How Could You?
Copyright
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 housetraining 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,
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.
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 or cat, 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 goodbye 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, 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.
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 meant for 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 Animals' Savior"
Copyright
Jim Willis 1999
I looked at all the caged animals
in the shelter...the cast-offs
of human society.
I saw in their eyes love and hope,
fear and dread, sadness and betrayal.
And I was angry.
"God," I said, "this is terrible!
Why don't you do something?"
God was silent for a moment
and then He spoke softly.
"I have done something," He replied.
"I created You."
I am enclosing a poem for all those people
who drop their dogs and cats off in the country,
hoping they will find another home.
These people should know there are alternatives to abandoning a pet.
Living in the country as we do,
we are continuously plagued by people
who dump their unwanted pets on the roadside.
Please consider relinquishing your pet to a rescue operation,
where it can be placed in a new home instead.
Maybe this poem will make a difference.
A Dog Sits Waiting
A dog sits waiting in the cold autumn sun.
Too faithful to leave, too frightened to run.
He's been here for days now with nothing to do
But sit by the road, waiting for you.
He can't understand why you left him that day.
He thought you and he were stopping to play.
He's sure you'll come back,
and that's why he stays.
How long will he suffer? How many more days?
His legs have grown weak,
his throat's parched and dry.
He's sick now from hunger
and falls, with a sigh.
He lays down his head and closes his eyes.
I wish you could see how a waiting dog dies.
~~Kathy Flood~~
Alone Again
I wish someone would tell me what it is that I've done so wrong.
Why I've had to stay chained up and 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.
They couldn't wait to train me as companion and as a friend.
And told me how they'd never fear being left alone again.
The children said they'd feed me and brush me every day.
They'd play with me and walk me if only I could stay.
But now the family "hasn't time"; they often say I shed.
They do not 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 me, then left me on a chain.
~ Author Unknown ~
Prayer of a Stray
Dear God please send me somebody who'll care!
I'm tried 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 my 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 and 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
And I won't chew their shoes, but I'll do as I should.
I'll 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 so all along.
Each night as I sleep in the bushes I cry,
Cause I'm so afraid God, that I'm going to die!
And 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 someone who will really care ...
That is, dear God, if you're really there!
Ten Commandments For Responsible Pet Ownership
My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years.
Any separation from you will be very painful.
Give me time to understand what you want from me.
Place your trust in me; it is crucial for my well-being.
Don't be angry with me for long
and don't lock me up as punishment.
You have your work, your friends,
your entertainment. I have only you!
Talk to me even if I don't understand your words.
I understand your voice and when it's speaking.
Be aware that however you treat me,I'll never forget it.
Before you hit me, remember I have teeth that could
easily bite you, but I choose not to because I love you.
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've been out in the sun too long;
or my heart may be getting old and weak.
Take care of me when I get old. You too will grow old.
Go with me on difficult journeys.
Never say, "I can't bear to watch it"
or, "Let it happen in my absence."
Everything is easier for me if you are there.
Remember I love you.
In memory of a cat, who was killed
with no name and really no reason.
At the hands of someone who he trusted
Don't worry little one, you didn't die in vain
nor was it your fault.
Just from someone hatred.
The Rainbow Bridge
There is a bridge connecting
Heaven and Earth.
It is called the Rainbow Bridge
because of its many colors.
Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge,
there is a land of meadows, hills and
valleys with lush green grass.
When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place.
There is always food and water,
and warm Spring weather.
Those old and frail animals
are young again.
Those who have been maimed
are made whole again.
They play all day with each other.
but there is only one thing missing.
They are not with their special person
who loved them on earth.
So, each day they run and play
until the day comes
when one suddenly stops playing
and looks up.
The nose twitches,
the ears are up,
the eyes are staring, and
This one suddenly runs from the group.
You have been seen, and when you and
your special friend meet,
you take him or her in your arms
and embrace.
Your face is kissed again and again and again,
and you look once more into the eyes of your
trusting pet.
Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge
together,
never again to be separated
~~~Author Unknown ~~~
Christmas Story For Dog Lovers
Long ago in the deepest of winters all of the
animals on Earth were abuzz with the news.
"HE IS BORN! HE IS BORN!" cried the snowy owl.
"Come one and all, rejoice!" roared the mighty
Lion. "Bring gifts to the new King!"
The forest grew bright with the din of excitement.
Every creature was running towards the star.
The noise was so loud and joyful
that it traveled distant lands.
In a quiet glen, under a bramble bush, a small
lonely dog raised his head from his slumber and
heard the sounds from afar. He raised his little
head and wondered. Slowly he raised his tired body
and sniffed the air. He knew something was amiss -
but he knew not what.
A voice ever so sweet was singing in the distance,
this he could hear. The words were not at all clear,
but the sound was of waterfalls, and misty mornings
and everything dear...
Eagerly he followed the sound and soon saw a star.
It shone so brightly his little eyes watered.
What was this shiny thing that happily glowed?
What could be happening that would bring about such
a lovely sight?
His little legs beat the path for many days.
He became tired and hungry but still he walked on.
He had to follow the sound of that voice.
The voice that reminded him of warmer and kinder times.
He had to follow the light of the star.
The star told him of happy things to come.
At last he came into a clearing and his eyes beheld a
mystifying sight. Animals were everywhere, and
each had a precious gift. Some brought shiny berries from the
forest, some brought beautiful leaves, some brought
twigs from the rarest of trees and even some brought
the most precious wildflowers of the fields.
They were laying these gifts at the entrance of a stable.
Above the stable the light of the star twinkled more
brightly than before. He turned to the deer and asked:
"What is all this? Where have I come?"
"You have come to see the new King. He is Born.
Where are your gifts for the child?"
asked the deer reproachfully.
"I have no gifts..I didn't know..." said the lonely
little dog with his head hung low.
The deer sneered and snubbed and quickly walked away as he
tossed his head indignantly. The little dog's body
trembled all over, his little tail flew between his
little legs, and his little head hung lower than ever.
He was ashamed. And yet...
he still wanted to get a little peek at the New King.
Quietly, ever so carefully, he crept over to the stable.
He was so small he could easily hide under the other animals.
Ever so sleekly he crept up to the manger and peeked inside.
"WHO ARE YOU!" boomed the voice of the Lion.
"WHY DO YOU DARE NOT BRING GIFTS FOR THE NEW KING?"
The little dog cowered, much humbled. He laid his little head
at the foot of the manger and hid his eyes.
He was ready to be killed by the Lion,
and yet he spoke ever so quietly,
ever so meekly, ever so bravely:
"I have no gifts, I have no berries,
or twigs, or bright flowers of the field...
all I have is my life and I will gladly give that,
for I have shamed all my brethren tonight.
He waited - with his eyes closed, thinking
that if he did die tonight, at least he would die
beneath the cradle of his King.
That's when a warm and gentle hand was upon him. He did not
dare to open his eyes, until he heard a woman's voice speak:
"Do not fear little one. You are safe here. This bramble in
your fur speaks of the gift you have brought to him."
The lonely little dog opened his eyes and looked up at the woman.
"But I have no gift to offer, save for myself, and that is very little..."he shyly protested.
The woman smiled and scratched his ears.
"Little dog, you traveled far to see the King..
that is gift enough when it comes from your heart.
What gift is more precious than one
given in innocence and humility?
No little one, you are welcome here."
As she spoke she raised the little dog up.
"Behold, your King, the Son of Man. You shall serve him well."
And the baby smiled. So it came to pass
and dog was lonely no more.
And dog has served man ever since,
loyal to a fault, and humble he remains.
A gift from God to us, for who,but dog
will travel miles without explanation?
Who, but dog will cower from you even if he is not wrong?
Who, but dog will take a scolding even
when he is not to blame?
Who, but dog is content to die at our feet if he so must?
Let us care for it well.
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~China~
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