I am happy, he is joy unbounded. When I am a fool, he ignores it. When I succeed, he brags. Without him, I am only another man. With him, I am all-powerful. He has taught me the meaning of devotion. He is loyalty itself. With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace. He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant. His head on my knee can heal my human hurts. His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things. He has promised to wait for me. . .whenever. . .wherever. In case I need him. And I expect I will. . . as I always have. He is My Dog.