“My Life”

All my life I’ve had a dog
As far back as I can remember.
But memories are all I have now
Since 6 years ago last December.
Bad health, no job, a husband who ran
And there I was in the street!
My family came through and rescued me
Without them I would have died.
But my dogs had to go, for no way could they be
With me where I now reside.
My best friend took them in (I had quite a den)
For a breeder I professed to be.
A joke, at best, I never sold one!
Each one so special, I kept them all for me.
For a year she kept them, at her expense,
Awaiting my fate to see.
Time not in my favor and her burden to great,
She had to place them in homes.
Not just mine, you see, even some of her own.
Just two of mine, the most special two,
Will stay until death takes them away.
You must understand that part of me’s gone
When the love of a dog I’m denied.
Stripped of all life meant to me,
Even the loss of my pride.
My reason for telling my story to you
Is not meant for sympathy....
It’s for that dog beside you or in your lap,
You know, the one you love so much?
Is his fate secure should something happen?
Have you provided for such?
You may think your life is secure
As I did before all hell broke loose,
But I’m telling you -- provide for your friend,
If you don’t it’s his life he may lose!
With all that I’ve lost, I’ve paid the cost
With heartache and tears as my dues.
I wouldn’t wish this for you!
My plea to you is really quite clear -
Just look at that dog beside you or in your lap,
Imagine to yourself that he has to go, right now!
Really look hard!!
Then answer the question I put to you......
But how??
Kathy Henderson 1998
 
 

Talk With Me

Come in, sit down and talk with me,
We’ll talk of things that used to be.
It’s a shoulder I’m looking for
When I speak of dogs I have no more.
First let me tell you a little ‘bout me,
Then you’ll understand why my hearts broken to.
I’ve lost everything that meant much to me,
Most of all, my Pom’s and Shelties.
No, they didn’t die, thank God for that,
It’s just that now, I don’t know where they’re at.
They were placed in homes, no choice did I have,
It was either that or the pound and their graves.
Offers of help and groceries came (even dog food),
When my dog friends learned of the hell I was in.
These people amazed me, I was shocked to my toes!
To them I give credit and my family to
For getting me through such times of woe.
But, you know, if I close my eyes
and let my mind drift.....
I can still see each dog, each personality,
Hear each one’s bark, each one’s plea,
begging for treats and dancing for me.
I pray to God in his mercy, He watch over every one.
But, I already know that two of them are gone.
Not their new owners fault, just one of those things.
Another of life’s quirks that hits with a sting!
No, I can’t have dogs now, not where I live,
But that doesn’t mean I’ve not love to give.
I help where I can, the club that helped me.
I’m on the board, even an officer.
I help with fundraising through art, poetry
and even a little photography.
And anything else I can find to offer.
You must understand what matters the most,
They share with me the dogs they own.
Maybe someday I can take one home.
It may be a dream, but it’s all I’ve got,
When part of my life has from me flown.
Well, thank you for listening,  I’ve enjoyed our talk.  Thanks for the shoulder,
it helps me to cope with the emptiness inside
that will never be over.
Kathy Henderson  1998

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