Dog Poems & Prose,
Serious #1
Autumn
What do we do when our loving pets face the last leg of the race? We do all we can to help them finish well, of course. We take time to read the unspoken needs of the friends we've come to know so well.
We give the simple reassurance of a loving touch when the old boy seems confused for no reason.
We groom them faithfully, but more gently, as age brings muscle wasting, and the arthritic bones aren't so well padded.
We learn to slow down for their sake, as they enjoy the scent of the wind, or track a visitors trail across their yard.
We expect to be inconvenienced, and aren't angry when it happens.
We watch for pain and treat it, watch for changes in vision and hearing and do what we can to help preserve those precious senses for as long as possible.
We take care of their teeth, and make sure their food is a manageable texture for them.
We remind them of the need for a potty walk when they seem to forget.
We remember the little rewards. We scratch the graying ears and tummy, and go for car rides together. When the pet we love has an unexplained need for comfort, we give it freely. When infirmities bring a sense of vulnerability, we become our old guardian's protector.
We watch their deepest slumbers, when dreams take them running across long-forgotten fields, and we remember those fields too. When they cannot stand alone, we lift them. When their steps are uncertain, we steady them.
And if their health fails, it falls to us to make the choice that will gently put them to rest. But until that is absolutely necessary, we pause to let the autumn sun warm our old friend's bones. And we realize, autumn is not a bad time of year at all.
Old age is not a disease or a reason to give up. It is a stage of life that brings its own changes. Autumn can be a beautiful time of harvest.
And, sometimes, the harvest is love.
-- Christy Caballero
Lord Byron, Inscription on the monument of his Newfoundland dog
The poor dog, in life the the firmest friend,
The first to welcome, foremost to defend,
Whose honest heart is still the master's own,
Who labours, fights, lives, breathes for him alone,
Unhonour'd falls, unnoticed all his worth,
Denied in heaven the soul he held on earth,
While man, vain insect hopes to be forgiven,
And claims himself a sole exclusive heaven.
-- Lord Byron, Inscription on the monument of his Newfoundland dog, 1808
Christmas Returns
Santa comes quietly long before dawn
While shops are still busy and lights are still on
While dinners are simmering and kitchens are warm
And children count presents they'll open by morn.
He slips past the trees and the windows aglow
Through the gate to the back yard
as icy winds blow
to find the pup that he brought last year
chained up in the snow
and kneeling he whispers
"Are you ready to go?"
There are too many stops like this one tonight
Before the beginning of his regular flight
He leaves not a note or a footprint in sight
Just an unbuckled collar
On a cold Christmas night.
-- Author Unknown
Please note that ETBCR does not condone the abduction of animals or the theft of property; rather, this story should be taken as a reminder of all of the neglected dogs and other animals in unsafe and life-threatening conditions, especially in the winter holiday season.
Dear God,
Please remember these few things when taking care of my boy. He likes to walk back and forth in the pond, chasing the blue gills, watching close for you to reel in the "big one". He will then "hold" the stringer for you. Please take him fishing.
The lizards in the tree stumps won't be safe anymore, so you'd better hide the lizards.
If you put dog bones in your robes, he will "wave" at you until you give him one. Give him two.
His day bed is the one closest to the fireplace. If there is a girl lying in it he will come and rest his head on your knee until you remove her. His bedtime is 8 pm; please help him up the stairs.
Don't leave freshly baked pies on the counter, no matter how crippled he becomes, he will always eat it. Blueberry is his favorite, with just a little cinnamon.
If there is a child in the water he will bring it out, especially if it is having a good time. If there is a small child walking with a cracker, he will keep the child from overeating. Please give him a child to follow.
Don't leave any ladders leaning against your house, he will be found on the roof.
I hope there is a playground nearby with lots of kids, he will wait his turn at the slide, and bark when he gets to the bottom.
Be careful when you spell out words like "C-A-R R-I-DE" and " E-A-T," even "B-U-N-N-Y", He knows how to spell, you had better be ready to follow through.
When you take him on a trip, and stop to rest, just tell him to "be a good Boy", he will lift his leg whether he has to go or not. He can't "go" with a leash on, it makes him cough. In fact don't even show him a leash, he will choke. He also can't go for a walk without his Dummy in his mouth, He can't make it past the gate, he likes the orange one the best.
The top of his head will become pointed if you don't kiss it often during the day. Then his hats won't fit.
He can't sleep unless he is on the right side of the bed.
When you give him a marrow bone, make sure his mom is there too, he likes to use her back as a table and get her all slimy.
If you tell him to "stay", make sure you come back to release him, he will stay there for days.
During the football games, if you get a chip, he gets a chip. He doesn't like the nuts with the shell on them, peel them please.
If you go to the lake then stop for ice cream on the way home, he always gets the first lick and then the bottom of the cone too, please.
Don't use a Buoy to tie off your boat, he will spend all afternoon trying to drag it to shore.
If you take him camping, he has to sleep between you and Mrs. God, on the softest part of the foam pad.
When the Japanese Tourists get off the bus at the Grand Canyon, have them take a group photo instead of one at a time, he gets too tired of smiling.
Don't get mad at him when you come home and his head is in the dog food bin, He has to stretch his stomach muscles every now and then.
That's all for now God. Tell him we love him, miss him and hope he likes the food up there.
This letter was a heartfelt message from Amy Dobbs on the loss of her beloved Mr. Dinky. It is posted as part of a tribute to him on the LABSR4U "Forever in our Hearts" page. The complete tribute can be found at http://members.xoom.com/LABSR4U/dinky/dinky.html
The Dog Ten Commandments
1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be painful for me. Remember that BEFORE you get me.
1. Give me time to understand what you want from me.
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial to my well-being.
4. Don't be angry with me for long, and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, entertainment, and friends. I have only YOU.
5. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don't understand your words, I understand your voice.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I'll never forget.
7. Please don't hit me. I can't hit back, but I can bite and scratch and I really don't want to do that.
8. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I am not getting the right foods 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" or let it happen in my
absence. Everything is easier for me if YOU are there.
Remember, I LOVE YOU!!
-- Written by Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center,
Published by the SPCA of Pinellas County, FL
A Dog's Prayer
Treat me kindly, my beloved master, 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 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 bitter elements, and I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth...though had you 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 god and I am your 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 stand 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 of eternal rest... and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.
-- Beth Norman Harris