Special Dog Articles

Norbert's Sig Maker

HOW COULD YOU? By Jim Willis 2001 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 and 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, and 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, 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 and 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. And 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 directed at 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 A note from the author: If "How Could You?" brought tears to your eyes as you read it, as it did to mine as I wrote it, it is because it is the composite story of the millions of formerly owned pets who die each year in American and Canadian animal shelters. Anyone is welcome to distribute the essay for a noncommercial purpose, as long as it is properly attributed with the copyright notice. Please use it to help educate, on your websites, in newsletters, on animal shelter and vet office bulletin boards. Tell the public that the decision to add a pet to the family is an important one for life, that animals deserve our love and sensible care, that finding another appropriate home for your animal is your responsibility and any local humane society or animal welfare league can offer you good advice, and that all life is precious.

Only A Dog Do you remember thinking it was time that the kids learned some responsibility and scanning the newspaper ads for a cheap dog for sale? Do you remember bringing home this little ball of shivering fur and putting her out in the yard on a chain that was too heavy on a night that was too cold? Of course you don't remember this. After all, she is "only a dog." Do you remember this baby crying because she was afraid and alone? Do you remember screaming at her to be quiet and finally going out there to kick her to drive home the lesson? Of course you don't remember this. After all, she is "only a dog." Do you remember the many times you noticed her water bowl was empty and her food bowl was covered with mold and thinking that it was the kids' job to take care of her? Do you remember seeing that her coat was dull and lifeless and, in many places, chewed away down to the skin because of the parasites no one took the time to rid her of? Of course you don't remember this. After all, she is "only a dog". Do you remember her first heat and the neighbor's male visiting her night after night? Do you remember thinking that letting her have the puppies would be a good experience for the kids? Do you remember that every one of those pups died because their mother was no more than a puppy herself? Of course you don't remember this. After all, she is "only a dog". I know you remember the animal control officer coming to the house, accusing you of animal cruelty and taking her away because you couldn't understand what all the fuss was about. After all, she is "only a dog." I thought you might be interested in how this girl is doing today. You see, once she found a home that gave her love, attention and proper care, she blossomed into a beautiful, loyal companion. To these people, she is much more than "only a dog." She became a therapy dog and now goes to nursing homes and hospices where she brightens the lives of the infirm and dying. To some of these people, she has given hope. To others, she's given them a reason to keep living. To even others, she's given them the will to die peacefully, with a smile on their lips. To these people she is much more than "only a dog." Just last week, she helped find a little boy that was lost in the woods. She spent a long, cold winter's night, lying over him to keep him warm and risked her own life to protect his. To this little boy and his family, she is much more than "only a dog." What is the difference? Why did that filthy, flea-ridden animal chained in your backyard suddenly become so important to so many? Because she never gave up her trust in people and she never once thought, "After all, he is only a human." Author Unknown Page by Mary Jones Please Click Here To Go To This Beautiful Site! 2003

MY DOG My dog and I live in this house. You are welcome to come and visit me  anytime but we have a few things that you must understand before you  visit:  You must expect a few dog hairs to stick to your clothes. I vacuum and  clean every day but a Dog lives in this house too.  You may be licked and given a paw a few times but he does this because  he loves people and wants to say hello, so if you feel that you are too  good for his love then you are not welcome here because this is his home  too.  My dog is well mannered and very clean but if you are one of those  people who think all animals are dirty and smell then go away. You are  not the type of person that I care to associate with.  If you don't like the sound of barking, then my home is not going to be  a comfortable place for you to visit. My dog protects me by letting me  know I have a visitor. Whether it be a friend or uninvited stranger. If  you are a friend, my dog will consider you his friend too but if you are an  unwelcome guest, my dog will protect me with his life as I would his. Do  not expect me to lock my dog in another room during your visit. I  have trained my dog well so he will not do anything to you except maybe  want a pat on the head. I will not subject him to feel as if he is being  punished by locking him away for no reason. That would just be cruel.  When you walk in my home, be careful not to trip on a squeaky toy or a  bone. These are my dog's little treasures and I will not take them away  from him just to show you that I keep a clean house. He knows where all  his toys are. They may not look like much to you, but to him, they are  worth more than gold.  You see, This is OUR home. We have been together since he was a small  pup  scampering around the house, a tiny bit of a thing only a few weeks old. I  raised him into a well mannered, beautifully behaved Dog. I am proud of  him.  I consider him my personal gift from God. He has done nothing but give me  his endless love and devotion for many years. I love him dearly and want to  make his years happy ones. As happy as he makes mine.  When you go home to your family, he stays here with me. A fine and  loving companion. He is MY family and I wouldn't change that for the  world. When times were hard, we both went hungry. When it was cold and  there was no heat, we both kept each warm. When I was sick, he stayed  right by my side as I did his when he was not having a good day. A  better friend I could not ask for. When no one else cared, my Dog did. He  has given me nothing but pure joy and I love him endlessly.  So please understand that I am not being rude.  I'm just looking out for my best friend.  Author Unknown

The Dog 10 Commandments: 1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you will be painful for me. Remember that BEFORE you get me. 2. Give me time to understand what you want from me. 3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial to my well-being. 4. Don't be angry with me for long, and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, entertainment & friends. I have only YOU. 5. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don't understand your words, I understand your voice. 6. Be aware that however you treat me, I'll never forget. 7. Please don't hit me. I can't hit back, but I can bite & scratch and I CHOOSE not to do these things to you, because I love you. 8. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate, or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right foods or I've been out in the sun too long or my heart is getting old and weak. 9. Take care of me when I get old. You too will grow old one day. 10. Go with me on difficult journeys. NEVER say, "I can't bear to watch", or "let it happen in my absence." Everything is easier for me if YOU are there. Remember, I love YOU; YOU are my entire world!! Famous Quotes about Dogs "No animal should ever jump up on the dining-room furniture unless absolutely certain that he can hold his own in the conversation." -Fran Lebowitz The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of his tongue." -Anonymous "Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful." -Ann Landers "If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went." -Will Rogers "There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face." -Ben Williams "A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself." -Josh Billings "The average dog is a nicer person than the average person." -Andrew A.Rooney "We give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare and love we can spare. And in return, dogs give us their all. It's the best deal man has ever made." -M.Facklam "Dogs love their friends and bite their enemies, quite unlike people, who are incapable of pure love and always have to mix love and hate." -Sigmund Freud "If I have any beliefs about immortality, it is that certain dogs I have known will go to heaven, and very, very few persons." -James Thurber "A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three times before lying down." -Robert Benchley "I wonder if other dogs think poodles are members of a weird religious cult." -Rita Rudner "Dogs need to sniff the ground; it's how they keep abreast of current events. The ground is a giant dog newspaper, containing all kinds of late-breaking dog news items, which, if they are especially urgent, are often continued in the next yard." -Dave Barry "Anybody who doesn't know what soap tastes like never washed a dog." -Franklin P. Jones "If your dog is fat, you aren't getting enough exercise." -Unknown "My dog is worried about the economy because Alpo is up to $3.00 a can. That's almost $21.00 in dog money." -Joe Weinstein "Outside of a dog, a book is probably man's best friend; inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." -Groucho Marx "Ever consider what they must think of us? I mean, here we come back from a grocery store with the most amazing haul -- chicken, pork, half a cow. They must think we're the greatest hunters on earth!" -Anne Tyler "Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea." -Robert A. Heinlein