I found this on a blog called Everyone Deserves a Special Friend and had to share it with you all. This should be posted in every shelter, pound, city council building, police station, dog park, pet store, pet rescue, library, and utility pole across the country. Sure puts BSL in its place…

 A Pit Bull’s Prayer

Spirit in the sky, who watches over all animals: it is my prayer and my request that you grant greater understanding, and acceptance to humans; those who love us, and those who hate us.

That they will know how loyal we are, how brave we are, and how loving we are.  Help them to accept us as a breed in whole and not let the few tragedies shine brighter then the many great traits that we have.

And those who would kill me, let them know, I forgive them even though I don’t understand their hatred.  And those who would beat me, let them know I still love them, even though it is not the honorable way (to treat me).

Thank you for all the strong traits that you have given to me and my breed.  Help those to know that I stand for courage, strength, loyalty, and bravery, and as my master already knows, let those who would come against my family know that I would surely die defending them.

And just one thing that I would ask: let my master know, that if you should call me away, that I will wait patiently at those pearly gates until the one who chose me comes home.

Amen.

Author Unknown

This is borrowed from my favorite dog rescuer’s blog: A Dog Rescuer’s Life. It talks about how vital animal rescuers are in our pets’ lives. Prepare to need Kleenex…

———————————————————————————

It is said that when animals die they don’t go to heaven, they go to the Rainbow Bridge where they wait for their owners. The area around the Rainbow Bridge is sunny, warm but not too warm, flowers, grass and all the animals have been restored to a youthful healthy state.

On one particular day it was unlike most days at 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 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 dog 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. 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 animals that had been there for a while to explain it to him.

“You see, that poor animal was abanonded by his owners. He was turned into a shelter just as you see him now, an older animal with his fur graying and his eyes clouding. He never made it out of the shelter and passed on. 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?”

“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. ”

“I think I like rescuers,” said the first animal.

“So does GOD,” was the reply.

I got this in one of those adorable email forwards but it was so cute I had to share it with everyone here…

DOG LOGIC

-The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of his tongue. -Anonymous

-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 nicer than the average person. -Andy Rooney

-Anybody who doesn’t know what soap tastes like never washed a dog. -Franklin P. Jones

-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

-If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the principal difference between a dog and a man. – Mark Twain

-Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. -Roger Caras

-If you think dogs can’t count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then give him only two of them. -Phil Pastoret

I got this from Braodview Kennels yesterday when I went to pick up a new foster dog with my sister (that story coming later this week so stay tuned, it’s exciting!)…

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don’t be angry with me for long and don’t lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don’t understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I’m not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can’t bear to watch. Don’t make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

UPDATE: 1/29/10: I have just found the original author of this work. His name is Stan Rawlinson, and you can see his original version and other brilliant works at his website: http://www.doglistener.co.uk/

Please everyone send your purr-rayers and good thoughts our way. My family (my sister) has lost their 10-year-old beloved Pit Bull mix, Tux. “Tucky” was a sweet, sweet dog who loved to play with sticks bigger than he was, go for fast walks and sit right on your lap. He had to be laid to rest yesterday. It’s been a very rough 24 hours around here.

To Ashly:
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….

Author unknown

**We love you Tucky and we will miss you dearly. We can’t wait to see you again one day and we know that last night there was one star up in heaven shining a little bit brighter.**
Love,
Jaime

Author Unknown

Everyone take heed…and please pass this around to everyone thinking of getting a puppy or dog this holiday season…
——————————————————————————————-

Twas the night before Christmas
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 snug in their beds
With no thought of the dog filling their head.

And mom 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 his eyes full of tears.

He unchained the dog once so lively and quick
Last year’s Christmas present now painfully sick.

More rapid than eagles he called the dog’s 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.”

Losing a pet is a situation that no one deals with well (no one that I know anyhow). Oftentimes it helps to read soothing pet loss poetry to help you through your grief. It helps to know that someone else has been down the pet loss road before and thought enough about it to leave some comforting words for someone else.

Here are a few pet loss poems (some dog loss poems) that might help someone you know through this most rough of times:

Lend Me a Pup

I will lend to you for awhile
a puppy, God said,
For you to love him while he lives
and to mourn for him when he is gone.
Maybe for 12 or 14 years,
or maybe for 2 or 3
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 that 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 seach of teachers true
And from the fold that crowd 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, They Will Be Done,”
For all the joys this pup will bring
the risk of grief you’ll run.
Will you shelter him with tenderness,
Will you love him while you may?
And for the happiness you’ll know forever grateful stay.

But should I call him back
much sooner than you’ve planned,
please brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand.
If, by your love, you’ve managed
my wishes to achieve,
In memory of him that you’ve loved,
cherish every moment with your faithful bundle, and know he loved you too.

- Author Unknown

A Bridge Called Love

It takes us back to brighter years,
to happier sunlit days
and to precious moments
that will be with us always.
And these fond recollections
are treasured in the heart
to bring us always close to those
from whom we had to part.

There is a bridge of memories
from Earth to Heaven above…
It keeps our dear ones near us

It’s the bridge that we call love.

- Author Unknown

I’m Still Here

Friend, please don’t mourn for me
I’m still here, though you don’t see.
I’m right by your side each night and day
and within your heart I long to stay.

My body is gone but I’m always near.
I’m everything you feel, see or hear.
My spirit is free, but I’ll never depart
as long as you keep me alive in your heart.

I’ll never wander out of your sight-
I’m the brightest star on a summer’s night.
I’ll never be beyond your reach-
I’m the warm moist sand when you’re at the beach.

I’m the colorful leaves when fall comes around
and the pure white snow that blankets the ground.
I’m the beautiful flowers of which you’re so fond,
The clear cool water in a quiet pond.

I’m the first bright blossom you’ll see in the spring,
The first warn raindrop that April will bring.
I’m the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine,
and you’ll see that the face in the moon shine is mine.

When you start thinking there’s no one to love you,
you can talk to through the Lord up above you.
I’ll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees,
and you’ll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze.

I’m the hot salty tears that flow when you weep
and the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep.
I’m the smile you see on a baby’s face.
Just look for me friend, I’m every place!

- Author Unknown

This poem was given t0 me by the owner of Russell Rescue and Multiple Breed Rescue at Crazy W Farm in Elyria, Ohio. It’s source is anonymous.

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Once I was a lonely dog just looking for a home. I had no place to go, no one to call my own. I wandered up and down the streets in rain, in heat, in snow. I ate whatever I could find, I was always on the go.

My skin would itch, my feet were sore, and my body ached with pain. No one stopped to give me a pat or gently say my name. I never saw a loving glance, I was always on the run. For people thought that hurting me was really lots of fun.

Then one day I heard a voice so gentle, kind and sweet, with arms so soft that reached down to me and took me off my feet. “No one again will hurt you,” was whispered in my ear. “You’ll have a home to call your own where you will know no fear.”

“You will be dry, you will be warm, you’ll have enough to eat. And rest assured that when you sleep, your dreams will all be sweet.” I was afraid, I must admit, I’ve lived so long in fear. I can’t remember the last time when I let a human come so near.

As she tended to my wounds and bathed and brushed my fur, she told me about this “rescue group” and what it meant to her.

She said, “we are a circle, a line that never ends.. In the center of it, there is you protected by new friends. All around you are the ones that check the pounds, and those who share their homes with you after you’ve been found.”

“All the other folks are searching near and far, to find the perfect home for you, where you can be a star.” She said, “there is a family, they are waiting very patiently, and pretty soon we’ll find them, just you wait and see.”

“And then they’ll join our circle, they’ll help to make it grow, so there’ll be room for more like you who have no place to go.”

I waited very patiently. They days, they came and went. Today is the day, I kept on thinking, my family will be sent. Then just when I began to think it wasn’t meant to be, there were people standing there gazing down at me.

“I could tell they felt it, too, for a special dog like you.”

Now every night I say a prayer to all the Gods that be. Thank you for the life I live and all you’ve given me. But most of all, protect the dogs in the pounds and in the streets. And send a Rescue Person to them to lift them off their feet.

Coping with the grief after losing a pet can be a difficult thing to do. Those experiencing pet loss need to arm themselves with their toughest defenses because outliving a pet is a heartbreaking situation. The loss of any type of pet – guide animal, police animal, companion animal or other, is a devastating loss of a best friend.

The deep emotional bond one shares with an animal is hard to put in words. Whether you are grieving, or sympathizing with someone who is, take a soul-soothing journey through the pet loss poetry on this page. Pet loss poetry serves a dual purpose: it’s healing and supportive at the same time.

Feel free to comment and share with others experiencing pet loss.

The Power of the Dog

Excerpt:  
When the body that lived at your single will
When the whimper of welcome is stilled (how still!)
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone wherever it goes–for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart to a dog to tear

A  Poem for the Grieving…

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn’s rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die…
-Anonymous

The words inspired by Misty Blue, a retired racing greyhound may also be comforting.

Other good resources:
• Four Paws in Heaven
• http://www.pet-loss.net/
• My Pet Loss

If you happen to be comforting someone else through their tough time, try sending a little pet loss gift to show your support. Framed pictures are always a nice gesture. Surprise them with a note in their inbox to cheer them up; there is a wide variety of pet loss cards available online. A loss of a pet eCard might brighten their day a bit and let them know you are sympathizing with them.

Other uplifting gifts for pet loss include donations to an animal welfare groups like the Fund for Animals (which allows you to “adopt” a specific animal with your donation), In Defense of Animals, or a shelter in your area.

Henry is a wayward Basset Hound.                                               
His nose is always to the ground.                                                               
He feels the need to announce himself,                                                                 
to other dogs on a walk, to people, and himself.
Henry prefers to spend his days lounging around.                                                       

Henry’s nose is long and stout.                                                           
It frequently steers him about.
He loses all control
When chasing smells is his goal.
His nose directs his whereabouts.

Henry likes to run away.
He gets caught up in a world of smells day-to-day.
He sneaks out the back,
His owner has a mild heart attack.
He then saunters home in his nonchalant way.

Henry’s ears hang down to his toes.
They’re almost as long as his banana nose.
They take quick dips in the water bowl
They get ice-covered on walks in the snow
Amazing how he can’t hear a thing when his owner scolds.

Henry has three-inch-long legs.
He uses them to look pitiful when he begs.
He whines and he squawks,
‘Til he gets what he wants
He makes visitors think he’s underfed.
 

Sometimes Henry’s too lazy to go potty.
He hates moving his hovercraft Bassett body.
He’ll just go in the driveway
Making his owner deal with the fray
He doesn’t care when he’s being naughty.

We call him a Perpendicular Peanut
We call him the Tubular Dog
Henry is genuinely one-of-a-kind
with his stubborn little Bassett mind.
He’s the sweetest little hound one could ever hope to find.