Poems and Stories

Tray's Poem
(in memory of Traylor)

One by one, they pass by my cage,
'Too old', 'Too worn', 'Too broken', 'No way'.
'Way past his time, he can't run and play'.
Then they shake their heads slowly and go on their way.

A little old man, arthritic and sore,
It seems I am not wanted anymore.

I once had a home, I once had a bed,
A place that was warm, and where I was fed.
Now my muzzle is grey, and my eyes slowly fail.
Who wants a dog so old and so frail?

My family decided I didn't belong,
I got in their way, my attitude was wrong.
Whatever excuse they made in their head,
Can't justify how they left me for dead.

Now I sit in this cage, where day after day,
The younger dogs get adopted away.

When I had almost come to the end of my rope,
You saw my face, and I finally had hope.
You saw thru the grey, and the legs bent with age,
And felt I still had life beyond this cage.

You took me home, gave me food and a bed,
And shared your own pillow with my poor tired head.
We snuggle and play, and you talk to me low,
You love me so dearly, you want me to know.

I may have lived most of my life with another,
But you outshine them with a love so much stronger.
And I promise to return all the love I can give,
To you, my dear person, as long as I live.

I may be with you for a week, or for years,
We will share many smiles, you will no doubt shed tears.
And when the time comes that God deems I must leave,
I know you will cry and your heart, it will grieve.

And when I arrive at the Bridge, all brand new,
My thoughts and my heart will still be with you.
And I will brag to all who will hear,
Of the person who made my last days so dear.

Leslie Whalen

Mollie and Me

I would like to share with all our wonderful story of harmony between Mollie and myself. I was lucky enough to receive Mollie on August 19, 2001 when she was just one year old. We started immediately to train and become a team. Time moved on and by March 2, 2002, Mollie passed her evaluation testing to become a Therapy dog. She visits with seniors and children at hospitals. She loves her work and does very well and is loved by everyone. Along with her evaluation testing Mollie also passed her CGC, Canine Good Citizen test. Another gold star for Mollie! Along with her therapy work, Mollie was a part of a Literacy Reading program for children ages 6 to 12. She was a GOOD listener!

On Saturday March 22, 2003 at the Sheltie specialty trial held in Pasadena, Mollie won her first leg in Obedience, taking second place with a score of 191. On Sunday, March 23, Mollie came in FIRST in her class to win her second leg with a score of 193.5. On April 26, 2003 Mollie completed her title by winning her third leg and coming in fourth in her class with a score of 185. Mollie now has "CGC" and "CD", which means Companion Dog behind her name. Needless to say I am ever so proud of her! Now onto more training for her next title which will be in the Open Class and a "CDX" after her name.

Santa Ana Valley Kennel Club asked Mollie & myself to be on their TOP DOG team which took place on June 28, at Eagle Glen Comunity Park in Corona. Mollie scored 197 out of 200 points. Mollie worked like a dream and what a dream come true for me. These were only the top dogs in all the clubs that were entered. Bravo!!! Mollie.

Mollie will always shine brightly in my eyes. She is my soul mate!!!

Carol Gold

Herbie

I adopted Herbie on September 1, 2000 because I had lost a sheltie. I wanted a sheltie to show in Obedience. I only wish Herbie had been a smaller sheltie. I sent away for an ILP number so I could show him in Obedience. There were many times I felt like sending him back to Kathy so she could put him in Doggie Boot Camp. Maybe he needed a dose of Doggie Boot Camp.

He has come a long way. There were times I still felt like giving him back to Kathy but I stuck with him, maybe because he has a prison number (ILP Number). I was able to get his first leg in Ventura on July 6, 2002. Then on October 20th, 2002, we got our second leg in Del Mar.

I had to take some time off in January because I had a Hip Replacement. I went back to working my dog maybe the middle of March. I entered Herbie in a show on May 17 and 18. On May 17, I was able to get a third leg on Herbie at Rancho Santa Fe with a score of 183 1/2, so now I have a title on Herbie, Companion Dog or CD for short. I plan on trying Open with him but it might take me a year of two before I can show him because he is a hard sheltie to work with but I love him very much.

Barbara Stephenson

Shelby’s Heart

You walked into our life that day,
Not certain why you came.
Your human didn’t take care of you.
We thought “Shelby” should be your name.

But when you saw your new Dad,
Sitting, waiting on the floor.
You trustingly went right to his arms,
And snuggled your face even more.

Three other Shelties, and eight cats,
We weren’t sure what to do,
But we fell in love that very night.
Dad’s birthday gift was YOU!

We knew the day you felt you belonged,
You jumped up to welcome us home.
Such a happy and contented heart,
A quiet and gentle soul.

You never pushed your way, but always
Hung back from the rest.
You knew our hands would reach for you,
To show we loved you best.

Such a sweet and soft expressive face
With expectant, yet hesitant eyes,
Your joy in life as your tail wagged,
Chasing squirrels up in the sky.

How could we know that time was short?
Now memories flood our days.
Your little life was such a light,
With all your special ways.

With precious love your heart outpoured,
Those treasured gifts we’ll not forget.
You touched our souls to the very core.
As gently as you lived, you left.

“What sorrow, this morning with it brings”
Echoed like thunder across my sky.
The rain kept falling the day you left,
As if all heaven could hear us cry.

The emptiness is hard to bear.
The door now opens for three, not four.
You tried your best, but your heart gave out.
Oh, how we wanted to give you more.

Shelby, ‘tho our arms no longer hold
The heart we could not mend,
We’ll hold you in our hearts, little Prince,
‘Til Heaven brings us together again.

A Letter From "Al"

Mom,

It's very beautiful here. It's warm and sunny, and there are lots of spots in the shade to sit and let the breeze ruffle my handsome shiny coat.

I don't feel that pain in my legs and paws anymore. I can run again, and I've even jumped up on the sofa like I used to! The hurt in my tummy is gone, my eyesight is sharp and my hearing is clear. I feel like a puppy again!

I can visit you sometimes. Listen for my paws clicking on the floor. Listen for my barks--they're just fainter than before. I like to check in on you--it is my job to keep an eye on you. I will never stop protecting you.

Please don't be sad. You may not see me, but please know I'm here. It's my new job to protect you from up here, and you can be sure I don't let you down. I know you miss me, and I've seen your tears. Ask your heart if I'm really here, and take comfort in the answer.

There will come a time many years from now when you too will grow old and weak. Don't worry, it's not any time soon. You'll do what I did and let go. It will be scary for a while, but don't worry. I'll be on the other side to help you across.

I'll run up to you and demand some well overdue affection! Your ears will need a good licking too! There are other people and animals over here who are also eager to see you, but I'll be first. From then I'll stay by your side forever, as it should be.

In the meantime, if you want to see me, invite me into your dreams just before you fall asleep--I'll be there. And don't be scared if I visit you-- I'm just protecting you. So please don't worry, I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be-- just like you are.

With all my love and devotion,

Albion

(who left us September 30, 1998)
Author: Sam

My Special Friend

I found her on the street one day,

Just walking all alone,

Her feet were red, her hair was gone,

And still she longed for home.

I healed her wounds, I gave her love,

Her hero I became.

And through the years our love grew strong,

A love that would not change.

She was my girl, my Pretty Girl,

She gave me so much pleasure,

What human would not envy me

This precious, loving treasure.

I lost my special friend today,

A friend so sweet and dear,

Her eyes were blue, her hair was grey,

And with each passing year

Her bouncy trot became a walk,

Her eyes grew dim with age,

But if I loved her more, I thought

I could slow down the page of life

That turns for all, as equals we become.

And though I tried and loved and fought,

The battle was not won.

And so today God took my friend

Into his loving arms,

Her cares are gone; she is set free,

With him there is no harm.

I know my friend is with me still,

Her love, it has no end,

She waits to greet me when I come

To find her, once again.

Rescued Hearts

Taking care of Rescue dogs

Is something I do best.

I know because I've done it,

And I've surely passed the test.

The dogs I've bathed, the food I've fed,

The vacuuming I've done,

And all to watch a frightened soul

Sit dreaming in the sun.

My own dogs I've neglected,

But I tell them every day,

That I love and cherish each of them

Though a new dog's come to stay.

I know they understand this,

For in their eyes I see

The love that I have given them

Come shining back at me.

Some people think I'm crazy,

Some others think I'm great.

But very few can understand

What really is at stake.

If I can love and help a dog

To find a better way,

My own life is much richer,

I look forward to each day.

So now you know my secret,

It's there for all to see.

The love I give, the life I save,

I do it all for ME.

FROM FRIEND TO FRIEND

You're giving me a special gift,

So sorrowfully endowed,

And through these last few cherished days,

Your courage makes me proud.

But really, love is knowing

When your best friend is in pain,

And understanding earthly acts

Will only be in vain.

So looking deep into your eyes,

Beyond, into your soul,

I see in you the magic, that will

Once more make me whole.

The strength that you possess,

Is why I look to you today,

To do this thing that must be done,

For it's the only way.

That strength is why I've followed you,

And chose you as my friend,

And why I've loved you all these years...

My partner 'til the end.

Please, understand just what this gift,

You're giving, means to me,

It gives me back the strength I've lost,

And all my dignity.

You take a stand on my behalf,

For that is what friends do.

And know that what you do is right,

For I believe it too.

So one last time, I breathe your scent,

And through your hand I feel,

The courage that's within you,

To now grant me this appeal.

Cut the leash that holds me here,

Dear friend, and let me run,

Once more a strong and steady dog,

My pain and struggle done.

And don't despair my passing,

For I won't be far away,

Forever here, within your heart,

And memory I'll stay.

I'll be there watching over you,

Your ever faithful friend,

And in your memories I'll run,

....a young dog once again.

In Memory of Asta, Feb. 1997

(c) Karen Clouston

OLD DOGS DO NOT DIE

We have a secret you and I,

That no one else shall know.

For who , but I can see you lie,

Each night, in fireglow?

And who but I can reach my hand

Before we go to bed,

And feel the living warmth of you

And touch your silken head?

And only I walk woodland paths,

and see ahead of me,

Your small form racing with the wind,

So young again, and free.

And only I can see you swim

In every brook I pass.

And when I call, no one but I

Can see the bending grass.

~Author Unknown

"IF IT SHOULD BE"

If it should be I grow frail and weak

And pain prevents my peaceful sleep.

Then you must do what must be done

When this last battle can't be won.

You will be sad, I understand.

Selfishness might stay your hand.

But on this day, more than the rest,

Your love and friendship take the test.

We've had so many happy years

That what's to come can hold no fears.

You'd not want me to suffer. So,

When the time comes, please let me go.

Take me where my needs they'll tend.

Only -- stay with me until the end.

Hold me firm and speak to me.

Until my eyes no longer see.

I know, in time, you, too, will see

It is a kindness that you do for me.

Although my tail it's last has waved,

From pain and suffering I've been saved.

Do not grieve it should be you.

Who must decide this thing to do.

We've been so close, we two, these years......

Don't let your heart hold any tears.

~Author Unknown~

"THE RAINBOW BRIDGE"

There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called the

Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors.

Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge, there is a land of meadows,

hills and valleys with lush green grass.

When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place.

There is always food and water, and warm spring weather.

Those old and frail animals are young again.

Those who have been maimed are made whole again.

They play all day with each other.

But, there is one thing missing. They are not with their

special person who loved them on earth. So, each day

they run and play until the day comes when one

suddenly stops playing and looks up. The nose twitches,

the ears are up, the eyes are staring,

and this one suddenly runs from the group.

You have been spotted, and when you and your

special friend meet, you cling together in joyous reunion,

never to be parted again. Your face is kissed again

and again and again; your hands again caress the beloved head,

and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet,

so long gone from your life but never

absent from your heart. Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge

together, never again to be separated.

~Author Unknown