BAGGAGE

by Evelyn Colbath

Now that I'm home, bathed, settled and fed,

All nicely tucked in my warm new bed.

I'd like to open my baggage

Lest I forget, There is so much to carry - So much to regret.

Hmm . . . Yes there it is, right on the top

Let's unpack Loneliness, Heartache and Loss,

And there by my leash hides Fear and Shame.

As I look on these things I tried so hard to leave -

I still have to unpack my baggage called Pain.

I loved them, the others, the ones who left me,

But I wasn't good enough - for they didn't want me.

Will you add to my baggage?

Will you help me unpack?

Or will you just look at my things -

And take me right back?

Do you have the time to help me unpack?

To put away my baggage, To never repack?

I pray that you do - I'm so tired you see,

But I do come with baggage - Will you still want me?

WAITING

I got to the gate of Heaven yesterday After we said good-bye.

I began to miss you terribly, Because I heard you cry.

Suddenly there was an Angel And she asked me to enter Heaven's gate.

I asked her if I could stay outside For someone who'd be late.

I wouldn't make much noise you see, I wouldn't bark or howl.

I'll only wait here patiently And play with my tennis ball.

The Angel said I could stay right here And wait for you to come.

Because Heaven just wouldn't be Heaven If I went in alone

. So I'll wait right here, you take your time.

But keep me in your heart.

Because Heaven just wouldn't be Heaven

Without you to warm my heart.

- Anonymous --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ten Commandments for a responsible pet owner

My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any seperation 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 crush the bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite you, 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 that final journey. 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.

Transcription Tribute to a Dog The awe-inspiring mystery in the dog's fidelity always stirs me to the verge of weeping. What is man, I wonder, that the dog should serve him with unswerving loyalty, rich or poor, blind or blessed with light? And what are man's deeds that this heir of unconfined liberty in ages past should remain at his side, even if starved or beaten, when all other friends are fled? The only tribute I may pay the dog unashamed is recognizing him as equal before the Creator. It seems to me his life is too short to be tailored. The more natural he is permitted to be, the truer is our gratitude for his Heart-beat from God. The charming relations I have had with a long succession of dogs results from their happy spontaneity, Usually they are quick to discover that I can not see or hear. Considerately they rise as I come near, so that I may not stumble. It is not training but love which impels them to break the silence about me with the thud of a tail rippling against my chair, or gambols round the study, or news conveyed by expressive ear, nose, and paw. Often I yearn to give them speech, their motions are so eloquent with things they can not say. Truly, as companions, friends, equals in opportunities of self-expression, they unfold to me the dignity of creation, and in their joy smiles the blessing of St. Francis.

[Signature] Helen Keller

Basic dog rules

Newspapers: If you have to go to the bathroom while playing in the front yard, always use the newspaper that's placed in the driveway every morning for that purpose.

Visitors: Quickly determine which guest is afraid of dogs. Charge across the room, barking loudly and leap playfully on this person. If the human falls down on the floor and starts crying, lick its face and growl gently to show your concern.

Barking: Because you are a dog, you are expected to bark. So bark--a lot. Your owners will be very happy to hear you protecting their house. Especially late at night while they are sleeping safely in their beds. There is no more secure feeling for a human than to keep waking up in the middle of the night and hearing your protective bark, bark, bark...

Licking: Always take a big drink from your water dish immediately before licking your human. Humans prefer clean tongues. Be ready to fetch your human a towel.

Holes: Rather than digging a big hole in the middle of the yard and upsetting your human, dig a lot of smaller holes all over the yard so they won't notice. If you arrange a little pile of dirt on one side of each hole, maybe they'll think it's gophers. There are never enough holes in the ground. Strive daily to do your part to help correct this problem.

Doors: The area directly in front of a door is always reserved for the family dog to sleep.

The Art of Sniffing: Humans like to be sniffed. Everywhere. It is your duty, as the family dog, to accommodate them. Dining

Etiquette: Always sit under the table at dinner, especially when there are guests, so you can clean up any food that falls on the floor. It's also a good time to practice your sniffing.

Housebreaking: Housebreaking is very important to humans, so break as much of the house as possible.

Going for Walks: Rules of the road: When out for a walk with your master or mistress, never go to the bathroom on your own lawn.

Couches: It is perfectly permissible to lie on the new couch after all your humans have gone to bed.

Playing: If you lose your footing while chasing a ball or stick, use the flower bed to absorb your fall so you don't injure yourself.

Chasing Cats: When chasing cats, make sure you never--quite--catch them. It spoils all the fun.

Chewing: Make a contribution to the fashion industry...Eat a shoe. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You know you have gone to the "DOGS" when ...

* Nobody's feet are allowed on the furniture, but your dogs are welcome to sleep on any piece they so choose.

* It takes an entirely separate garbage can to handle all the poop.

* All kinds of things around the house are in need of repair, but the injured dog you rescued by the side of the road requires immediate surgery and out comes the checkbook.

* You and your family haven't had your annual check up in two years, but the dogs are all medically up to date.

* You start barking at your children to "Sit! Stay!"

* You're more concerned with the dogs' needs than your own when the budget gets tight.

* At least three of your five weeks vacation are scheduled around grooming, vaccinations and dental cleaning...all for the dogs!

* Dog crates double as chairs and/or tables in your family room.

* You can only remember people by associating them with their dog.

* Overnight guests (who share your bed) are offended by having to sleep with you and the dog(s).

* You snuggle closer to the dog than the person with whom you are sleeping.

* You decide to downsize from a huge house in the city to an average country cottage with lots of land in order to build the kennel of your dreams.

* You spend more time looking through mail order catalogues for dog supplies than for Victoria's Secret nighties or Miles Kimball gadgets.

* All your social activities revolved around other dog people.

* Your voice is immediately recognized by your vet's receptionist.

* Everyone in the office is eager to know if the dogs are all right because you were late for the meeting.

* The whereabouts of all your important legal and personal documents escapes you, yet you know precisely where to locate the file that includes all the vet records, breed papers and registration.

* Your trunk has an emergency food kit for any strays you might come across.

* The majority of your charitable contributions go to animal organizations.

* To win a precious .75 show ribbon, you think nothing of forking out hundreds of dollars to board/pet sit the other dogs, pay for entry fees, gas, accommodations and meals.

* You no longer have to buy extra large garbage bags, because the empty, 40 pound dog food bags work just as well.

* Complete strangers call you on the phone to ask a question because they heard you were a "dog person."

* Your mom calls and asks how the granddogs are. * Every gift you ever get has something to do with dogs.

* Your cookie jar has never seen the likes of people cookies.

* You rip up the carpet and lay tile to make clean up so much easier.

* Your children (wife, husband) complain that you always take more pictures of the dog than you do of them.

* While proudly showing off your family album, your guest asks, "Isn't there anyone else in your family besides the dog?"

* Any conversation you're having is effortlessly directed back to the topic of dogs.

* Your first concern when planning a vacation is whether or not the hotel will take pets.

* You politely bow out of an important social engagement so you can attend a dog show.

* The number one priority when buying a new house is the size and landscape of the backyard.

* The only (or at least first) forum you log onto is the animal forum.

* You describe your children as having temperaments rather than personalities.

* The cost of boarding your furkids equals that of your entire vacation.

* Your dog decides he doesn't like someone and you tend to agree.

* All your non-dog friends know to dress down when visiting your house.

* Your friends know which chair not to sit in.

* First time visitors wonder aloud, "Do you smell something?" and you really don't.

* You become the family dog kennel for all your relatives.

* You don't think twice about sitting on the floor because both the couch and the chair are completely dog full.

* Your desk proudly displays your canine family.

* All dates must pass your dog's inspection.

* The first question you ask when on a date is, "So, do you like animals?"

* You buy a bigger bed that will comfortably sleep six.

* You break down and buy another pillow so you can have one to sleep on.

* More than half of your grocery money goes to dog food and treats.

* You buy a mini van to give them all enough travel room.

* Your carpeting matches the color of your dog -- purposely.

* The thought of changing a baby's diaper makes you swoon, but you can pick up dog poop barehanded, if necessary, without batting an eye.

* You send out specially-made holiday cards that feature you and the dogs.

* Your spouse issues the ultimatum "It's them or me" and you have no problem pointing out the suitcase.

* You readily allow them to give you slobbery kisses, but you don't dare wipe a toddler's nose.

* Onlookers grimace at the sight of you sharing your sandwich with your four-legged pal, bite for bite.

* Your dog has the best birthday party over and above any kid in the entire neighborhood.

* Your dogs eat only the most nutritionally sound food, while your favorite meal is mac 'n cheese.

* You've traced your dog's family tree further than you have your own.

* You're more familiar with dog laws than you are with people laws.

* You stagger your dog magazine subscriptions to make sure you'll receive one every week.

* Your vet's office number is the first one on your speed dial list; his home is number two.

* One of your vet files is labeled "Other."

* Your vet takes a few extra courses just to keep up with your breed's assorted ailments.

* Your file is the only one that remains in the "IN" box.

* Your file rivals War And Peace.