Dog
Poems
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Dogs Live Here
The Old Ones
When I am Old
Room for One More Dog
Lend Me a Pup
The Holiday Season
The Welcome
The Meaning of Rescue
Mother Doesn't Want a DogFamous
The Bed Puppy
Dedicated to People in Rescue
A Dog's Prayer
Bet You Can't Own Just One
Not An Angel
If A Dog Were Your Teacher
A Stump for A Tail
God Summoned A Beast from the Field
Tribute To A Dog
If you don't want to be greeted with paws and wiggly rears,
Don't come inside, because DOGS LIVE HERE.If you don't like the feel of a cold nose or wet tongue,
Don't come inside, because DOGS LIVE HERE.If you don't want to step over scattered toys,
Don't come inside, because DOGS LIVE HERE.If you think a home ought to smell like perfume,
Don't come inside, because DOGS LIVE HERE.But if you don't mind all this,
you'll be instantly loved when you do come inside,Because DOGS LIVE HERE!
--- Author Unknown~
When I am Old..
I shall wear Turquoise and soft gray sweatshirts... and a bandana over my silver hair.....and I shall spend my Social Security Checks on Sweet Wine and My Dogs.......and sit in my house on my well-worn chair, and listen to my dog's breathing.
I will sneak out in the middle of a warm Summer night and take my dogs for a run, if my old bones will allow... and when people come to call, I will smile and nod as I show them my dogs...and talk of them and about them...The Ones so Beloved of the Past and the Ones so Beloved of Today....
I still will work hard cleaning after them and mopping and feeding them and whispering their names in a soft, loving way.. I will wear the gleaming sweat on my throat, like a jewel, and I will be an embarrassment to all...and my family... who have not yet found the peace in being free to have dogs as your Best Friends....
These friends who always wait, at any hour, for your footfall...and eagerly jump to their feet out of a sound sleep, to greet you , as if you are a God. With warm eyes full of adoring love and hope that you will stay and hug their big, strong necks...and kiss their dear sweet heads...and whisper to them of your love and the beautiful pleasure of their very special company....
I look in the Mirror...and see I am getting old.... this is the kind of woman I am...and have always been. Loving dogs is easy, they are part of me, accept me for who I am, my dogs appreciate my presence in their lives...when I am old this will be important to me...you will understand when you are old....& if you have dogs to love too.
---Author Unknown
~
What do you do with the old ones?
The ones that are past, their glory gone by,
The ones that didn't win, however they try,
The ones that did win, but later turned shy,
The first one you bought, that had a light eye.
They're eating their heads off, the food bills are
high.What do you do with the old ones?
Find them good homes, the answer is clear,
But the only good home that mine wants is here.
Their own special sofa, covered with hairs,
They all cut their teeth on the dining room chairs.
The safe and familiar paths of their days,
The garden, the outing, their own funny ways
That only I know... and even their food
If not given by me, wouldn't taste half as good.So now I'm deep in old ones, who're not good at all
Who clutter the sitting room, kitchen and hall,
Who need to be brushed, to be walked, to be fed,
Who only want me to put them to bed!They're faithful and loving and set in their ways,
So I'm stuck with them all, for the rest of their
days, But I have to confess that when we do have to part
I'll miss them so much... it will just break my heart.
--- Author Unknown~
I see by his coat he must be a stray,
the untidy look gives him away.
He's lost his will and is so thin hasn't eaten,
since God knows when.
I know as I coax him through the door,
There's always room for one more.The other night in the freezing rain,
That little female came again.
Matted and soaked crying in need,
lost and alone with babies to feed.
Her pleading eyes I couldn't ignore,
There's always room for one more.There's a new face on the docks today,
hungry but clean, to our dismay,
I stroked her head
Her body ripples when she got up
I saw she was crippled
she started to go, but fell on the floor.
There's always room for one more.There's the poor doggy standing in the rain,
I've tried to entice him Time and again.
One ears lopsided the other's been torn,
Blind in one eye lost and forlorn.
He's coming now, so I'll open the door.
There's always room for one more.These stories are true,
As I've said before,
There's always room for one more.
--- Author Unknown
~
I will
lend to you for a while,
a pup, God said,
For you to love
him while he lives
and mourn for him
when he's dead.
Maybe for twelve
or fourteen years,
or maybe two or
three
But will you,
'till I call him back,
take care of him
for me.
He'll
bring his charms to gladden you
and (should his
stay be brief)
you'll always
have his memories
as solace for
your grief.
I cannot promise
he will stay,
since all from
earth return
But there are
lessons taught below
I want this pup
to learn.
I've
looked the whole world over
in search of
teachers true
And from the folk
that crowd's life's land
I have chosen
you.
Now will you give
him all your love
Nor think the
labor vain,
Nor hate me when
I come to take my Pup back again.
I
fancied that I heard them say
"Dear Lord
Thy Will be Done,"
For all the joys
this Pup will bring,
the risk of grief
we'll run.
We'll shelter him
with tenderness
we'll love him
while we may
And for the
happiness we've known forever grateful stay
But should you
call him back
much sooner than
we've planned,
We'll brave the
bitter grief that comes,
and try to
understand.
If, by our love,
we've managed,
your wishes to
achieve
In memory of him
we loved,
to help us while
we grieve,
When our faithful
bundle departs this world of strife,
We'll have yet
another Pup and love him all his life.
---
Author Unknown
~
'Tis the Holiday Season, and all through the house
The puppies are squeaking an old rubber mouse.
The decorations which had merrily hung on the
door
Are scattered in pieces all over the floor.The stockings that hung in a neat little row,
Now boast a hole in each one of the toes.
The tree was subjected to bright-eyed whims,
And now, although splendid, it's missing some
limbs.I catch them and hold them, be good I insist.
They lick me, then run off to see what they've
missed.
And now as I watch them, the thought comes to me,
That theirs is the spirit that All Holidays should be.Should Children and Puppies yet show us the way,
And teach us the joy that should come with this
Season?
Could they bring the message that's written above,
And tell us that, most of all, Happiness is Love!
--- Author Unknown~
I hear it! I hear the car! HER car! And she's coming this way! Oh, oh, I must run in and grab a gift! I must greet her with a gift! Oh, 'BONK' missed the step. No matter, I must hurry. Move over, doggy door!
She's coming, she's coming! Gift, gift, where, what, oh, oh, oh, ah! A plastic bottle she drinks from, right here on top of the container they call trash!
Oh, perfect. She's coming, she's coming! Oh, oh, oh...The door! I hear the door sound that sounds right before she comes in! Oh, it's OPENING! SHE'S HOME!
Oh, oh, 'wiggle, wiggle, wiggle' I cannot be still! You're home! And look, look, I have this nice bottle! Oh, oh, you're home! YOU'RE HOME!
I have missed you so much, you've been gone hours, weeks, days, years! And so much has happened! A dog ran by and I chewed a tree and Pluto slept under the house and it rained a little!
Oh, oh, oh! You're home, you're home! And you're touching me! I can't stand it, it's so marvelous! Oh, and you're speaking! "Murble, murble, good boy, murble, murble."
YES! Your happy voice. Oh, I'm about to burst! I'm so happy, happy, happy! Yes! I want to jump! I'm not supposed to jump, but oh, oh, just a little jump!
"Off." Darn. Oh, I cannot be still. I'll roll over and wiggle on my back! Oh, yes! She's rubbing me-my tummy, my head, my sides!
Oh, oh, oh, now what? Now where's she going? Oh, oh, yes! Back to the room where we sleep at night! Great! It has the big pad we sleep on and 'L-E-A-P' I can get up here close to her. And here she comes!
Oh, oh, oh! I can stand on my legs and put my paws around her neck and-uh oh. Can't lick with this bottle in my mouth. But it's my present to her! Oh, oh, what to do? And she's rubbing me! But I want to lick her, oh, oh, I think I'm about to burst!
"Off." Oh, darn. Drop the bottle. Oh, YES! She's coming back! She took off the pieces she puts on her eyes, and I can stand and 'lick, lick' I love you, I love you, I love you, I love 'lick, lick, lick' you taste so good, salty, sweet, I love that stuff you smear on your face every day, I love to lick it off, oh, oh, and you're rubbing me again! My back, my head, my ears, oh, oh 'lick, lick, lick'. "Murble, murble, Mac, good boy, murble, murble."
"Off." Darn. I will lay here and watch her. Watch her peel her fur-it's not very warm fur, I don't think. How does she do that? And I will get that look on my face that always makes her come and rub me. The look where I roll my eyes up, and keep my head flat here and she will come...and she's putting on her play skin! YES!
We will play-sometime. My tail cannot be still. I am SO happy, happy, happy. Now she's going in the room with the wonderful water bowl! I LOVE that water bowl-always cool, clean water! She'll be out in just a minute, just a minute, just a.....yes, she's coming!
She's here again. Oh, oh, oh.... Now back to the room with the box that has pictures and sounds. Ah, I know what happens now. Yep, she's laying down on the big pad there. Now she'll sleep. But that's okay. She's HOME! SHE'S home. She's home.
And she smells tired. So I will lay beside her here and guard her and wait while she sleeps. And when she wakes up she won't smell so tired. And we'll play and play.
S-i-g-h. I'll just rest with her now, and smell her while she sleeps. And wait again. For, the next thing that happens, HE'LL be home. And then, oh, oh, zzzzzzzzz........
---Author Unknown
~
Now that
I'm home, bathed, settled and fed,
All nicely tucked
in my warm new bed.
I'd like to open
my baggage
Lest I forget,
There is so much
to carry -
So much to
regret.
Hmm . .
. Yes there it is, right on the top.
Let's unpack
Loneliness, Heartache and Loss;
And there by my
leash hides Fear and Shame.
As I look on
these things I tried so hard to leave -
I still have to
unpack my baggage called Pain.
I loved them, the
others, the ones who left me,
But I wasn't good
enough - for they didn't want me.
Will you
add to my baggage?
Will you help me
unpack?
Or will you just
look at my things -
And take me right
back?
Do you have the
time to help me unpack?
To put away my
baggage,
To never repack?
I pray that you
do - I'm so tired you see,
But I do come
with baggage -
Will you still
want me?
--- Author
Unknown
~
Mother
doesn't want a dog.
Mother says they
smell,
And never sit
when you say sit,
Or even when you
yell.
And when
you come home late at night
And there is ice
and snow,
You have to go
back out because
The dumb dog has
to go.
Mother
doesn't want a dog.
Mother says they
shed,
And always let
the strangers in
And bark at
friends instead,
And do
disgraceful things on rugs,
And track mud on
the floor,
And flop upon
your bed at night
And snore their
doggy snores.
Mother
doesn't want a dog.
She's making a
mistake.
Because more than
a dog, I think,
She will not want
this snake.
---Author Unknown
~
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 didnīt want to go, so I hid behind my mama and my three littermates that were left. I didnīt 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 donīt think You liked me.
My new home is far away. I am scared and afraid. My heart says: BE BRAVE. My ancestors were. Did they go to good homes like mine. Iīm hungry because I canīt eat too much, because it will be bad for my bones. I canīt bite or snap when the children are mean to me. I just run and play and pretend that Iīm in a big green field with butter- flies and robins and frogs.
I canīt understand why they kick me. I am quiet, but the man hits and says loud things. The lady doesnīt 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 wonderfull 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 itīs hard to lay here in this hole under the the house nursing my puppies. They are crying now. I am so hungry I scratch and worry my fur.I wish somebody would throw me some food. I am also very thirsty. Two got cold during the night and I couldnīt make them warm again. They are gone. We all are 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 on 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 was I here? I was beautiful, like my ancestors. Now I am hungry, dirty, in pain and 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
~
Now I
lay me down to sleep,
The king-size bed
is soft and deep..
I sleep right in
the center groove
My human cannot
hardly move!
I've
trapped her legs, she's tucked in tight
And here is where
I pass the night
No one disturbs
me or dares intrude
Till morning
comes and "I want food!"
I sneak
up slowly to begin
my nibbles on my
human's chin.
She wakes up
quickly,
I have sharp
teeth -
I'm a
puppy, don't you see?
For the mornings
here
and it's time to
play
always seem to
get my way.
So thank
you Lord for giving me
This human person
that I see.
The one who hugs
me and holds me tight
And sacrifices
her bed at night!
---Author Unknown
~
I wasn't a pup when I came to your home,
I'd been dumped on the road, left to roam.
Don't remember the people except the pain.
They left me to die in the cold and the rain.You were driving down the hwy, it was late at night
When you saw the faintest glimmer of light.
You took a chance and turned around
Got out of the van and knelt to the ground.My quivering body felt the gentlest of hands.
I knew I need not make any demands.
In your heart, and your home, there was always room
For those who would face certain doom.You healed my body and you healed my heart.
You gave me what I needed, a fresh start.
When I cried at night, you were always there
With soft words, a kiss, a hug to share.When I misbehaved and would cower with guilt
You only showed love.....up to the hilt.
You loved and cared for me in sickness and health
Our love for each other was more precious than wealth.Even when you were tired and had a bad day
You'd always come home to me and say,
"I missed you my baby. I'm glad to be back."
Then you'd give me kiss, a hug and a pat.We'd have a nice dinner then go out to play
There was so much love I wanted to stay.
But my eyes, they faded and my heart grew weak
As my time grew closer you could not speak.You held me tight, tears flowed from your eyes
We both had to say our sad good byes.
The release from pain we knew must end
No more time on this Earth would we spend
Running in the fields, playing ball
Sitting quietly together at the end of it all.But our time together is not through
Because I'll be there waiting for you
At the edge of the Rainbow Bridge I'll stand
Until I once again see those gentle hands.
I'll run to you with tail held high
We will never again have to say goodbye.
My love at death, it does not end
Because you are, indeed, dogs best friend.Jeane Illsche
June 21, 1998
Permission given to reprint~
I explained to St. Peter I'd rather stay here,
Outside the Pearly Gate.
I won't be a nuisance, I won't even bark,
I'll be very patient and wait.
I'll be here, chewing on a celestial bone,
No matter how long you may be.
I'd miss you so much if I went in alone
It wouldn't be heaven for me.
---Author Unknown~
Why own a dog? There's a danger you know,
You can't own just one, for the craving will grow.
There's no doubt they're addictive, wherein lies the danger.
While living with lots, you'll grow poorer and stranger.One dog is no trouble, and two are so funny.
The third one is easy, the fourth one's a honey.
The fifth one delightful, the sixth one's a breeze,
You find you can live with a houseful with ease.So how 'bout another? Would you really dare?
They're really quite easy but oh, Lord the hair!
With dogs on the sofa and dogs on the bed,
And crates in the kitchen, it's no bother you've said.
They're really no trouble, their manners are great.
What's just one more dog and just one more crate?The sofa is hairy, the windows are crusty,
The floor is all footprints, the furniture dusty.
The housekeeping suffers, but what do you care?
Who minds a few noseprints and a little more hair?So let's keep a puppy, you can always find room,
and a little more time for the dust cloth and broom.
There's hardly a limit to the dogs you can add,
The thought of a cutback sure makes you sad.Each one is so special, so useful, so funny.
The vet, the food bill grows larger, you owe money.
Your folks never visit, few friends come to stay,
Except other dog folks, who all live the same way.Your lawn has now died, and your shrubs are dead too,
But your weekends are busy, you're off with your crew.
There's dog food and vitamins, training and shots.
And entries and travel and motels which cost lots.
Is it worth it, you wonder? Are you caught in a trap?
Then that favorite dog comes and climbs in your lap.
His look says you're special and you know that you will
Keep all of the critters in spite of the bill.Some just for showing and some just to breed.
And some just for loving, they all fill a need.
But winter's a hassle, the dogs hate it too.
But they must have their walks though they're numb and you're blue.
Late evening is awful, you scream and you shout
At the dogs on the sofa who refuse to go out.The dogs and the dog shows, the travel, the thrills,
The work and the worry, the pressure, the bills.
The whole thing seems worth it, the dogs are your life.
They're charming and funny and offset the strife.
Your lifestyle has changed. Things won't be the same.
Yes, those dogs are addictive and so is the dog game!!
---Author Unknown~
The young pup and the older dog lay on shaded sweet grass watching the reunions. Sometimes a man, sometimes a woman, sometimes a whole family would approach the Rainbow Bridge, be greeted by their loving pets and cross the bridge together.
The young pup playfully nipped at the older one.
"Look! Something wonderful is happening!"
The older dog stood up and barked, "Quickly. Get over to the path.""But that's not my owner," whined the pup, but he did as he was told. Thousands of pets surged forward as a figure in white walked on the path toward the bridge. After the glowing figure passed each animal, that animal bowed it's head in love and respect. The figure finally approached the bridge, and was met by a menagerie of joyous animals. Together, they all walked over the bridge and disappeared.
The young pup was still in awe. "Was that an angel?" he whispered.
"No, son." The older dog replied. "That was more than an angel. That was a person who worked rescue."
--- Author Unknown~
IF A DOG WERE YOUR TEACHER You would learn stuff like.....
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.When it's in your best interest -- practice obedience.
Let others know when they've invaded your territory.
Take naps and stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting, when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree.When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout... run right back and make friends.Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
--- Author Unknown~
You can't buy loyalty, they say
I bought it though, the other day;
You can't buy friendship, tried and true,
Well just the same, I bought that too.
I made my bid, and on the spot
Bought love and faith and a whole job lot
Of happiness, so all in all
The purchase price was pretty small.
I bought a single trusting heart,
That gave devotion from the start.
If you think these things are not for sale,
Buy a brown-eyed puppy with a stump for a tail.
--- Author Unknown~
A Working Dog Poem
GOD SUMMONED A BEAST FROM THE FIELDAnd he said, Behold man, created in my image. Therefore adore him
You shall protect him in the wilderness, shepherd his flocks,
watch over his children, accompany him wherever he may go;
even unto civilization.You shall be his companion, his ally, his slave. To do these things,
God said, I endow you with these instincts uncommon
to other beasts: faithfulness, devotion, and understanding
surpassing those of man himself.Lest it impair your courage, you shall never foresee your death.
Lest it impair your loyalty, you shall be blind to faults of man. Lest it
impair your understanding, you are denied the power of words.Let no fault of language cleave an accord beyond that of man with
any other beast; or even man with man. Speak to your master only
with your mind and through your honest eyes.Walk by his side: sleep in his doorway: forage for him, ward
off his enemies, carry his burdens, share his afflictions;
love him and comfort him.And in return for this, man will fulfill your needs and wants-
which shall be only food, shelter and affection.So be silent, and be a friend to man. Guide him through the perils
along the way to the land that I have promised him.This shall be your destiny and your immortality.
So spoke the Lord. And the dog heard and was content.
(Anonymous)
~
TRIBUTE TO A DOG
"The one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is the dog. A man's dog stands by him in prosperity and in poverty, in health and in sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground, where the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only he may be near his master's side. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer; he will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounter with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince. When all other friends desert, he remains. When riches take wings and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey thru the heavens."
--- Author, Senator George Vest - 1870
More Poems Amazin's Rainbow Bridge Poetry
To a Listing of Sheltie Rescue Network
Our Welcome to Amazin's Shelties & a Lab
back to Lillie' Lab's Website
published Dec 8, 1998
updated January 27, 2004
