Ongoing collection of favorite Poems & Stories to share with you...
The Life of a Pup
This morning I woke up and kissed my Dad's head , Peed on the carpet and went back to bed. The life of a pup, oh my, this is great! Then thought about breakfast, I hope I'm not late.
Mom took me outside, we walked for awhile This never fails to make my mom smile. I sniffed everything, that we did pass. I ate something weird - it gave me gas.
I'm sure God loves me, I know that it's true. He gave me so many great people things to chew. Rugs, plants, 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 alright. When Mom saw it later, I was well out of sight.
I made streamers of t.p. while running 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 sat at the computer while I chewed the cord, She thought I was mad, but I was just bored.
When Mom had enough, couldn't take anymore, That's when my tushy got shoved out the door. I love it inside, but outside is best. Laid in the cool grass, and had a good rest.
That didn't last long, there was too much to do --- I can't 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 a neighbor, I barked at the wind. I barked and I barked until Mom yelled "Come in!"
The sun dipped in the west -- soon Dad 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 so hard to wait. Daddy slipped me a goodie right off of his plate. I raced through the house, and scattered my toys, Ricocheted off furniture, and made lots of noise.
Mom found her purse - the one I abused. Dad let loose a chuckle. Mom asked him, "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, thought about my day, and what fun I had 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".
- Author Unknown
A man and his dog were walking along a road. The man was enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to him that he was dead. He remembered dying, and that the dog walking beside him had been dead for years. He wondered where the road was leading them. After a while, they came to a high, white stone wall along one side of the road. It looked like fine marble. At the top of a long hill, it was broken by a tall arch that glowed in the sunlight. When he was standing before it he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked like mother-of-pearl, and the street that led to the gate looked like pure gold. He and the dog walked toward the gate and, as he got closer, he saw a man at a desk to one side. When he was close enough, he called out, 'Excuse me, could you tell me where we are?' 'This is Heaven, sir,' the man answered. 'Wow! Would you happen to have some water?' the man asked. 'Of course, sir. Come right in, and I'll have some ice water brought right up.' The man gestured, and the gate began to open. 'Can my friend,' gesturing toward his dog, 'come in, too?' the traveller asked. 'I'm sorry, sir, but we don't accept pets.' The man thought a moment and then turned back toward the road and continued the way he had been going with his dog. After another long walk, and at the top of another long hill, he came to a dirt road leading through a farm gate that looked as if it had never been closed. There was no fence. As he approached the gate, he saw a man inside, leaning against a tree and reading a book. 'Excuse me!' he called to the man. 'Do you have any water?' 'Yeah, sure, there's a pump over there, come on in.' 'How about my friend here?' the traveller gestured to the dog. 'There should be a bowl by the pump.' They went through the gate, and sure enough, there was an old-fashioned hand pump with a bowl beside it. The traveller filled the water bowl and took a long drink himself, then he gave some to the dog. When they were satisfied, he and the dog walked back toward the man who was standing by the tree. 'What do you call this place?' the traveller asked.. 'This is Heaven,' he answered. 'Well, that's confusing,' the traveller said. 'The man down the road said that was Heaven, too.' 'Oh, you mean the place with the gold street and pearly gates? Nope. That's hell.' 'Doesn't it make you mad for them to use your name like that?'
'No, we're just happy that they screen out the folks who would leave their best friends behind.'
A Dog's Prayer
Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.
Speak to me often, for your voice is the world’s sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps falls upon my waiting ear.
When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshiper.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.
And, beloved master, should the great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest - and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.
~Beth Norman Harris
For the Dog that Chose to Sit and Stay
When the levee broke, the water came, And flooded the entire town, To save the folks, men came in boats, So not a soul would drown.
"Not any room," the rescuer said, "For dogs, or cats, or pets, Men, women, and children only, Sorry," he expressed regrets.
"You can't go, girl," her master said, As, with tears, he turned away, "I promise I'll come back for you, But for now, girl ... SIT and STAY!"
So Princess sat on the front porch steps, While the dark waters swirled below Her doggy heart nearly broke apart, When she saw her master go,
She could have jumped into the water, And dog-paddled after him, But SIT and STAY were the words she heard, So she made no effort to leap in.
Always an obedient dog, She listened to her master's voice, And his command still fresh at hand, Gave her no other choice.
She had water; she had food, Enough to last for several days, But her doggy appetite left, too, When her master's boat got under way.
The first night on that dampened porch Princess felt fearful and alone, She whimpered nearly all night through, She missed her master and her home.
The next day came, and then the next, With no boats approaching her, She saw a few rush by her porch, But most of them were just a blur.
One night the house began to shudder, The porch shook and broke away, Then, like a raft, it floated off, While on it, Princess SAT and STAYED.
In the morning, far from home, The raft was caught in tangled weeds, Back and forth poor Princess paced, A pathetic sight, indeed.
She stared up at a cloudless sky, Her eyes too tired to really see, But she thought she saw a rainbow, Up above the flooded trees.
It started near the porch's edge, It seemed like a bridge high in the sky, Perhaps if she could reach it, It would lead to some place dry.
She stretched to reach the rainbow, She stood tall on her hind legs, She lost her balance several times, And almost fell into the dregs.
If it truly were the Rainbow Bridge, She knew it would lead to Heaven's Gate. But ... what about her master, Who had commanded her to wait?
She could not forget his orders, And always she obeyed his words, So she'd SIT and STAY and wait for him, No matter how absurd.
Limp, exhausted and resigned, She fell asleep on the old porch floor, Then she awoke, surprised to find The rainbow closer than before.
Easier now for her to reach, She wouldn't have to stretch at all, But then across the murky waters, She heard a sweet, familiar call,
"Princess! Princess" Where are you, girl? Her master's voice rang loud and clear, She stood and weakly wagged her tail, While whining softly she was here.
A reunion to end reunions! Wet kisses, wags, and hugs! Tears of joy and happy howls! Heart strings pulled and! tugged!
The Rainbow bridge no longer seen, By the loyal dog that had obeyed Nor would it reappear for years, For the dog that chose to SIT and STAY.
Author Unknown
Dedicated to People in Rescue
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 ran 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 Found Your Dog Today
I found your dog today. No, he has not been adopted by anyone. Most of us who live out here own as many dogs as we want, those who do not own dogs do so because they choose not to. I know you hoped he would find a good home when you left him out here, but he did not. When I first saw him he was miles from the nearest house and he was alone, thirsty, thin and limping from a burr in his paw.
How I wish I could have been you as I stood before him. To see his tail wag and his eyes brighten as he bounded into your arms, knowing you would find him, knowing you had not forgotten him. To see the forgiveness in his eyes for the suffering and pain he had known in his never-ending quest to find you... but I was not you. And despite all my persuasion, his eyes see a stranger. He did not trust. He would not come. He turned and continued his journey; one he was sure would bring him to you.
He does not understand you are not looking for him. He only knows you are not there, he only knows he must find you. This is more important than food or water or the stranger who can give him these things. Persuasion and pursuit seemed futile;
I did not even know his name. I drove home, filled a bucket with water and a bowl with food and returned to where we had met. I could see no sign of him, but I left my offering under the tree where he had sought shelter from the sun and a chance to rest.
You see, he is not of the desert. When you domesticated him, you took away any instinct of survival out here. His purpose demands that he travel during the day. He doesn't know that the sun and heat will claim his life. He only knows that he has to find you.
I waited hoping he would return to the tree; hoping my gift would build an element of trust so I might bring him home, remove the burr from his paw, give him a cool place to lie and help him understand that the part of his life with you is now over. He did not return that morning and at dusk the water and food were still there untouched. And I worried. You must understand that many people would not attempt to help your dog. Some would run him off, others would call the county and the fate you thought you saved him from would be preempted by his suffering for days without food or water. I returned again before dark. I did not see him. I went again early the next morning only to find the food and water still untouched. If only you were here to call his name. Your voice is so familiar to him.
I began pursuit in the direction he had taken yesterday, doubt overshadowing my hope of finding him. His search for you was desperate, it could take him many miles in 24 hours. It is hours later and a good distance from where we first met, but I have found your dog.
His thirst has stopped, it is no longer a torment to him. His hunger has disappeared, he no longer aches. The burrs in his paws bother him no more. Your dog has been set free from his burdens, you see, your dog has died. I kneel next to him and I curse you for not being here yesterday so I could see the glow, if just for a moment, in those now vacant eyes. I pray that his journey has taken him to that place I think you hoped he would find.
If only you knew what he went through to reach it... and I agonize, for I know, that were he to awaken at this moment, and (if) I were to be you, his eyes would sparkle with recognition and his tail would wag with forgiveness.
-unknown
I Stood By Your Bed Last Night
I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep. I could see that you were crying, You found it hard to sleep.
I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear, "It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."
I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea, You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me.
I was with you at the shops today, Your arms were getting sore. I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.
I was with you at my grave today, You tend it with such care. I want to reassure you, that I'm not lying there.
I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key. I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said "it's me."
You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair. I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.
It's possible for me to be so near you everyday. To say to you with certainty, "I never went away."
You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew, in the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.
The day is over... I smile and watch you yawning and say "good-night, God bless, I'll see you in the morning."
And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide, I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side.
I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see. Be patient, live your journey out ... then come home to be with me.
- Author unknown
You Know You're A Dog Person If...
You have a kiddie wading pool in the yard but no small children
Lintwheels are on your shopping list every week.
Your freezer containes more dog bones than anything.
You hang around the dog section of your local bookstore way too often.
Your non-dog friends won't eat food prepared in your kitchen.
Your parents refer to your pet as their "grand-dog."
You have baby gates permanently installed at strategic places around the house but no babies.
You open your purse and that big bunch of baggies you use for pick-up pops out .
You skip breakfast so you can walk your dog in the morning before work.
The trash basket is more or less permanently installed in the kitchen sink, to keep the dog out of it while you're at work.
You can't see out the passenger side of the windshield because there are dog nose prints all over the inside.
You don't go to happy hours with co-workers anymore because you need to go home and walk your dog.
You don't think it's the least bit strange to stand in the back yard chirping "Molly, Pee!" over and over at your dog who tends to play and forget what she's our there for.
You go to the pet supply store every Saturday because it's one of the very few places that lets you bring your dog inside, and the dog loves to go with you.
You get an extra long hose on your shower massage just so you can use it to wash the dog in the tub, without making the dog sit hip deep in water.
You and the dog come down with something flu like on the same day. The dog sees the vet while you settle for an over the counter remedy from the drug store.
You not only have dog toys strewn about, but your guests also have to be careful not to trip on the dog jumps. (well we gotta exercise them in the winter somehow)
Your weekend activities are planned around taking your dog for a hike.
You refer to yourself as "mommy" and "daddy".
Your dog sleeps with you.
You'd rather stay home on Saturday night and cuddle your doggies than go to the movies with your sweetie.
You keep an extra water dish in your second-floor bedroom, in case your dog gets thirsty at night.
You avoid vacuuming the house as long as possible because the dogs are afraid of the brain-sucker.
When your dog is getting old and arthritic, and you go buy lumber and build it a small staircase so it can climb onto the bed by itself.
You shovel a zig-zag path in the back yard snow so your dog can reach all of his favorite places.
Your have 32 different names for your dogs. Most make no sense but they understand.
Your dog eats cat poop but you still let him/her kiss you (but not immediately after, of course)
You never completely finish a piece of steak or chicken so the dog gets some too.
Poop has become a source of conversation for you and your significant other.
You are the only idiot walking in the pouring rain because your dog needs his walk.
You send birthday, anniversary and Christmas cards from your dog.
You like people who like your dogs. You despise people who don't.
You lecture people on responsible dog ownership every chance you get.
You keep eating even though you find a dog hair in your pasta.
You carry dog biscuits in your pockets all the time.
You make popcorn just so you can play catch with your dog.
You talk about your dogs like other people talk about their kids.
You have your dog pictures on your office desk. (but no one else's).
Your license plate or license plate frame mentions your dogs.
You match your furniture, carpet and clothes to your dog.
The American Bloodhound Club Bulletin Spring 1996
PLEASE NOTE: There will be no refunds after the start of first class.
If you miss a class, makeup classes will be available in the next session of the class. Please call ahead to make arrangements. 1 missed class per session for makeup unless otherwise arranged with trainer, 3 months allowed to complete any makeups.
We reserve the right to refuse admission to any person or Dog.
We will evaluate for possible aggression and work with you toward the goal of being able to have your dog in class if there is a problem.
There are no stated or implied guarantees, as the success of your training depends on how much work you do on your own time and how well you follow your trainer's instructions.