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 Favorite
Pictures
and Poems
Here are some of rescues favorite pictures.
Christmas 2007
 A Rescue Dog's Christmas
Poem
Tis the night before Christmas and all through the town,
every shelter is full - we are lost, but not found,
Our numbers are hung on our kennels so bare,
we hope every minute that someone will care,
They'll come to adopt us and give us the call,
"Come here, Max and Sparkie - come fetch your new ball!
But now we sit here and think of the days...
we were treated so fondly - we had cute, baby ways,
Once we were little, then we grew and we grew
now we're no longer young and we're no longer new.
So out the back door we were thrown like the trash,
they reacted so quickly - why were they so rash?
We "jump on the children," "don't come when they call",
we "bark when they leave us", climb over the wall.
We should have been neutered, we should have been spayed,
now we suffer the consequence of the errors THEY made.
If only they'd trained us, if only we knew...
we'd have done what they asked us and worshiped them, too.
We were left in the backyard, or worse -let to roam-
now we're tired and lonely and out of a home.
They dropped us off here and they kissed us good-bye...
"Maybe someone else will give you a try."
So now here we are, all confused and alone...
in a shelter with others who long for a home.
The kind workers come through with a meal and a pat,
with so many to care for, they can't stay to chat,
They move to the next kennel, giving each of us cheer...
we know that they wonder how long we'll be here.
We lay down to sleep and sweet dreams fill our heads...
of a home filled with love and our own cozy beds.
Then we wake to see sad eyes, brimming with tears -
our friends filled with emptiness, worry, and fear.
If you can't adopt us and there's no room at the Inn -
could you help with the bills and fill our food bin?
We count on your kindness each day of the year -
can you give more than hope to everyone here?
Please make a donation to pay for the heat...
and help get us something special to eat.
The shelter that cares for us wants us to live,
and more of us will, if more people will give.
~Author
Unknown~
Thanksgiving 2007
 November Leaves
EASTER 2007
 Hallowiener Picnic 2006
First and foremost...
These poems are from different authors and have
been collected over time. They really put what Rescue does into
prospective. If you read these and it does not effect you, then you do not
belong on a rescue page. Most of them were sent to us from Florida
Rescue. We thank them for sending them to us. We like to give credit
where credit is due. Most poems or stories have authors names on it,
however, some do not. If you see something on this page that is yours and
does not have your name, please contact the webmaster at
Duranie@dslextreme.com and upon
request we will remove it from our site. Thank you and enjoy.
DO I GO HOME TODAY?
by Sally Thompson
My family brought me home cradled in their arms.
They cuddled me and smiled at me and said I was full of charm.
They played with me and laughed with me and showered me with toys.
I sure do love my family, especially the girls and boys.
The children loved to feed me, they gave me special treats.
They even let me sleep with them - all snuggled in the sheets.
I used to go for walks, often several times a day.
They even fought to hold the leash, I'm very proud to say.
These are the things I'll not forget - cherished memory, because I now live in
the shelter - without my family.
They used to laugh and praise me when I played with that old shoe.
But I didn't know the difference between the old ones and the new.
The kids and I would grab a rag, for hours we would tug.
So I thought I did the right thing when I chewed the bedroom rug.
They said that I was out of control, and would have to live outside.
This I did not understand, although I tried and tried.
The walks stopped, one by one; they said they hadn't time.
I wish that I could change things, I wish I knew my crime.
My life became so lonely, in the back yard, on a chain.
I barked and barked, all day long, just to keep from going insane.
So they brought me to the shelter, but were embarrassed to say why.
They said I caused an allergy, then they each kissed me goodbye.
If I'd only had some classes, when I was just a little pup, then I would have
been a better dog when I was all grown up. "You only have one day left." I heard
the worker say.
Does that mean I have a second chance?
DO I GO HOME TODAY?
|
'How
Could You?' |
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Copyright Jim Willis 2001
jwillis@bellatlantic.net
and
jwillis@verizonmail.com
 When I was a puppy I entertained you with my antics and
made you laugh. You called me your child and despite a number of chewed
shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend.
Whenever I was `bad,' you'd shake your finger at me and ask `How could you?'
- but then you'd relent and roll me over for a bellyrub.
 My housebreaking took a little longer than expected,
because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember
those nights of nuzzling you in bed, listening to your confidences and
secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect. We
went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I
only got the cone because `ice cream is bad for dogs,' you said), and I took
long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day.
Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more
time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you
through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad
decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in
love.
She, now your wife, is not
a `dog person' - still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her
affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy. Then the
human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by
their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she
and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished
to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I
became a `prisoner of love.'
 As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to
my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes,
investigated my ears and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about
them and their touch - because your touch was now so infrequent - and I
would have defended them with my life if need be. I would sneak into their
beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams.
 Together we waited for the sound of your car in the
driveway. There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog,
that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about
me. These past few years, you just answered `yes' and changed the subject. I
had gone from being `your dog' to `just a dog,' and you resented every
expenditure on my behalf. Now you have a new career opportunity in another
city, and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow
pets. You've made the right decision for your `family,' but there was a time
when I was your only family.
I was excited about the car
ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of
fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the paperwork and said `I know you
will find a good home for her.' They shrugged and gave you a pained look.
They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog or cat, even one with
`papers.' You had to pry your son's fingers loose from my collar as he
screamed `No, Daddy! Please don't let them take my dog!' And I worried for
him, and what lessons you had just
taught him about friendship
and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life.
You gave me a good-bye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely
refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet and
now I have one, too.
After you left, the two
nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and
made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and
asked `How could you?' They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as
their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite
days ago. At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front,
hoping it was you - that you had changed your mind - that this was all a bad
dream...or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might
save me. When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for
attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a
far corner and waited.
 I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the
day and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully
quiet room. She placed me on the table, rubbed my ears and told me not to
worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was
also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days. As is my
nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs
heavily on her and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood. She
gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I
licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago. She
expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and
the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into
her kind eyes and murmured `How could you?' Perhaps because she understood
my dogspeak, she said `I'm so sorry.' She hugged me and hurriedly explained
it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn't be
ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself - a place of love
and light so very different from this earthly place. With my last bit of
energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my `How could
you?' was not meant for her. It was you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking
of. I will think of you and wait for you forever. May everyone in your life
continue to show you so much loyalty.
The End
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Animals
Have Souls
I
believe that angels have wings
And
Animals have souls
How
could you not when you look
Into
the eyes of these animals
Friends, You know that their heart beats
A
wonderful heart asking for nothing
but to
be allowed to love you
In
return they give you unconditional
Loyalty, no questions asked.
I know
that they are just children
with
fur. When you enter your private
World,
they greet you with all the
Enthusiasm, their hearts can muster
Bight
eyes and the joy in their
Voices
express the fact life will
Be
okay....
Because
I love you
- Mary
Wisniewski-
"Annie Kay Anderson"
A Day
in the Life of a Puppy
-Author Unknown-
This morning, I woke up & kissed
my dad's head.
I peed on the carpet,
then went back to bed.
"The life of a puppy, oh
my, this is great."
Then I thought about
breakfast," I hope it's not late."
Mom took me outside, we walked
for a while.
This never fails to make
Mama smile.
I sniffed of everything,
that we did pass,
I ate something weird -
it gave me gas.
I'm sure God loves me, I know
that is true.
He gave me so many great
things to chew.
Rugs, plants or rocks, I
really don't care.
What I truly like best,
is Dad's underwear.
That obedience book, was sort of
yummy.
Though it didn't sit well
on my poor puppy tummy.
I threw up a bit, but
that was all right,
When Mom found it later,
I was well out of sight.
I made streamers of T. P., while
running at full speed.
Mom is pretty quick --
but I was still in the lead.
I flew under the bed, and
Mom flew past,
She stopped-shook her
head, and breathed, "You're too fast."
Mama later phoned Daddy, and
said, "It was frightening!"
That afternoon, she was
sure I'd pooped lightning.
She'd sat at the
computer, while I chewed the cord,
She thought I was mad,
but I was just bored.
When Mama had enough, couldn't
take anymore,
That's when my tushy got
shoved out the door.
I love it inside, but
outside is best.
Lay in the cool grass,
and had a good rest.
That didn't last long, there was
too much to do--
Can't quite remember
where I hid Daddy's shoe.
I found an old bone, and
scratched at a flea,
I watched the dumb
squirrels as they jumped in a tree.
I barked at the kids, when they
got off the bus.
I can't figure out why this
makes Mama fuss.
I barked at the neighbor,
I barked at the wind.
I barked and barked, till
Mom yelled, "COME IN."
The sun dipped in the west-soon
Daddy would come!
I sure love my daddy: we
always have fun.
I barked at my daddy,
then turned on my charms,
I woo-wooed, "Hello,"
then jumped in his arms.
Sitting under the table -- it's
sooo hard to wait.
Daddy slipped me a goodie
right off his plate.
I raced through the
house, and scattered my toys,
Ricocheted off the
furniture, and made lots of noise.
Mom found her purse - the one I
abused.
Daddy let loose a
chuckle. Mom asked "Amused??"
I cowered down low, I
must be in trouble.
Dad said, "Wasn't MY boy,
it must be his double!"
Mom turned off the TV, and
said,"Time for bed."
Dad said "Let's go boy,"
and patted my head.
I got in my spot, between
Mom and Dad,
I thought 'bout my day
and what fun I had.
Mama kicked out my bone from the
covers below,
Then let loose a sigh --
a sigh deep and low.
She gave me a kiss, and
snuggled me tight,
And whispered so softly,
'My darling goodnight'.
An
Alternative Rainbow Bridge.
Unlike most
days at Rainbow Bridge, this day dawned cold and grey, damp as a swamp and as
dismal as could be imagined. All of the recent arrivals had no idea what to
think, as they had never experienced a day like this before. However, the
animals who had been waiting for their beloved people knew exactly what was
going on and started to gather at the pathway leading to The Bridge to watch.
It wasn't
long before an elderly animal came into view; head hung low and tail dragging.
The other animals, the ones who had been there for a while, knew what his story
was right away, for they had seen this happen far too often. He approached
slowly, obviously in great emotional pain, but with no sign of injury or
illness. Unlike all of the other animals waiting at The Bridge, this animal had
not been restored to youth and made healthy and vigorous again. As he walked
toward The Bridge, he watched all of the other animals watching him. He knew he
was out of place here and the sooner he could cross over, the happier he would
be. But, alas, as he approached The Bridge, his way was barred by the appearance
of an Angel who apologized, but told him that he would not be able to pass. Only
those animals who were with their people could pass over Rainbow Bridge. With no
place else to go, the elderly animal turned towards the fields before The Bridge
and saw a group of other animals like him, also elderly and infirm. They weren't
playing, but rather simply lying on the green grass, forlornly staring out at
the pathway leading to The Bridge. And so, he took his place amongst them,
watching the pathway and waiting. One of the newest arrivals at The Bridge
didn't understand what he had just witnessed and asked one of the animals that
had been there for a while to explain it to him.
"You see,
that poor animal was a rescue. He was turned in to rescue just as you see him
now, an older animal with his fur greying and his eyes clouding. He never made
it out of rescue and passed on with only the love of his rescuer to comfort him
as he left his earthly existence. Because he had no family to give his love to,
he has no one to escort him across The Bridge." The first animal thought about
this for a minute and then asked, "So what will happen now?" As he was about to
receive his answer, the clouds suddenly parted and the gloom lifted. Approaching
The Bridge could be seen a single person and among the older animals, a whole
group was suddenly bathed in a golden light and they were all young and healthy
again, just as they were in their prime of life. "Watch, and see.", said the
second animal. A second group of animals from those waiting came to the pathway
and bowed low as the person neared. At each bowed head, the person offered a pat
on the head or a scratch behind the ears. The newly restored animals fell into
line and followed him towards The Bridge. They all crossed The Bridge together.
"What
happened?"
"That was a
rescuer. The animals you saw bowing in respect were those who found new homes
because of his work. They will cross when their new families arrive. Those you
saw restored were those who never found homes. When a rescuer arrives, they are
allowed to perform one final act of rescue. They are allowed to escort those
poor animals that they couldn't place on earth across The Rainbow Bridge."
-Author
Unknown
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