*You believe every dog is a lap dog.
*If you are cold, you put a sweater on your dog.
*You have a picture of your dog in your wallet, but not one of your kids.
*You often claim that it was love at first sight with you and your dog.
*You have your dog talk to your friends on the phone.
*You can't fully enjoy yourself without your dog.
*No matter how large your bed is, it is not large enough for you and your dog(s).
*You spend more on clothes and food for your dog than you do for yourself.
*You have no reservations about kissing your dog on the lips, even when you know where his lips have been.
*You believe it is your duty to talk to, pat, and even feed every dog in the neighborhood. You know their names.
*You let the neighbor dog sleep over.
*You believe there is no such thing as a naughty dog.
*Your vet and grooming bills exceed your rent.
*When you need someone to talk to, your dog is your first choice.
*You sit on the floor if the dog got in the chair first.
*You talk to your dog when you are driving. He answers.
*Your dog taught you to fetch and roll over.
I'm waiting here in foster care for you to come and see
The one the others have passed by - Please stop and look at me!
I'm not alone here in my quest to find myself a place
Where someone will have love for me and softly stroke my face.
We're not so young in years they say, although we're young at heart
If you'll take a chance with us - please know we'll do our part.
Our faces have a bit of white, our legs a slower gait
Our hearts so full of love to give - but still we sit and wait.
A younger dog is what folks want, one who romps and plays
They won't take time to look at us - just think we're old and gray.
Little do they know the things we have to offer them
Manners learned and quiet souls - good dogs all we've been.
There are those here too whose souls were damaged and in pain
Before they came to this safe place and learned to trust again.
When new folks come and look at them, they seem withdrawn and shy.
Time is all they need to learn that new bonds they can tie.
Patience, love and gentle hands is all they ask of you
In exchange - their hearts they give you in their lives so new.
We may not be the perfect dogs in everybody's eye -
Too big, too small, too brown, too blue, too black, too old, too shy.
But, unless you sit and take the time and see all that we can be
You'll miss the best that is right here - Please stop - HEY - Look
at
ME!
Cyndee Walklet '00
SheltieZoo@aol.com