Author Unknown
1)
Be especially patient with your humans during this
time. They may appear to be more stressed-out than
usual and they will appreciate long comforting dog
leans.
2)
They may come home with large bags of things they
call gifts. Do not assume that all the gifts are yours.
3)
Be tolerant if your humans put decorations on you.
They seem to get some special kind of pleasure out
of seeing how you look with fake antlers.
4)
They may bring a large tree into the house and set it
up in a prominent place and cover it with lights and
decorations. Bizarre as this may seem to you, it is an
important ritual with humans, so there are some
things you need to know: Don't pee on the tree.
Don't drink water in the container that holds the
tree. Mind your tail when you are near the tree (if
you have one ) If there is a package under the tree,
even ones that smell interesting or that have your
name on them, don't rip them open. Don't chew on
the cord that runs from the funny-looking hole in the
wall to the tree.
5)
Your humans may occasionally invite lots of
strangers to come visit during this season. These
parties can be lots of fun, but they also call for some
discretion on your part: Not all strangers appreciate
kisses and leans (or nose blats =). Don't eat off of
the buffet table. Beg for goodies subtly, be pleasant,
even if unknowing strangers sit on your sofa, and
don't drink out of glasses that are left within your
reach.
6)
Likewise, your humans may take you visiting. Here
your manners will also be important: Observe all the
rules in #4 for trees that may be in other people's
houses. Respect the territory of other animals that
may live in the house, tolerate children (turn on your
charm big time).
7)
A big man with a white beard and a very loud laugh
may emerge from your fireplace in the middle of the
night. DON'T BITE HIM!
Copyright © Lois Harrington
Have You Seen..................
My master, my owner, my human, my friend?
They left for work September 11th and have
Not come home again.
Here I am, I've been alone for days but I
Do not know of the terrorist's ways.
There has been no TV or radio here,
While I'm locked in and secluded from what's going on
out there.
There's no food in my plate or water anymore.
I am just patient and watching the door.
Until my master, my owner, my human, my friend,
Might open it and be home with me safe again.
For I'm just a cat or a dog or any kind of pet,
That has been left stranded and undiscovered yet.
Below the lights that glistened, 'neath the dark, foreboding sky;
Out of the depths of darkened streets, she gave a mournful cry.
She focused ... unfamiliar sounds, and struggled to define,
This place where sorrow filled the night, she shook with fright, and whined.
Her eyes, they darted frantically, to catch a loving eye,
But in amongst these crowded streets, she gave another cry.
No sights she could distinguish, through these long and lonely days,
She shrank amongst the trashcans, in the darkened alleyways.
She shivered as she raised a paw, to no one ... in despair;
This tired and lonely orphan, was a sight of disrepair.
Her fur was once a glistening coat, that hands had lightly brushed,
But now a matted rag she wore, no loving hands did touch.
Her eyes that twinkled with delight, as children called her name,
Were miles away, she heard them not ... as they called out in vain.
She sank into the shadows; timid, far too tired to run;
Her broken spirit, limping now, four days, she had been gone.
Away from all the faces she had come to know and love,
Replaced by careless grumblings, and ignored by those above.
Approaching strangers ... "Caution!" ... she began to give a growl;
And wary now, she watched them, as they cornered her somehow.
A loop was flung around her neck, she struggled to break free!
A feeble effort, she did try, then sank beneath their knees.
A darkness then surrounded her, as roughly she did rise;
And gratefully, she drifted off ... a heaving groan and sigh.
She woke to barking, heavy cage, of steel she was encased;
With neighbors who, abandoned there, yelped 'tward their coming fate.
She joined them in their frantic barks, each time their fury raged;
But unknown faces still remained, beyond her cold, stark cage.
She languished there, 'twas drifting fast, her days were numbered now;
And though she could not comprehend, she seemed to know somehow.
No longer did she hold out hope, or bark at strangers when,
They slowly walked beyond her cage while searching for a friend.
She felt it ... knew the end was near; lost hope was in her eyes;
But suddenly she heard a sound, and much to her surprise ...
A little boy, not more than five, walked slowly in this place;
His tiny hand held firmly by his father's warm embrace.
His eyes were filled with sorrow of a boy who'd lost all hope;
He started down the aisles of cage, like walking on tightrope.
She stood upon her trembling legs, and gave a muffled cry,
She uttered little yelps and whines ... but he just passed her by.
Dejected, there she rummaged up the strength that she once knew;
She could not let him pass her by ... he was "the one" she knew!
A bark, a yelp, much louder now, she tried to catch his ear;
Above the others, she did cry, a happy blissful cheer!
He hesitated, cocked his head as she let out a wail;
He looked up to his dad and turned ... she wagged her ragged tail.
It took him only moments to lock eyes upon her own,
As recognition slowly dawned, she beckoned him along.
A moment passed, he stood so still, and shock was in his eyes;
A wonder filled his boyish face as then he recognized
His poor bedraggled puppy he had passed without a thought,
Was hiding under matted fur, a sorry sight she was.
She wagged her tail more readily, as he began to run;
His sparkling eyes were twinkling now ... remembrance ... they had won!
He dropped to knees and reached within her cage with eager hands;
She wagged and wiggled as he pressed his face against the pen.
Her tongue reached out and slobbered then, a sloppy puppy kiss;
The little boy grinned with delight, his heart was filled with bliss.
His smiling face looked skyward, and he thanked the Lord above,
For helping him to find his friend, his wondrous puppy love.
And as they turned to leave this place, where she had spent her time;
She turned and looked up to the boy, and softly then, she sighed.