Once I was a lonely dog, just looking for a home.
I had no place to go, no one to call my own.
I wandered up and down the streets, in rain in heat and snow.
I ate what ever I could find, I was always on the go.
My skin would itch, my feet were sore, my body ached with pain.
And no one stopped to give a pat, or to gently say my name.
I never saw a loving glance, I was always on the run.
For people thought that hurting me was really lots of fun.
And then one day I heard a voice, so gentle, kind and sweet,
And arms so soft reached down to me and took me off my feet.
"No one again will hurt you." was whispered in my ear.
"You'll have a home to call your own where you will know no fear."
"You will be dry, you will be warm, you'll have enough to eat,
And rest assured that when you sleep, your dreams will all be sweet."
I was afraid I must admit, I've lived so long in fear.
I can't remember when I let a human come so near.
And as she tended to my wounds and bathed and brushed my fur.
She told me 'bout the rescue group and what it meant to her.
She said, "We are a circle, A line that never ends.
And in the center there is you protected by new friends."
"And all around you are the ones that check the pounds,
And those that share their home after you've been found."
"And all the other folk are searching near and far.
To find the perfect home for you, where you can be a star."
She said, "There is a family, that's waiting patiently,
and pretty soon we'll find them, just you wait and see."
"And then they'll join our circle they'll help to make it grow,
so there'll be room for more like you, who have no place to go."
I waited very patiently, the days they came and went.
Today's the day I thought, my family will be sent.
Then just when I began to think it wasn't meant to be,
there were people standing there just gazing down at me.
I knew them in a heart beat, I could tell they felt it too.
They said, "We have been waiting for a special dog like you."
Now every night I say a prayer to all the gods that be.
"Thank you for the life I live and all you've given me.
But most of all protect the dogs in the pound and on the street.
And send a Rescue Person to lift them off their feet."
Arlene Pace - September 18, 1998
You were frightened, but you wanted to love.
You distrusted, but there were moments when - almost - you would rest your
head.
You were always on guard, but you dreamed of learning to play.
You knew no one would protect you, but there were thoughts, or memories,
of having a friend.
And we wanted to rescue you, to let you know you were safe.
If we had stroked your lovely coat just one more time.....
If we had run with you just a little faster, or more often, in the grass.....
Then maybe you would have been able to believe.
We will never know if we failed you, or if life had failed you too harshly
before we met.
We will not know if you heard us and couldn't answer, or if you had lost
the power to hear
before we spoke.
We cannot know if you will forgive and wait for us at the Bridge,
But we know that we will look for you.
You, also, are one of ours -- and we loved you as best we could.
Old dog.
Why do you stay so near?
Go lie in the sun and drowse.
You needn't follow my every step,
And jump up when I appear.
Your joints are stiff;
You've earned a rest;
Lived your life well;
Passed every test.
And now you're very dear.
Old dog.
Why do you stay so near?
You lie close to my side
Each time I pause,
Head in my lap, alert to hear
Every nuance of my voice. You long ago made your choice
And never once looked to the rear.
Old dog.
Why do you stay so near?
What is it that you hear?
A far-off call, coming closer,
That I, too, know is there?
With each day our time together
Draws nearer to its end.
Please stay a while, old friend!
by June Goodrich PWCCA Newsletter, March 1977