1. Your friends remark about your unique dog-fur seat covers.

2.  A friend asks you if you want to go for a Sunday drive and you say you have to check the transport list first.

3. Your engine starts knocking so you pour a bottle of Rescue Remedy in the gas tank.

4.  You get stopped for having illegally tinted windows and the officer does not believe those are nose prints.

5.  You take your car to the car wash and ask for the flea bath.

6.  You take your dog to the groomer but miss the appointment because your dog is still checking out all the strange doggie smells in your car and refuses to get out.

7.  You sit down to plan your vacation and you begin dividing the route into legs.

8.  You are pulled over for speeding and give the officer your rabies certificate.

9.  You schedule your car's preventive maintenance at the Vets.

10. Your boss asks you to make his/her travel arrangements for an upcoming business trip, so you post him/her to all the transport lists.

11.  You refer to your favorite Western Bagel shop as the Western Beagle Shop.

12. You open your glove compartment and all you have inside are three dog leashes, a hand full of cat treats, 13 dog biscuits, 1/2 bag of rabbit pellets, two Dog Breed Reference Guides, and a complete list of local Shelters.

13. You find that when other people bring out the kid pics and brag......you whip out the "rescued kids!" and brag!

14. You find that you literally start foaming at the mouth the instant you see an un-neutered dog/cat.

15. You find yourself not only petting your friend's dog or cat......but also doing health and temperament checks.

16. After you have health and temperament checked your friend's pet, you proceed to do a thorough home check!

17. Your "regular" friends refuse to answer the door, phone, or email because of the possibility (make that probability) that you need a foster or forever home for another beastie.

18. You go to call your best friend, and find that you have  inadvertently dialed the kennel section of the Animal Shelter!

-- Permission to share by Tina Haney

I would've died that day if not for you.
I would've given up on life if not for your kind eyes.
I would've used my teeth in fear if not for your gentle hands.
I would have left this life believing that all humans don't care
Believing there is no such thing as fur that isn't matted,
skin that isn't flea bitten,
good food and enough of it,
beds to sleep on, and
someone to love me, to show me I deserve love just because I exist.
Your kind eyes, your loving smile, your gentle hands
Your big heart saved me...

You saved me from the terror of the streets and the pound,
Soothing away the memories of my old life.
You have taught me what it means to be loved.
I have seen you do the same for other dogs like me.
I have heard you ask yourself in times of despair "Why do I it?"
When there is no more money, no more room, no more homes
You open your heart a little bigger, stretch the money a little tighter
Make just a little more room...to save one more like me.
I tell you with the gratitude and love that shines in my eyes
In the best way I know how
Reminding you why you go on trying.

I am the reason ...
The dogs before me are the reason...
As are the ones who come after.
Our lives would've been wasted, our love never given
We would have died if not for you.

(permission to cross post)

By Kim Senke-Rocka
Associate Executive Director
Heart Bandits American Eskimo Dog Rescue