I Found Your Dog Today...

"He is your friend, your partner, your defender,
your dog. You are his life, his love,
his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true,
to the last beat of his heart.
You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion" - Unknown

Zippy

ZIPPY'S LIFE from 10/1991 to 1/14/2009

I met my Zippy, pictured at the top of the page when he was 3 months old chained to a telephone pole in the mid of winter. It seemed the people who lived in a farm laborer home had other ideas on how to leave their residence and torched their own home, and in the process also caught their getaway car on fire. I watched this from the end of my driveway. The place was about 1/2 mile away as the crow flies. I had noticed a little brown dot next to a telephone pole the next day as I went to work and came home again. The next day as I was going to the store, I said to myself, "self, if that little dot is still there when you come back you are stopping". When I pulled my truck into that dirt driveway that was so muddy and yukky, this little dot jumped up with the biggest smile, and the biggest ears I have ever seen. I really wasn't sure what kind of an animal he was. I greeted the little stinker and gave him some cat food. And that's all it took. I loaded him in my car and off we went for home to be his sweet home, his castle, where he would become Lord and Master over his domain!

I let him out of the car and he just ran all over the place like a crazy nut. Greeted our cat Bobbi who was thrilled beyond words. Then this little monkey started riding my leg like there was no tomorrow. I swear I thought I would go through the rest of my life with a dog attached to my leg. This little mutt was EVERYWHERE! And full of life and he was smiling, he really does smile.

Well he had an accident where he was dropped and landed wrong and $465. later his leg was in a cast and he still thought he was hot stuff. To this day he has a pin in his hip and can't bend the leg. Which I think adds a lot to his character. When he walks through tall weeds he holds his stiff leg out like a wing. Very attractive. Well as we were having his leg fixed we also had his cajones removed, so no more leg riding for him. But it certainly has not stopped him in the least.

We have now had our Zippy for 10 years. He is my best friend. He protects me, he comforts me, he plays with me, he smiles and laughs with me, he is my bud. He has chased coyotes off our property, come face to butt with a skunk (twice), been rolled by a 1,000 lb pig, chased and been pinched by geese, attacked by a cat, and always bounces back for more. He chases rabbits with a passion. This little tiger has a zest for life that won't quit. He stands and eats my pigs food while watching her walk towards him (knowing she will get him) and he always goes back for more.

And he trusts me. He always knows when I am upset, and puts his head in my lap with that special look of love only dogs get, he always seems to know everything. He is a charter member of the psychic dog network, and I love him more and more and more every day. And thank GOD I stopped that day to see what that little brown spot was hooked to that big pole.

There is no love like a dogs love, loyalty, and trust. And I give it all right back to him. My little ZippyMan!

Well that was written 6 years ago and on January 14, 2009 we had to finally put our Zippy Dog down. His health had ben failing for a few years, he's eyesight went, his hearing went, he grew a huge tumor (one of thos fatty ones) on his butt. Had it been diagnosed correctly in the beginning we would have had it removed. But by the time we got a new vet it was too big and would be too traumatic to remove. So he lived with it. But it added extra weight to his already week hind end. He already had one lame leg. Finally he got to the point where I had to put a towel under him to lift up his hind end so he could go outside. After I got him up he could usually walk ok alone. Well things just went downhill from there.

My biggest problem was that his mind and nose were perfectly fine. He could tell when I wasn't near and would cry till I came back to him. Which I always did.

When he started loosing control of his pee it got to be a real problem because his skin would break down. Then it was his bowels. I though and felt in my heart I could go on forever taking care of this faithful, wonderful pet. I would lay on the floor with him every night and love him and pet him and kiss him. But I finally new I wasn't being so kind to him. Who would ever want to live like that? What the heck was wrong with me? So after making and breaking 3 appointments, I and my husband finally took him in. It was very hard, but very kind and peaceful for him. I held him and kised him and hugged him and talked to him in his ear the whole time. When he was finally gone I finally started to cry like a baby for my lost friend. But he is no longer in pain and I have wonderful fun memories of my man. He was truly one of the best dogs I have ever had and I will miss him forever.

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 pre-empted 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.

~~ Author Unknown ~~

I had this sent to me by a friend, a very dear sweet friend, Breezy. I want to tell you that I hate anyone who abandons dogs or cats. And if you are one of them, please stop. I know it's a horrible thought, but if you absolutely have to get rid of an animal, at least have the courage and the humanity to take them to the pound where they can die in peace. But to avoid even that, spay and neuter your animals and prevent over population.

A Lonely Dog

I wish someone would tell me what is that I've done wrong.
Why do I have to stay chained up and be left alone so long?
They seemed so glad to have me when I came here as a pup.
There were so many things we'd do while I was growing up.
The Master said he'd train me as a companion and a friend.
The Mistress said she'd never fear to be left alone again.
The children said they'd feed me and brush me every day.
They'd play with me and walk me if I would only stay.
But now the Master "hasn't time", the Mistress says I shed.
She doesn't want me in the house, not even to be fed.
The Children never walk me; they always say, "Not now"
I wish that I could please them. Won't someone tell me how?
All I had, you see, was love. I wish they would explain
Why they said they wanted mine, And then left it on a chain.

Animal lovers are VERY special people!

THE STRAY DOG

Dear God please send me somebody who'll care!
I'm tired of running, I'm sick with despair.
My body is aching, it's so racked with pain
And dear God I pray as I run in the rain.

That someone will love me and give me a home
A warm cozy bed and a big juicy bone.
My last owner tied me all day in the yard
Sometimes with no water and God that was hard!

So I chewed my leash God and I ran away
To rummage in garbage and live as a stray.
But now God I'm tired and hungry and cold
And I'm so afraid that I'll never grow old.

They've chased me with sticks hit me with stones
While I run the streets just looking for bones!
I'm not really bad God, please help if you can
For I have become just a "victim of man!"

I'm wormy dear God and I'm ridden with fleas
and all that I want is an owner to please!
If you find one for me God, I'll try to be good
I won't chew their shoes, and I'll do as I should.

I will love them, protect them and try to obey
When they tell me to sit, to lie down or to stay!
I don't think I'll make it too long on my own
Cause I'm getting so weak and I'm Oh so alone.

Each night as I sleep in the bushes I cry
Cause I'm so afraid God, that I'm gonna die!
I've got so much love and devotion to give
That I should be given a new chance to live.

So dear God please, please answer my prayer
and send me somebody who will really care,
That is, dear God, if You're really there!

Author Unknown

If Dogs Send Letters to God...

Dear God, Why do humans smell the flowers, but seldom, if ever, smell one
another? Where are their priorities?
Dear God, When we get to heaven, can we sit on your couch? Or is it the same old story?

Dear God, Why are there cars named after the jaguar, the cougar, the
mustang, the colt, the stingray, and the rabbit, but not ONE named for a dog? How often do you see a cougar riding around?
We dogs love a nice ride! Would it be so hard to rename the 'Chrysler Eagle' the 'Chrysler Beagle'?

Dear God, If a dog barks his head off in the forest and no human hears him, is he still a bad dog?

Dear God, If we come back as humans, is that good or bad?

Dear God, More meatballs, less spaghetti, please.
Dear God, When we get to the Pearly Gates, do we have to shake hands to get
in?
Dear God, Are there dogs on other planets or are we alone? I have been
howling at the moon and stars for a long time, but all
I ever hear back is the Schnauzer across the street.

Dear God, Are there mailmen in Heaven? If there are,
will I have to apologize?
Dear God, We dogs can understand human verbal
instructions, hand signals, whistles, horns, clickers, beepers, scent ID's,
electromagnetic energy fields, and Frisbee flight paths. What do humans
understand?
Dear God, May I have my testicles back?

Dear God, These are just some of the things I must remember (in order to keep my present living arrangements):
- The garbage collector is not stealing our stuff.
- I do not need to suddenly stand straight up when I'm lying under the coffee table.
- I will not roll my toys behind the fridge, behind the sofa or under the bed.
- I must shake the rainwater out of my fur before entering the house.
- I will not eat the cats' food before they eat it or after they throw it up.
- I will stop trying to find the few remaining pieces of clean carpet
in the house when I am about to get sick.
- I will not throw up in the car.
- I will not roll on dead seagulls, fish, crabs, etc., just because I like the way they smell.
- I will not munch on "leftovers" in the kitty litter box;
although they are tasty, they are not food.
- The diaper pail is not a cookie jar.
- I will not chew my humans' toothbrushes and not tell them.
- I will not chew crayons or pens, especially not the red ones,
or my people will think I am hemorrhaging.
- When in the car, I will not insist on having the window rolled down when it's raining outside.
- We do not have a doorbell. I will not bark each time I hear one on television.
- I will not steal my Mom's underwear and dance all over the back yard with them.
- The sofa is not a face towel; neither is Mom's lap.
- My head does not belong in the refrigerator.
- I will not bite the officer's hand when he reaches in for Mom's driver's license and registration.
- I will not play tug-of-war with Dad's underwear when he's on the toilet
- I will not roll around in the dirt right after getting a bath.
- Sticking my nose into someone's crotch is not an acceptable way of saying 'hello.'
- I will not come in from outside and immediately drag my butt across the carpet.
- The toilet bowl is not a never-ending water supply, and just because
the water is blue, doesn't mean it's cleaner.
- I will not sit in the middle of the living room and lick my crotch when company is over.
- I will remember that suddenly turning around and smelling my rear end can quickly clear a room.
- The cat is not a squeaky toy; so when I play with him and he makes that noise, it's usually not a good thing.

Remember that animals/dogs/cats/our pets, they can't do a lot of things for themselves and that they depend on you to make their life a quality life!

A PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS.........

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 entertainment, 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 pl ease. 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.
~Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without God's critters.
~please pass this on to other pet owners. We do not have to wait for Heaven, to be surrounded by hope, love, and joyfulness. It is here on earth and has four legs!

A Story a Friend Sent Me
A GREAT DOG STORY

Anyone who has pets will really like this. You'll like it even if you don't, and you may even decide you need one!

Mary and her husband Jim had a dog named Lucky. Lucky was a real character.Whenever Mary and Jim had company come for a weekend visit they would warn their friends to not leave their luggage open because Lucky would help himself to whatever struck his fancy. Inevitably, someone would forget and something would come up missing.

Mary or Jim would go to Lucky ' s toy box in the basement and there the treasure would be, amid all of Lucky ' s other favorite toys. Lucky always stashed his finds in his toy box and he was very particular that his toys stay in the box.

It happened that Mary found out she had breast cancer. Something told her she was going to die of this disease.... in fact, she was just sure it was fatal.. She scheduled the double mastectomy, fear riding her shoulders.

The night before she was to go to the hospital she cuddled with Lucky. A thought struck her ... what would happen to Lucky? Although the three-year-old dog liked Jim, he was Mary's dog through and through. 'If I die, Lucky will be abandoned' , Mary thought. ' He won't understand that I didn't want to leave him. ' The thought made her sadder than thinking of her own death.

The double mastectomy was harder on Mary than her doctors had anticipated, and Mary was hospitalized for over two weeks. Jim took Lucky for his evening walk faithfully, but the little dog just drooped, whining and miserable.

Finally the day came for Mary to leave the hospital. When she arrived home, Mary was so exhausted she couldn't even make it up the steps to her bedroom. Jim made his wife comfortable on the couch and left her to nap.

Lucky stood watching Mary but he didn't come to her when she called. It made Mary sad but sleep soon overcame her and she dozed. When Mary woke for a second she couldn't understand what was wrong. She couldn't move her head and her body felt heavy and hot. But panic soon gave way to laughter when Mary realized the problem. She was covered, literally blanketed, with every treasure Lucky owned! While she had slept, the sorrowing dog had made trip after trip to the basement, bringing his beloved mistress all his favorite things in life. He had covered her with his love.

Mary forgot about dying. Instead she and Lucky began living again, walking further and further together every day.

It's been 12 years now and Mary is still cancer-free. Lucky? He still steals treasures and stashes them in his toy box, but Mary remains his greatest treasure.

Remember ... live every day to the fullest And never forget .... the people who make a difference in our lives are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones who care for us.

I've been told to always leave them laughing, so watch this and you will.....