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The Rescuers'
Quilt
As I arrived at the Bridge, I faced all the animals who had gone there
before me. Before each of us go to the Bridge, we live our lives like
the squares of a quilt in many piles, mirrored in the eyes of the
animals awaiting us. An animal Angel sits before each of us sewing our
quilt squares together in a tapestry that is our life. But as my animal
Angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and
empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each
square was labeled with a part of my life as a rescuer that had been
difficult, the challenges I was faced with in my quest to save lives and
the times I had been tempted to take the easy way out and avoid the
controversy rather than speak for the animals who could not speak for
themselves. I saw hardships that I had endured for the sake of the
animals, which were the largest holes of all. I glanced around me.
Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there,
the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of
worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened. My
animal Angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare
and empty, like binding air. Finally, the time came when each life was
to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The
others rose, each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled
their lives had been with the riches of the Earth. My animal Angel
looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise. My gaze dropped to the
ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in
my life, and laughter and the sweet kisses of the precious animals who
honored my life with their presence. But there had also been the trials
of illness, and death, and false accusations that took me from their
world as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled
with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick
up and begin again. I spent many nights crying and praying that somehow
the strength would come to go on, asking for help and guidance as I
tried to help the helpless. I had often been held up to ridicule, which
I endured painfully, each time enduring it for the sake of the animals
who looked at me with trust and love in their eyes. And now, I had to
face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for
what it was. I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life
to the light. An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at
the animals gathered there, who stared at me with wide eyes. Then, I
looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes,
creating an image of an animal who had depended on me. All the animals
at the Bridge stood before me, with warmth and love in their eyes. They
said, "Every time you gave over your life to help us, it gave us life.
Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let us
shine through, until there was more of us than there was of you."
May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing the animals to shine
through.
Author Unknown |
Why Dogs Don't Live
As Long As People
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a
ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The
dog's owners; Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little
boy, Shane were all very attached to Belker and they
were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and
found he was dying of cancer. I told the family there were no
miracles left for Belker, and offered to perform the
euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they
thought it would be good for the four-year-old Shane
to observe the procedure. They felt Shane could
learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat
as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so
calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I
wondered if he understood what was going on.
Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully
away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's
transition without any difficulty or confusion.
We sat together for a while after Belker's death,
wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives
are shorter than human lives.
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I
know why." Startled, we all turned to him. What
came out of his mouth next stunned me - I'd never
heard a more comforting explanation.
He said, "Everybody is born so that they can learn
how to live a good life - like loving everybody and
being nice, right?" The four-year-old continued,
"Well, animals already know how to do that, so they
don't have to stay as long."
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I Can Not
See You
I cannot see you Mommy, when you cuddle me so near. And yet I know you
love me, it's in the words I hear. I cannot see you Daddy, when you hold
me by your side. But still I know you love me when you tell me so with
pride. I cannot see to run and play out in the sun so bright. For here
inside my tiny head it's always dark as night.
I cannot see the treats you give when I am extra good. But I can wag my
tail in thanks just like a good dog should. "He cannot see. The dog's no
good" is what some folks might say. "He can't be trained, he'll never
learn he must be put away." But not you, Mommy and Daddy, you know that
it's alright. Because I love you just as much as any dog with sight. You
took me in, you gave me love and we will never part. I'm blind with just
my eyes, but I see you with my heart.
Author Unknown
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The dishes with the paw
print are yours and contain
your food. The other
dishes are mine and contain
my food. Please note that
placing a paw print in the
middle of my plate and food
does not mean it becomes
your food and dish, nor do I
find that aesthetically
pleasing in the slightest.
The stairway is not a
racetrack. Beating me to the
bottom is not the object.
Tripping me doesn't help
because I fall faster than
you can run. I cannot buy
anything bigger than a
king-sized bed. I am very
sorry about this. Do not
think I will continue
sleeping on the couch to
ensure your comfort. Dogs
and cats can actually curl
up in a ball when they
sleep. It is not necessary
to sleep perpendicular to
each other stretched out to
the fullest extent possible.
I also know that sticking
tails straight out and
having tongues hanging out
the other end to maximize
space is nothing but sarcasm
and disrespect.
For the last time, there is
not a secret exit from the
bathroom. If, by some
miracle, I beat you there
and manage to get the door
shut, it is not necessary to
claw, whine, meow, try to
turn the knob or stick your
paw under the edge and try
to pull the door open. I
must exit through the same
door I entered. I have been
using the bathroom for
years--canine or feline
attendance is not mandatory.
The proper order is kiss
me, then go smell the other
dog or cat's butt, NOT THE
OTHER WAY AROUND. I cannot
stress this enough! To pacify you, my dear pets,
I have posted the following
message on our front door: Rules for Non-Pet Owners
Who Visit and Always
Complain About Our Pets:
1. They live here. You
don't.
2. If you don't want hair on
your clothes, stay off the
furniture.
(That's why they call it "fur"nature.)
3. I like my pets a lot
better than I like most
people.
4. To you, it's an animal.
To me, he/she is an adopted
son/daughter, who is short,
hairy, walks on all fours,
and does not speak clearly.
Remember: Dogs and cats are
better than kids because
they: eat less, don't ask for
money all the time, are
easier to train, usually
come when called, never drive
your car, don't hang out
with drug-using
friends, don't smoke or
drink, don't worry about
having to buy the
latest fashions, don't wear
your clothes, don't need a
gazillion dollars for
college, and if they get
pregnant, you can sell their
children.
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May I Go Now?
By Rebecca L. Hoak
May I go now?
Do you think the time is right?
May I say good-bye to pain filled days
and endless painful nights?
I've lived my life and done my best,
an example tried to be.
So can I take that step beyond
and set my spirit free?
I didn't want to go at first,
I fought with all my might.
But something seems to draw me now
to a warm and loving light.
I want to go. I really do.
It's difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can
to live just one more day.
To give you time to care for me
and share your love and fears.
I know you're sad and afraid,
because I see your tears.
I'll not be far I promise that,
and hope you'll always know
that my spirit will be close to you
wherever you may go.
Thank you so for loving me.
You know I love you, too.
That's why it's hard to say goodbye
and end this life with you.
So hold me now just one more time
and let me hear you say,
because you care so much for me,
you'll let me go today. |
"Rescue Angels"
Tail tucked between your legs,
Confusion in your eyes-
I know it's hard to understand
That Someone heard your cries.
When loneliness is all you know
and pain is all you feel-
And no one can be trusted,
And hunger's all too real.
That's the time the Lord sees you
And lets you know He's there.
That's when He sends His messengers-
The hearts that love and care.
Yes, rescuers are angels-
You cannot see their wings,
They keep them neatly folded
As they do their caring things.
The medicine to make you well
Good food to make you strong,
And finally to help you learn,
That hugs are never wrong.
The perfect place then must be found-
The home where you can live
Secure and safe and happy-
With joy to get and give.
When you reach your Forever Home,
Your place to feel whole,
The Angels smile, and off they go-
To save another soul. |
I
Am Famous Now
I was born today. One of 10. My daddy was very famous. I have lots of
half brothers and sisters. My mother is very famous. Since she got
famous, she has only had puppies. No more loving hands, no more fun
trips...just puppies. She is always sad when they leave her.
I left home today. I didn't want to go, so I hid behind my mama and my
three littermates that were left. I didn't like you. But one day they
said I would be famous. I wonder; is famous the same as fun and good
times? So you picked me up and carried me away, even though you were
concerned about me hiding from you. I don't think you liked me.
My new home is far away. I am scared. My heart says BE BRAVE. I'm hungry
because I can't eat too much because it will be bad for my bones. I
can't bite or snap when the children are mean to me. I just run and play
and pretend I am in a big green field with butterflies and robins and
frogs. I can't understand why they kick me. I am quiet, but the man hits
and says loud things. The lady doesn't feed me good things like I had
with my mother. She just throws dry food on the ground, then goes away
before I can get too close for touching and petting.
Sometimes my food smells bad, but I eat it anyway. Today I had 10
puppies. They are so wonderful and warm. Am I famous now? I wish I could
play with them, but they are so tiny. I am so young and playful that it
is hard to lay here in this hole under the house nursing my puppies.
They are crying now. I am so hungry. I scratch and worry my fur. I wish
someone would throw me some food. I am also very thirsty. I now have
eight. Two got cold during the night and I couldn't make them warm
again. They are gone. We are all very weak. Maybe if I take them out on
the porch, we can get some food.
Today
they took us away. It was too much trouble to feed us and someone came
to take us away. Someone grabbed my puppies, they were crying and
whimpering. We were put in a truck with boxes in it. Are my babies
famous now? I hope so, because I miss them. They are gone.
The place smelled of urine, fear and sickness. Why am I here? I was
beautiful. Now I am hungry, dirty, in pain and unwanted. Maybe the worst
is being unwanted. No one came, though I tried to be good.
Today someone came! They put a rope on my neck and led me to a room that
was very clean and had a shiny table. They put me on the table. Someone
held me and hugged me. It felt so good! Then I felt tired and laid over
the last one who cared. I AM FAMOUS NOW. Today someone cared.
~ Author Unknown |
Twas the nite before Xmas when all thru the
house
Not a creature was stirring not even a mouse
the stockings were hung by the chimney with care
In hopes that St. Nick soon would be there
The children all nestled all snug in their beds
With No thought of the dog filling their head
And mamma in her kerchief and I in my cap
Knew the dog was cold, but didn't care about that
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter
Away to the window I flew like a flash
Figuring the dog was free of his chain and into the trash
The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow
gave the luster of mid-day to objects below
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But Santa Clause with eyes full of tears
He unchained the dog once so lively and quick
Last years Xmas present now painfully sick
More rapid than eagles he called the dogs name
and the dog ran to him despite all his pain.
Now Dasher, now Dancer, now Prancer and Vixen
On Comet on Cupid on Donner and Blitzen
To the top of the porch to the top of the wall
Let's find this dog a home where he will be loved by all.
I knew in an instant there would be no gifts this year
For Santa had made one thing quite clear
The gift of a dog is not just for the season
We had gotten the dog for all the wrong reasons
In our haste to think of the kids a gift
There was one important thing we missed
A dog should be family, and cared for the same
You don't give a Gift, then put it on a chain
And I heard him explain as he rode out of site
YOU WEREN'T GIVEN A GIFT
YOU WERE GIVEN A LIFE! |
A young boy
walked along the beach tossing starfish back into the
sea. A man passing by stopped and asked, "My son, what
are you doing?"
"I'm
throwing these starfish back into the ocean. You see,
it's low tide right now and all of these starfish have
been washed up onto the shore. If I don't throw them
back into the sea, they'll die up here from lack of
oxygen."
"I
understand," my friend replied, "but there must be
thousands of starfish on this beach. You can't possibly
get to all of them. Can't you see that you can't
possibly make a difference?"
The young
boy smiled, bent down and picked up yet another
starfish, and as he threw it back into the sea, he
replied, "I made a difference to that one!"
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Our 14 year old dog, Abbey, died last
month. The day after she died, my 4 year
old daughter Meredith was crying and
talking about how much she missed Abbey.
She asked if we could write a letter to
God so that when Abbey got to heaven,
God would recognize her. I told her that
I thought we could so she dictated these
words:
Dear God,
Will you please take care of my dog? She
died yesterday and is with you in
heaven. I miss her very much. I am happy
that you let me have her as my dog even
though she got sick.
I hope you will play with her. She likes
to play with balls and to swim. I am
sending a picture of her so when you see
her. You will know that she is my dog. I
really miss her.
Love, Meredith.
We put the letter in an envelope with a
picture of Abbey and Meredith and
addressed it to God/Heaven. We put our
return address on it. Then Meredith
pasted several stamps on the front of
the envelope because she said it would
take lots of stamps to get the letter
all the way to heaven. That afternoon
she dropped it into the letter box at
the post office. A few days later, she
asked if God had gotten the letter yet.
I told her that I thought He had.
Yesterday, there was a package wrapped
in gold paper on our front porch
addressed, 'To Meredith', 'in an
unfamiliar hand. Meredith opened it.
Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers called,
'When a Pet Dies.' Taped to the inside
front cover was the letter we had
written to God in its opened envelope.
On the opposite page was the picture of
Abbey & Meredith and this note:
Dear Meredith,
Abbey arrived safely in heaven.
Having the picture was a big help. I
recognized Abbey right away.
Abbey isn't sick anymore. Her spirit is
here with me just like it stays in your
heart. Abbey loved being your dog. Since
we don't need our bodies in heaven, I
don't have any pockets to keep your
picture in, so I am sending it back to
you in this little book for you to keep
and have something to remember Abbey
by. Thank you for the beautiful letter
and thank your mother for helping you
write it and sending it to me. What a
wonderful mother you have. I picked her
especially for you.
I send my blessings every day and
remember that I love you very much.
By the way, I'm easy to find, I am
wherever there is love.
Love,
God
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To Foster Families Everywhere
Your home may have been
The first one that I'd ever seen;
Your voice the first to teach, to praise,
To guide me through confusing days.
You're the one who taught to me
What the We of a good dog ought to be.
Your patient persistence all the while
May have won my very first doggie smile.
And now that I am off to roam
With the family of my "forever" home,
Yours is the home I will always dream of
Your gentle hands, your smiling love,
The way you coaxed tangles out of my coat,
The sound of your voice, yes, every note.
If they learn to love me the way that you do
I will know that I owe my acceptance to you.
Though my paws may wander far away,
Yours is the home where I learned to stay.
--Kam Ellery, 2000
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"Danielle keeps repeating it over and over again. We've been back to
this animal shelter at least five times. It has been weeks now since we
started all of this," the mother told the volunteer.
"What is it she keeps asking for?" the volunteer asked. "Puppy size!"
replied the mother. "Well, we have plenty of puppies, if that's what
she's looking for." "I know...we have seen most of them," the mom said in
frustration..
Just then Danielle came walking into the office. "Well, did you find
one?" asked her mom. "No, not this time," Danielle said with sadness in
her voice. "Can we come back on the weekend?"
The two women looked at each other, shook their heads and laughed.
"You never know when we will get more dogs. Unfortunately, there's
always a supply," the volunteer said.
Danielle took her mother by the hand and headed to the door. "Don't
worry, I'll find one this weekend," she said.
Over the next few days both mom and dad had long conversations with her.
They both felt she was being too particular "It's this weekend or we're
not looking any more," Dad finally said in frustration. "We don't want
to hear anything more about puppy size either," Mom added.
Sure enough, they were the first ones in the shelter on Saturday
morning. By now Danielle knew her way around, so she ran right for the
section that housed the smaller dogs. Tired of the routine, mom sat in
the small waiting room at the end of the first row of cages.
There was an observation window so you could see the animals during
times when visitors weren't permitted. Danielle walked slowly from cage
to cage, kneeling periodically to take a closer look. One by one the
dogs were brought out and she held! each one. One by one she said,
"Sorry, you're not the one."
It was the last cage on this last day in search of the perfect pup. The
volunteer opened the cage door and the child carefully picked up the dog
and held it closely. This time she took a little longer. "Mom, that's
it! I found the right puppy! He's the one! I know it!" she screamed with
joy. "It's the puppy size!"
"But it's the same size as all the other puppies you held over the last
few weeks," Mom said.
"No not size ---- the sighs. When I held him in my arms, he sighed," she
said.
"Don't you remember? When I asked you one day what love is, you told me
love depends on the sighs of your heart. The more you love, the bigger
the sigh!"
The two women looked at each other for a moment Mom didn't know whether
to laugh or cry. As she stooped down to hug the child, she did a little
of both.
"Mom, every time you hold me, I sigh. When you and Daddy come home from
work and hug each other, you both sigh. I knew I would find the right
puppy if it sighed when I held it in my arms," she said. Then holding
the puppy up close to her face she said, "Mom, he loves me. I heard the
sighs of his heart!" |
RAINBOW BRIDGE
Unlike
most days at the Rainbow Bridge, this day
dawned cold and gray, 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. But the animals who had been
waiting for their beloved people know
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 turn to, the elderly animal
turned towards the fields before The Bridge
and saw a group of other animals like
himself, 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 among 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 other 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,
and older animal with his fur graying 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 the 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?"
asked the first animal. "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." answered the second animal.
The first animal thought for a moment and
said "I like rescuers". The second animal
smiled and replied "So does God, my friend,
so does God".
-
Author Unknown
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