THINGS TO LEARN

          FROM A GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG

     Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

     Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in
     your face to be pure ecstasy.

     When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

     When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.

     Let others know when they've invaded your territory.

     Take naps and stretch before rising.

     Run, romp and play daily.

     Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.

     Be loyal.

     Never pretend to be something you're not.

     If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

     When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close
     by and nuzzle them gently.

     Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

     Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

     On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree.

     When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire
     body.

     No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the
     guilt thing and pout... run right back and make friends.

     Bond with your pack.

     Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.



 

The Spirit of

   A German Shepherd Dog

                  I was standing on a hillside
                  In a field of blowing wheat
            And the spirit of a German Shepherd Dog
                    Was lying at my feet.
              He looked at me with kind dark eyes
               An ancient wisdom shining through
                And in the essence of his being
                    I saw love there too.
                His mind did lock upon my heart
                 As I stood there on that day
                 And he told me of this story
                  About a place so far away.
                   I stood upon that hillside
                  In a field of blowing wheat
                 And in a twinkling of a second
                   His spirit left my feet.
                His tale did put my heart at ease
                   My fears did fade away
                 About what lay ahead of me
                   On another distant day.
               “I live among God’s creatures now
                  In the heavens of your mind
               So do not grieve for me, my friend
                    As I am with my kind.
                  My collar is a rainbow’s hue
                   My leash a shooting star
               My boundaries are the Milky Way
                 Where I sparkle from afar.
               There are no pens or kennels here
                    For I am not confined
                But free to roam God’s heavens
                  Among my Shepherd kind.
                I nap the day on a snowy cloud
                  Gentle breezes rocking me
              And dream the dreams of earthlings
                   And how it used to be.
                The trees are full of liver treats
                   And tennis balls abound
                And Milkbones line the walkways
                  Just waiting to be found.
                  There even is a ring set up
                 The grass all lush and green
                And everyone who gaits around
                 Becomes the Best of Breed.
                For we’re all winners in this place
                  We have no faults, you see
               And God passes out those ribbons
                    To each one, even me.
              I drink from waters laced with gold
                 My world a beauty to behold
              And wise old dogs do form my pride
                  To amble at my very side.
               At night I sleep in an angel’s arms
                  Her wings protecting me
                And moonbeams dance about us
                  As stardust falls on thee.
               So when your life on earth is spent
                And you stand at Heaven’s gate
                  Have no fear of loneliness
                  For here, you know I wait.


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