Creation
When God had made the earth and sky,
the flowers and the trees,
He then made all the animals
the fish, the birds and bees
And when at last He'd finished
not one was quite the same.
He said I'll walk this world of mine
and give each one a name.
And so He travelled far and wide
and everywhere He went,
a little creature followed Him
until its strength was spent.
When all were named upon the earth
and in the Sky and Sea,
the little creature said "Dear Lord,
there's no name left for me."
Kindly the Father said to him
"I've left you to the end.
I've turned my own name back to front
And called you DOG, my friend".
Author Unknown
When God had made the earth and sky,
the flowers and the trees,
He then made all the animals
the fish, the birds and bees
And when at last He'd finished
not one was quite the same.
He said I'll walk this world of mine
and give each one a name.
And so He travelled far and wide
and everywhere He went,
a little creature followed Him
until its strength was spent.
When all were named upon the earth
and in the Sky and Sea,
the little creature said "Dear Lord,
there's no name left for me."
Kindly the Father said to him
"I've left you to the end.
I've turned my own name back to front
And called you DOG, my friend".
Author Unknown
A Dog's
Prayer
By Beth Norman Harris
My Beloved Master, for not heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness
then 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 the bitter elements...and ask no greater glory than the privildge
of sitting at your feet beside the hearth...though you had 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 Devoted Worshipper. 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 stay 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 to eternal rest...and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I draw,
my fate as ever safest in your hands.
By Beth Norman Harris
My Beloved Master, for not heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness
then 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 the bitter elements...and ask no greater glory than the privildge
of sitting at your feet beside the hearth...though you had 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 Devoted Worshipper. 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 stay 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 to eternal rest...and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I draw,
my fate as ever safest in your hands.
A Dog's
Prayer 2
To Those Who Love & Those Who Love Me
When I am gone, release me, let me go-
I have so many things to see and do.
You must not tie yourself to me with tears,
Be happy that we had so many years.
I gave you my love, you can only guess
How much you gave me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you have each shown.
But now it is time I traveled alone.
So grieve awhile for me if grieve you must,
Then let your grief be comforted by trust,
It is only for a while that we must part,
So bless the memories within your heart,
I will not be far away, for life goes on,
So if you need me, call and I will come.
Though you can not see or touch me, I will be near.
And if you listen with your heart, you will hear
All my love around you soft and clear.
And then, when you must come this way alone,
I will greet you with a smile and "Welcome Home".
To Those Who Love & Those Who Love Me
When I am gone, release me, let me go-
I have so many things to see and do.
You must not tie yourself to me with tears,
Be happy that we had so many years.
I gave you my love, you can only guess
How much you gave me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you have each shown.
But now it is time I traveled alone.
So grieve awhile for me if grieve you must,
Then let your grief be comforted by trust,
It is only for a while that we must part,
So bless the memories within your heart,
I will not be far away, for life goes on,
So if you need me, call and I will come.
Though you can not see or touch me, I will be near.
And if you listen with your heart, you will hear
All my love around you soft and clear.
And then, when you must come this way alone,
I will greet you with a smile and "Welcome Home".
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.
Author Unknown
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.
Author Unknown
Pet Canvas
When we adopted you into our life our pet canvas was blank. With every lick of your tongue a portion of the canvas was cleared revealing part of a picture underneath. At first I thought it was strange. Instead of painting new memories you seemed to be unveiling a picture already there. But what was it of? I would understand later. As each wonderful year passed, our love for one another grew deeper. Every time we'd play, or go for a walk, or cuddle, more of the picture would be revealed.
When you grew old I started to see a pair of hands on the canvas. I assumed it was our hands petting you but I couldn't make out the rest of it because it was still fuzzy. We knew you were nearing the end and we loved you all the more. We prayed that God would take you in your sleep so we wouldn't have to make that awful decision. But He didn't and I was angry. I asked Him why would He put us in this situation? A soft voice answered, "If you truly love your pet it will all become clear".
When you became too weak and frail to finish the picture I knew it was time to put you to sleep. With all of the courage that God could give me I took you to the veterinarian. As I held you when you passed away my heart broke and rivers of tears streamed down my face. Then I heard His voice, "Look at the picture now". I did and it was crystal clear. He then said, "A pet canvas can only be completed with tears of compassion".
The picture wasn't of our hands petting you, they were God's hands holding all of us.
James A. Ruma
copyright 2003
LAMENT OF A
LADY WHO'S GONE
TO THE DOGS
There was a time, there really was,
When I was sweet and tender;
When SHOW DOG meant a Disney Star,
and Bitch was not a gender.
I went to bed at half past ten;
I went to Church on Sunday;
On Saturday I baked the beans
And did the wash on Monday.
But then I got a certain pup,
And an erstwhile friend said, "SHOW",
And so I did and so I do,
OH! What I didn't know.
I used to dress with flair and style,
That was the life, don't knock it.
But now each dress from bed to ball
Must have a good bait pocket.
I used to have a certain air,
I wallowed in perfume,
I used to smell of Nuit D' Amour,
Now I smell like Mr. Groom.
My furniture was haut decor,
My pets a tank of guppies.
Now I've furniture unstuffed,
And well-adjusted puppies.
Once I spoke in pristine prose,
In dulcet tones and frail,
But now I'm using language,
That would turn a sailor pale.
I was taught to be well-groomed
No matter where I went.
Now all the grooming that I do
Is in the Handler's tent.
I used to long for furs and jewels
And a figure classed as super,
Now the thing I yearn for most
Is a nice new Pooper-Scooper.
I adored a man who murmured verse
Through intimate little dinners,
But now the words I thrill to hear,
Are just three - "Best of Winners"
I rise at dawn and pack the car
The road ahead's a long one.
The one I routed on the maps
Invaribly's the wrong one.
I really love this doggy life
I wouldn't care to change it.
But when I get that BEST IN SHOW.
I plan to rearrange it;
When my time on earth is done
I'll go without much nudging
Just give me three weeks closing date
and let me know who's judging.
Author Unknown
TO THE DOGS
There was a time, there really was,
When I was sweet and tender;
When SHOW DOG meant a Disney Star,
and Bitch was not a gender.
I went to bed at half past ten;
I went to Church on Sunday;
On Saturday I baked the beans
And did the wash on Monday.
But then I got a certain pup,
And an erstwhile friend said, "SHOW",
And so I did and so I do,
OH! What I didn't know.
I used to dress with flair and style,
That was the life, don't knock it.
But now each dress from bed to ball
Must have a good bait pocket.
I used to have a certain air,
I wallowed in perfume,
I used to smell of Nuit D' Amour,
Now I smell like Mr. Groom.
My furniture was haut decor,
My pets a tank of guppies.
Now I've furniture unstuffed,
And well-adjusted puppies.
Once I spoke in pristine prose,
In dulcet tones and frail,
But now I'm using language,
That would turn a sailor pale.
I was taught to be well-groomed
No matter where I went.
Now all the grooming that I do
Is in the Handler's tent.
I used to long for furs and jewels
And a figure classed as super,
Now the thing I yearn for most
Is a nice new Pooper-Scooper.
I adored a man who murmured verse
Through intimate little dinners,
But now the words I thrill to hear,
Are just three - "Best of Winners"
I rise at dawn and pack the car
The road ahead's a long one.
The one I routed on the maps
Invaribly's the wrong one.
I really love this doggy life
I wouldn't care to change it.
But when I get that BEST IN SHOW.
I plan to rearrange it;
When my time on earth is done
I'll go without much nudging
Just give me three weeks closing date
and let me know who's judging.
Author Unknown
THINGS TO
LEARN
FROM A DOG
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in
your face to be pure ecstasy.
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.
Let others know when they've invaded your territory.
Take naps and stretch before rising.
Run, romp and play daily.
Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close
by and nuzzle them gently.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire
body.
No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the
guilt thing and pout... run right back and make friends.
Bond with your pack.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
FROM A DOG
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in
your face to be pure ecstasy.
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.
Let others know when they've invaded your territory.
Take naps and stretch before rising.
Run, romp and play daily.
Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close
by and nuzzle them gently.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire
body.
No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the
guilt thing and pout... run right back and make friends.
Bond with your pack.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
If you can
start the day without caffeine,
If you can get going without pep pills,
If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,
If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,
If you can eat the same food everyday and be grateful for it,
If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy
to give you any time,
If you can overlook it when those you love take it out on you
when no fault of yours, something goes wrong,
If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,
If you can ignore a friend's limited education and never correct him,
If you can resist treating a rich friend better than a poor friend,
If you can face the world without lies and deceit,
If you can conquer tension without medical help,
If you can relax without liquor,
If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,
It you can say honestly that deep in your heart you have
no prejudice against creed, color, religion or politics,
Then, my friend you are almost as good as your dog.
Author Unknown
If you can get going without pep pills,
If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,
If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,
If you can eat the same food everyday and be grateful for it,
If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy
to give you any time,
If you can overlook it when those you love take it out on you
when no fault of yours, something goes wrong,
If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,
If you can ignore a friend's limited education and never correct him,
If you can resist treating a rich friend better than a poor friend,
If you can face the world without lies and deceit,
If you can conquer tension without medical help,
If you can relax without liquor,
If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,
It you can say honestly that deep in your heart you have
no prejudice against creed, color, religion or politics,
Then, my friend you are almost as good as your dog.
Author Unknown
The Ten
Commandments (pet version)
1. My life is likely to last ten to fifteen years.
Any separation from you will he painful for me.
Remember that before you buy me.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
3. Place your trust in me-it's crucial to my well-being.
4. Don't be angry at me for long and don't lock me up
as punishment. You have your work, your entertainment
and your friends. I have only you.
5. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don't understand your
words, I understand your voice when its speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I'll never forget it.
7. Remember before you hit me that I have teeth that
could easily crush the bones of your hand but that I
choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate
or lazy, ask your self if something might be bothering me.
Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, or I've been out in
the sun too long, or my heart is getting old and weak.
9. Take care of me when I get old; you, too, will grow old.
10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, "I can't
bear to watch it, or, "Let it happen in my absence."
Everything is easier for me if you are there.
Remember, I love you
1. My life is likely to last ten to fifteen years.
Any separation from you will he painful for me.
Remember that before you buy me.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
3. Place your trust in me-it's crucial to my well-being.
4. Don't be angry at me for long and don't lock me up
as punishment. You have your work, your entertainment
and your friends. I have only you.
5. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don't understand your
words, I understand your voice when its speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I'll never forget it.
7. Remember before you hit me that I have teeth that
could easily crush the bones of your hand but that I
choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate
or lazy, ask your self if something might be bothering me.
Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, or I've been out in
the sun too long, or my heart is getting old and weak.
9. Take care of me when I get old; you, too, will grow old.
10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, "I can't
bear to watch it, or, "Let it happen in my absence."
Everything is easier for me if you are there.
Remember, I love you
This poem
is based on a true story of an international group of
researchers in Antarctica. They took the dogs on a side expedition
and were overtaken by a fierce storm. The men got lost in the storm,
and set the lead dog free, hoping he would make it back to camp.
He did, and led rescuers back to the men. The men then went onto a
supply ship for a few hours of R&R, leaving the dogs at camp.
While on the ship, the water froze over, and the only thing they could
do is head for open water. Another storm came up, and they made an
attempt to go back to rescue the dogs. The storm was so fierce, the
helicopter (which took them to the ship) could not take off
They were unable to go back to the camp to rescue the dogs...
FROZEN TEAR
Far away where the cold winds blow,
Beyond the walls of fear.
Is a tale I tell which you should know,
The tale of a frozen tear.
They serve us well with out complaint,
Together they are twelve strong.
They pull all day till the light is faint,
And into the night as the day is long.
We must leave them now, four hours at best,
A journey that we must make.
This time well spent for they will rest,
On the shore of a frozen lake.
The weather came upon us with force,
Our return it would not be.
The only way out is to set a new course,
A course for open sea.
As their lives become frozen,
And they meet their fate.
Four are lost,
And now there are eight.
His death is swift,
And he is now bound for heaven.
We pray for their forgiveness,
And now there is seven.
The walls of ice tower high,
Then fall and tumble like bricks.
Her destiny's set her fate is to die,
And now there is only six.
The snow is like the desert sand,
With out water you can't survive.
He thirsts no more in this barren land,
And now there is only five.
Cruel can be the darkness of night,
And his pain it is no more.
He has fallen in the absence of light,
And now there's only four.
She stops to rest she can't go on,
Finely her spirit is free.
Her body remains but she is gone,
And now there's only three.
The ice is like a razor knife,
To continue he can not do.
And so he slowly leaves this life,
And now there's only two.
They turn and look into each others eyes,
She stumbles to the ground.
Too weak to go on and so she dies,
Her silence the only sound.
Forever to roam never growing old,
If your still he may come near.
Then you will see the story I told,
When you look into his frozen tear.
By: Darryle Toney 1989
DarkRose Manor
Within one year, two of the men committed suicide, because they could
not live with the knowledge of what they did to the dogs. A little
later, another expedition went to the same area, and they were able to
find all but one of the dog's bodies, frozen. as the men prepared to
leave camp, they found that last dog, the lead dog, still alive.
researchers in Antarctica. They took the dogs on a side expedition
and were overtaken by a fierce storm. The men got lost in the storm,
and set the lead dog free, hoping he would make it back to camp.
He did, and led rescuers back to the men. The men then went onto a
supply ship for a few hours of R&R, leaving the dogs at camp.
While on the ship, the water froze over, and the only thing they could
do is head for open water. Another storm came up, and they made an
attempt to go back to rescue the dogs. The storm was so fierce, the
helicopter (which took them to the ship) could not take off
They were unable to go back to the camp to rescue the dogs...
FROZEN TEAR
Far away where the cold winds blow,
Beyond the walls of fear.
Is a tale I tell which you should know,
The tale of a frozen tear.
They serve us well with out complaint,
Together they are twelve strong.
They pull all day till the light is faint,
And into the night as the day is long.
We must leave them now, four hours at best,
A journey that we must make.
This time well spent for they will rest,
On the shore of a frozen lake.
The weather came upon us with force,
Our return it would not be.
The only way out is to set a new course,
A course for open sea.
As their lives become frozen,
And they meet their fate.
Four are lost,
And now there are eight.
His death is swift,
And he is now bound for heaven.
We pray for their forgiveness,
And now there is seven.
The walls of ice tower high,
Then fall and tumble like bricks.
Her destiny's set her fate is to die,
And now there is only six.
The snow is like the desert sand,
With out water you can't survive.
He thirsts no more in this barren land,
And now there is only five.
Cruel can be the darkness of night,
And his pain it is no more.
He has fallen in the absence of light,
And now there's only four.
She stops to rest she can't go on,
Finely her spirit is free.
Her body remains but she is gone,
And now there's only three.
The ice is like a razor knife,
To continue he can not do.
And so he slowly leaves this life,
And now there's only two.
They turn and look into each others eyes,
She stumbles to the ground.
Too weak to go on and so she dies,
Her silence the only sound.
Forever to roam never growing old,
If your still he may come near.
Then you will see the story I told,
When you look into his frozen tear.
By: Darryle Toney 1989
DarkRose Manor
Within one year, two of the men committed suicide, because they could
not live with the knowledge of what they did to the dogs. A little
later, another expedition went to the same area, and they were able to
find all but one of the dog's bodies, frozen. as the men prepared to
leave camp, they found that last dog, the lead dog, still alive.
MAN'S BEST
FRIEND
Their gentle, soft eyes give you a look of innocence,
Their tails wag as you rub their tummy,
They help the blind at times,
They're a part of your family,
They protect,
They help,
They love,
When you're sad,
They embrace you in their loving care,
When you start to laugh,
They gently caress your face with their tongue,
They love you,
But don't love baths,
They sometimes help people survive,
Though times hard,
They are triumphant in helping you,
They are man's best friend.
Their gentle, soft eyes give you a look of innocence,
Their tails wag as you rub their tummy,
They help the blind at times,
They're a part of your family,
They protect,
They help,
They love,
When you're sad,
They embrace you in their loving care,
When you start to laugh,
They gently caress your face with their tongue,
They love you,
But don't love baths,
They sometimes help people survive,
Though times hard,
They are triumphant in helping you,
They are man's best friend.