Letter From Your Pet In Heaven

To my dearest family,
some things I'd like to say.
But first of all, to let you know,
that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from the Bridge.
Here I dwell with God above.
Here there's no more tears of sadness
Here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy
just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I am with you
every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you
when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me
and He said, "I welcome you.
It's good to have you back again,
you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family,
They'll be here later on."
God gave me a list of things,
that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list,
was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night
the day's chores put to flight,
God and I are closest to you...
in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth,
and all those loving years,
because you are only human,
they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry:
it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers,
unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you
all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you,
you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain,
though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now,
than I ever was before.
There are rocky roads ahead of you
and many hills to climb;
But together we can do it
by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy
and I'd like it for you too;
That as you give unto the world,
the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody
who's in sorrow and pain;
Then you can say to God at night...
"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented...
that my life was worthwhile.
Knowing as I passed along
I made somebody smile.
God says: "If you meet somebody
who is sad and feeling low;
Just lend a hand to pick him up,
as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street
with me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps
only half a step behind."
"And when it's time for you to go...
from that body to be free.
Remember you're not going...
you're coming here to me."
-Author Unknown

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JUST AN OLD TREE

There is an old plum tree in my side yard that only has a limb
or two that gets leaves during the year.  The last time my mom
was here she asked why I didn't just cut it down...after all,
its just an old tree that doesn't have much to offer anymore.
There is no fruit from it and its not pretty to look at.
Why not just plant a new one in its place?
I smiled at her and explained that even though it might not be
obvious, the tree is enjoyed by many.  The birds love to come and
sit on its bare branches and because those branches are bare,
I get to enjoy the birds from my bedroom window.  This morning
is overcast and cool here.  I was looking out my window at the
flurry of activity in that tree.  There must have been 20 birds
there in a five minute period - including two very sweet little
hummingbirds. My tree seems to have become a local "hang out"
spot, patiently standing and waiting for the next visitor to
appear and offering a quiet place for its friends to rest.
We have shelties in our rescues who are like that tree - past
the prime of their lives, unable to bear fruit, and sometimes
their "leaves" aren't as full as they used to be - discarded by
those who wanted to plant one more youthful in their place.
They are all too quickly passed by in the search of
a new family member by those who want a "young dog."
I think we are all guilty of getting caught up in the excitement
of when we think of adding another furkid to our families we
immediately think of pink bellies and puppy breath.  We forget
about the old ones out there who are sitting like that tree..
patiently waiting for a visitor to sit down with them for a while,
hold them, and tell them how wonderful they are.
Its time for us to look around us and see ALL the dogs who are
out there needing a new family of their own.  The majority of
shelties in rescue are OLDER dogs and we are running out of
room!  There are only so many foster homes available to us.
Yes, we always seem to be able to squeeze in just one more,
but wouldn't it be a wonderful thing if we actually KNEW we had
room available for new dogs in need coming in?
I had my wake-up call with Sparkle.  Yes I was already doing rescue
to try and do something to give back to this breed I love.  Yes I
already had a foster here with my four permanent, healthy, young
dogs. Yes I have said that FOUR would be my family limit
(yeahright - before Merlin came along that number was THREE).
Then came Sparkle... here was an skinny wee 11 year old dumped in
a shelter in Nashville (thanks BE to Ann who snatched her up!)
with a hole in her face, rotten teeth, and a severe heart murmur.
Her face and teeth are taken care of and she proceeded to steal
the hearts (and still does!) of anyone who came in contact with
her on her journey south to our home.  Here she STAYS!  The Clan
is careful of her in play and lets her have the choice spots to
sleep.  Its as though she has been here her whole life.
Since getting started on her heart meds, she plays and romps
like a puppy.
Seniors may nap a little longer and move a little slower, but the
love that shines from their eyes is ageless.  Have you thought
about adding a new furkid to your family?  Right now there is
a senior sitting someplace waiting for you... waiting to give you
more love than you can imagine.  Let rescue help you find each other.
Time to get away from this keyboard... Sparkle and I are going to
sit together and look out my window at a certain old tree...
Cyndee & the SC Clan
Ivy, Holly, Kerrie, Merlin & Sparkle
SC Sheltie Rescue
Columia SC
SheltieZoo@aol.com

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