Poems and Quotes

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Now I Lay Me Down To Rest

Now I lay me down to rest
I pray my soul can stand this test
Of watching critters lose their homes
While owners gripe and cry and moan

I long for strength of spirit and
I pray they'll find a home again
Where they will know a loving heart
I can't do much, but its a start..

And spare me from the owner's pleas
About the baby's allergies
Or how they're moving out of state
Or spitefulness 'tween cat and mate

Please keep me sane while dealing with
The woman who bought as a gift
A wriggling tiny ball of fluff
That now is playing way too rough

Remind me I should bite my lip
When confronted with "he grew too quick"
"I didn't know he'd get so large"
"He seems to think that he's in charge"

Protect my heart when I hear them say
"I think we'll breed our dog one day"
Sometimes I think it'll break in two;
Each day brings trials harsh and new

And if I die before I wake
I pray one hopeless soul you'll take
My tears are gone, my faith is bare
Lord, please hear my rescue prayer.

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ON KINDNESS TO ANIMALS

They have no voice to ask us,
For the pity which they need
With shame they cannot task us
However their hearts may bleed.

However they despise us
For all the hurts they bear
They cannot criticize us
Or say that we're unfair.

We call them God's dumb creatures,
And yet we know they feel
For oft their anguished features
Their sufferings reveal

They cannot ask for kindness
Or for our mercy plead
Yet cruel is our blindness
Which does not see the need

World over, town or city
God trusts us with the task:
To give our love and pity
To those who cannot ask.

Edgar A. Guest

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A Dog's Soul

Every dog must have a soul
Somewhere deep inside
Where all his hurts and grievances
Are buried with his pride.

Where he decides the good and bad,
The wrong way from the right,
And where his judgement carefully
Is hidden from our sight.

A dog must have a secret place
Where every thought abides,
A sort of close acquaintance that
He trusts in and confides.

And when accused unjustly for
Himself, He cannot speak,
Rebuked, He finds within his soul
The comfort he must seek.

He'll love, tho'he is unloved,
And he'll serve tho'badly used,
And one kind word will wipe away
The times when he's abused.

Altho' his heart may break in two
His love will still be whole,
Because God gave to every dog
An understanding Soul!

Author Unknown

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"The Reason"

I would've died that day if not for you. I would've given up on life if not for your kind eyes. I would've used my teeth in fear if not for your gentle hands. I would have left this life believing that all humans don't care
Believing there is no such thing as fur that isn't matted, skin that isn't flea bitten, good food and enough of it, beds to sleep on, someone to love me, to show me I deserve love just because I exist. Your kind eyes, your loving smile, your gentle hands . Your big heart saved me... You saved me from the terror of the pound, Soothing away the memories of my old life. You have taught me what it means to be loved. I have seen you do the same for other dogs like me. I have heard you ask yourself in times of despair ...Why you do it? When there is no more money, no more room, no more homes . You open your heart a little bigger, stretch the money a little tighter Make just a little more room...to save one more like me. I tell you with the gratitude and love that shines in my eyes In the best way I know how Reminding you why you go on trying. I am the reason. The dogs before me are the reason . As are the ones who come after. Our lives would've been wasted, our love never given. We would die if not for you.

Author unknown

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If you worry that you have not made a difference, you have, for only those who do not worry about it have not. If you feel overwhelmed, if the weight of problems is too heavy to bear, remember it is a shared burden and the strength of numbers can accomplish much.
If you think society and government are blind, it only serves to remind that we need to change one mind at a time, one law after another. We effect change by cooperation, not by isolation. If you consider that we cannot save them all, and what difference does one make?, you ought to know the joy of the one who is saved. Mourn those we cannot save. It is a eulogy to their being. Do not let their loss be in vain.
Be kind to yourself, remember your needs and those of your family and friends of every species. If you give everything, what will you have left for yourself, or for them?
Strive to be happy and healthy. You are needed. Achieving balance in life is a lifelong struggle. We who help those who do not have all that they need should be among the most grateful for what we have. Be proud of your accomplishments, not your opinions. The quality of your efforts is more important than the quantity. Forgive your own deficiencies - sometimes your caring is sufficient. Everyone can do something, it is up to you to do the thing you can. A kind word and a gentle touch can change a life. If a seething anger wells up within you, because people are the problem, remember your humanity and that people are also the solution. Concentrate on specific needs, pay attention to the individual - they make up the whole.
See beyond the unlovable, the unattractive, the impure and the wounded - see that their spirit is as deserving as the rest. Help them heal. Their eyes are windows to their soul and the mirror of your sincerity. All species, all beings, share this Earth in a chain of life. Care more about what makes us alike than what separates us. Policies, rules and regulations are not infallible. Apply them judiciously, interpret them wisely. No decision based purely on money is ever the right one. Listen to your heart.
Sometimes we have to do that which we are most afraid of. Be true to yourself and your beliefs.
Family may abandon you, friends may disappoint you, strangers will ridicule you. People shun what they do not understand. Help them to understand - kindly, softly, gently. Those who do not respect all life are to be pitied. Often the wrongdoer is as in need of help as his victims. Forgive, then teach by example.
Educate yourself or you cannot hope to teach others. No action based in hatred is ever right and anger drowns out wisdom.
Yours may be a voice crying in the wilderness, make it a voice to be respected.
Listen more than you talk, be courteous and reliable. Learn to ask for help. Never waiver from the truth. Know that it takes a lot of strength to cry and with every defeat, we learn.
All Creation celebrates that which is in its own best interest. The Children are our hope - nurture them. Nature is our legacy - protect it. The Animals are our brethren - learn from them.
Your rewards will not be material, but they will be meaningful, and the courage of your convictions can survive anything. We are small boats cast adrift on a cruel sea, but someday the tide will turn toward a safe harbor. No matter how dark the storm clouds, or deep the pain of heartbreak - never forget:

We are their heroes.

Dedicated to all who have worked for change. May your efforts be blessed. You have made a difference. If you've ever stood alone on a beach at night and felt the power of the sea within you, then maybe you understand the feeling that we aren't just a part of Creation, but there is something of The Creator within us all

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