Border Collie Blues

I think I'm going crazy. I've never felt this way.

It all started when I got a new dog, and brought him home that day.

The breeder warned me about him. Said they're kind of hard to raise.

They take a lot of your time and quite a mess they make.

I just smiled and shook his hand, and tucked him under my arm.

I thought, “how could this little black and white pup be of any harm?”

I put him in the back seat as I rolled back into town.

I kept hearing a chewing noise, so I stopped and looked around.

Abandoned

If you came closer

I would kiss you

Itensely

My body trembles

I am scared

I cower, I cry

They will kill me

My heart is broken

You walk close

Your hand trailing my bars

I can almost feel your warmth

I slide closer

Maybe … this time …

But you don’t turn

I lay down in filth

You did not see

My tender soul

My eyes close, drifting away

To the Rainbow Bridge

(Kelli Harvey, www.angelsrescue.org)

Grief

There is a simple message that travels from above

A simple but needed message all wrapped up in their love

Your pain and tears are seen and completely understood

There is no one or right way there are no “have to” or “should”

Listen to the message that is sent from u above

Grief is natural and real a demonstration of our love

And when grief makes room for a bit of happiness or peace

The know that they are not forgotten that our love will never cease

(© Tanya Lord, 2013; www.TheGriefToolbox.com)

Just a dog

From time to time people tell me, “Lighten up, it’s just a dog”, or, “That’s a lot of money for just a dog”. They don’t understand the distance traveled, time spent, or costs involved for “Just a dog.” Some of my proudest moments have come about with “Just a dog”. Many hours have passed with my only company being “Just a dog”, and not once have I felt slighted. Some of my saddest moments were brought about by “Just a dog”. In those days of darkness, the gentle touch of “Just a dog” provided comfort and purpose to overcome the day.

People who really love their dogs

People who really love their dogs are the most kind and giving people. We are the ones who don’t freak out because our dogs gave us a kiss or ate off our plate. We don’t leave our dogs out in the heat or the cold, and when we lay down at night, our dogs are on the bed or at least snuggled close by safe from the dark and dangers that roam in the night. We love all the dogs we have had in the past, and especially the ones we have now. A dog’s unconditional love has made our lives better!

(Author unknown)

A pet’s Peace

I have left you now but please don’t be sad,

you gave me all the love you had.

You did so much for me in my time here

and I’ll always hold those precious times near.

I know someday you’ll find love again.

Your heart will heal, though you’ll never forget

memories like the first time we met.

Memories are wonderful, so keep them close

and remember all the good times the most.

Up in the Heaven for animals is where I’ll be

and someday in the future, each other we will see.

I am at Peace now, so please don’t be sad,

you gave me all the love you had.

(Author unknown)

I rescued a human today

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her.

I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid. As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the overworked shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life.

She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.

Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms.

I would promise to keep her safe.

I would promise to always be by her side.

I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes.

I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.

I rescued a human today.

(Author unknown)

Letting go

(Dedicated to everyone facing the challenge of “letting go”.)

Thank you for spending your life with me. The great times will not be forgotten.

I hope you will always think of me as the one who spoiled you rotten.

You were always by my side. With you, I was never alone.

Now it’s my turn to be by your side, as you take your final journey home.

See, God only keeps you here a little while and I'm glad you spent it with me.

But your past year has been a bit rough, as everyone could see.

But you were strong and courageous, and never left my side.

I saw everything you were going through, that pain you could never hide.

Four feet in Heaven

Your favorite place is vacant now, no eager barks to greet me.

No softly padded paws to run ecstatically to meet me.

No animated nudges, no exited bark will say it’s time for feeding –

I’ve put away your bowl and all the things you won’t be needing.

But I will miss you, little friend, for I could never measure

The happiness you brought to me, the comfort and the pleasure.

And since God put you here to share in earthly joy and sorrow,

I’m sure there’ll be a place for you in Heaven’s bright tomorrow!

(Alice Chase)

I know you’re feeling sad today

I know you’re feeling sad today because I had to go.

I know you have so many things that remind you of me so.

And though you cry as you recall the times you spent with me.

I know your pain would turn to joy if only you could see.

I’m in Heaven with Jesus now. We run, we cuddle, we play.

He holds me gently in His arms. I now no pain today.

And though we’re parted for a while Jesus has promised me

He’ll someday bring you here where we’ll live for eternity.

(Author unknown)

Treasured Friend

I lost a treasured friend today

The little dog who used to lay

Her/his gentle head upon my knee

And share her/his silent thoughts with me …

She’ll/he’ll come no longer to my call

Retrieve no more her/his favorite ball

A voice far greater than my own

Has called her/him to His golden throne

Although my eyes are filled with tears,

I thank her/him for the happy years

She/he let her/his spend down here with me

And for her/his love and loyalty

When it is time for me to go

And join her/him there, this much I know …

I shall not fear the transient dark

For she/he will greet me with her/his bark.

(Author unknown)

I made it home

I just wanted to let you know that I made it home.

Everything is so pretty here, so white, so fresh, so new.

I wish that you could close your eyes so you could see it too.

Please try not to be sad for me. Try to understand.

God is taking care of me … I’m in the shelter of His hands.

Here there is no sadness, and no sorrow, and no pain.

Here there is no crying, and I’ll never hurt again.

Here it is so peaceful, when all the angels sind.

I really have to go for now … I’ve just got to try my wings.

PS … I’ll be the first face you see when you get here!

(Author unknown)

Message from your angel dog

Allow yourself to feel the sadness of my loss, but let go of the guilt and instead embrace the forgiveness that I send. Especially forgive yourself. I would never be hard on you or judge you, so follow my lead and use the unconditional love I taught you to include yourself as well.

Legend, angel dog

(Marianne Soucy, HealingPetLoss.com)

Nothing you love is lost

Nothing you love is lost. Not really.

Things, people, pets, they always go away sooner or later. You can’t hold them anymore than you can hold the moonlight.

But if they’ve touched you, if they’re inside you, then they’re still yours.

The only things you ever really have are the ones you hold inside your heart.

(Bruce Loville)

His chair

I don't know where my owner went. Can you please help me find him, Sir?

He is kinda tall has real short hair and has camouflage colored fur.

I haven't seen him in three months or so. I remember him telling me bye.

He told me to take care of his family, and then he hugged me and said, “Love you big guy”.

He told me to protect them with my life, that's why I am here with them at the park.

I stand watch and guard them daily from things that go bump in the dark.

Loyalty is my main attribute. I will be his dog until I die.

Bravery is my main characteristic. Please don’t tell my family sometimes I cry.