Poems and Quotes

Doing My Time

I sit and watch the world go by,
Wondering what it would be like,
To run in the grass and play with the kids
And be petted and loved like the other dog is.

To live in the house and be clean and dry,
With a warm, soft bed where I could lie.
I’d be happy to share with the little guy,
The cute tiny dog who lives inside.

But my home is a kennel at the back of the yard,
With an old wooden dog house...the floor so hard.
I never get out for walks or play,
I stay in this kennel day after day.

The loneliness haunts me and I fear,
The days have gone by and turned into years.
I’m longing for freedom, I committed no crime.
I’m just a big dog, doing my time.

by Jody Crowe, 2007

A Dog's Prayer

Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.

When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to the bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through the ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshiper.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.

And beloved master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest... and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.

Author Unknown

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Alone Again

I wish someone would tell me
what it is that I've done wrong.
Why I have to stay chained up
and left alone so long.
They seemed so glad to have one
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 a companion and a friend.
And told me how they'd never fear
being left alone again.
The children said they'd feed me
and brush me everyday.
They'd play with me and walk me,
if only I could stay.
But now the Family "Hasn't Time";
they say I often 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

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"Until we extend the circle of our compassion to all living things, we will not ourselves find peace."

Albert Schweitzer.

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"He who is cruel to animals becomes hard also in his dealings with men. We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals."

Immanuel Kant

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The poor dog, in life the firmest friend, "The first to welcome, foremost to defend."

Lord Byron, an epitaph for his dog Boatswain

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Prayer for the Animals

Hear our humble prayer, O God,
for our friends, the animals.
Especially, for animals who are suffering;
for any that are hunted or lost
or deserted or frightened or hungry;
for all that must be put to death.
We entreat for them all thy mercy and pity,
and for those who deal with them,
we ask a heart of compassion
and gentle hands and kindly words.
Make us, ourselves, to be true friends to animals
and so to share the blessings of the merciful.

Albert Schweitzer

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"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

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Tribute to a Dog

The one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is his dog. A man's dog stands by him in prosperity and in poverty. In health and in sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground, where the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only he may be near his master^s side. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer; he will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounter with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince. When all other friends desert, he remain. When riches take wing and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens.

Senator George Vest, 1870

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When God made the Earth and sky,
The flowers and the trees,
He then made all the animals,
And all the birds and bees.

And when his work was finished,
Not one was quite the same,
He said, "I'll walk this earth of mine,
And give each one a name."

And so he traveled land and sea
And everywhere he went,
A little creature followed him,
Until it's strength was spent.

When all were named upon the earth,
And in the sky and sea,
The little creature said, " Dear Lord,
There's not one left for me."

The Father sniffed and softly said,
"I've left you 'til the end.
I've turned my own name back to front,
And called you Dog, my friend."

Author Unknown

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A Stray Dog's Prayer

"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, 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 now 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 on their shoes and I'll do as I should.
I'll love them, protect them and try to obey,
When they tell me to sit, lie down or 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 alone.

Each night as I sleep in the bushes I cry,
'Cause I am 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 answer my prayer,
And send me someone who will really care...

That is dear God, if you are really there!

Author Unknown

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I shall be a believer of all that is Good in man and all that is deserving in animals. I shall Plead for their lives, Campaign for Their Safety and uphold their right to a natural death. I shall seek out the Injured and the Maimed, the Unloved and the Abandoned, and tend to them in their last days. I shall not forget their place in the Hierachy of Life, nor that we walk in each other's paths. I shall bear witness to the wonder they bring into our lives, and to the beauty they bestow on our souls. I shall restore their spirits when they are waning, bind their wounds when they bleed, cradle them when they whimper and comfort them when they mourn. I shall be near them in their hour of greatest need -a companion and a friend when their time has come, I shall watch over them and console them and ask that the angels gather them in their arms. From the creatures of the earth. I SHALL LEARN THE FRUITS OF COMPASSION and UNDYING LOVE and I shall be called the beloved of God. In their company, I shall indeed be blessed.

Author Unknown

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ME MEANS ALONE

Me means alone.
Hmmmmmmmmmmmm.
Pretty easy concept.
Ever think about it?
Your aloneness.
Your unique oneness to all sentient beings,
Aloneness.
Hey I don `t even know if that is a real word.
ALONENESS
But it is a real truth.
Lets explore this a bit.
Pinch your arm.
Yeah now,
Go ahead,
One of those beady, little tiny, hurty pinches. You know the kind.
Slipped a few to someone once,
Didn`t ya?
A me, whom needed a reminder of You,
Your oneness.
Your vulnerabilty.
Yeah the big pinch.
Okay lets go for it.
Now just a good pinch, say on your arm.
OUCH!!
HURTS!!
Now say this outloud,
"Me hurt me!"
Not good grammer.
But think about it.
Quietly,
Feel the pain.
No one else did?
No one ever will.
Pinch away, only you suffer.
This is your aloneness.
Forever.
The Me, that is you, your oneness, your aloneness.
How many other me`s are out there?
Not just humans but all creatures.
All alone, inclusive to us in their vunerability to suffering. Can you feel that, their vulnerablity.
Do you protect?
Each human me has a choice
Does your soul cry out when an animal suffers? These, innocent victims experiencing "alone" the tryanny of humans. Do you see its` aloneness?
The me??
THE ME?
  Starved,abandoned, abused, entrapped, incinerated alive, chopped up, butchered, scalded, beaten, tested, poisoned, tortured, raped, orphaned, hunted, eaten, worn.
USED for the profit and pleasure of a callous ME! Can you feel the pain here?
CAN YOU IMAGINE EACH TERROR?
IT IS A ME.
Think about that again.
Feel it.
Your aloneness??
Now take away your voice, your language, Your status as a human.
You`re still a me.
I HURT YOU.
Now what?
You are powerless against ME.
PAIN?
What do you feel?
Me feels pain!
Me FEELS what all the me`s feel when hurt like this..
Alone and me.
Human indiscretion of an indifferent ME has chosen to abuse your innocence. (Readers are you understanding this?)
  Because if you do, your "Me" suffers too. You suffer, and recognize the aloneness. You feel their helplessness and confusion.. You suffer their torment.
This compassion separates us humans from each other.
Recognizing that we are all one.
Different species, but all one.
PINCH YOURSELF AGAIN,
HARDER.
Feel it, the individual pain only you suffer. Me means alone.
Only a ME can stop the pain.
Use your life given power to protect.
SPEAK AND WORK FOR THE OPPRESSED AND ABUSED.
Stop the agonies and injustices, the tyranny against all animals.
  QUIETLY NOW.....THINK AND FEEL THIS.....
think---shhhhhhhhhh.
ME MEANS ALONE.
Listen.........
Hear it??????
PLEASE HELP ME!!
ME HURTS!
ME IS AFRAID!
Mommy you said "You wouldn`t ever let anyone hurt me." " But ouch, me hurts so bad, me cry."
"Mommy?"   "Mommy?"
"MOMMY!!!!!!!"
Oh me hurts............

by Linda Beane

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RESCUED DOG

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 and snow.
I ate what ever I could find,
I was always on the go.

My skin would itch, my feet were sore,
My body ached with pain.
And no one stopped to give a pat
Or a 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.

And then one day I heard a voice
So gentle, kind and sweet,
And arms so soft 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 when I let
A human come so near.

And as she tended to my wounds
And bathed and brushed my fur
She told me bout the rescue group
And what it meant to her.
She said, "We are a circle,
A line that never ends".
"And in the center there is you
Protected by new friends".

"And all around you are
The ones that check the pounds,
And those that share their home
After you've been found".
"And all the other folk
Are  searching near and far.
"To find the perfect home for you,
Where  you can be a star".

She  said, "There is a family,
That's waiting 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,
The days they came and went.
Today's the day I thought,
My family will be sent.
Then just when I began to think
It wasn't meant to be,
There were  people standing there
Just gazing down at me.

I knew them in a heart  beat,
I could tell they felt it too.
They said, "We have been waiting
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 pound and on the street.
And  send a Rescue Person
To lift them off their feet".

by Arlene Pace
September 18, 1998

When I wrote this poem it was inspired by my foster Sheltie "Patchie: who by the way is in a home where he is the light of their eyes.  I think now that it is more in the way I see the rescue efforts of all the people that are doing such a great a job all over this country.  So I wish to dedicate this poem to all of you in rescue, the doers, the helpers, the donators of money and/or time and tears. Please feel free to recopy, reprint or resend to anyone you would like to.

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JUST ONE DAY

By Guila Manchester

I would like to be God for just one day,
I'd give all my creatures a chance to play.
I would bring to the suffering quick release,
I'd give to the frightened comfort and peace.
And those that were suffering would hunger no more,
I would heal all the wounded, bleeding and sore.
I'd close all the doors where sadists reign,
With their tests and their knives so ready for pain.

I would open the doors of the cages wide,
And offer their freedom to those inside.
I would throw out the traps that lie in wait,
For a small furry creature, a cruel fate.
I would close all the bullrings and break every spear,
And the rabbit no longer the greyhound would fear.
I would clean all the oil from out of the sea,
I would let all the fish in the nets go free.

I would throw out the arrows that pierce so deep,
I would give to the tired the blessing of sleep.
I'd close all the tracks where the races are won,
By horses abused to make them run.
I would teach little children that birds are frail,
And puppies and kittens.......don't hold by the tail.
And the bunnies and chicks and ducklings so small,
I would not let stores have for sale at all.

I would free all the animals raised for fur,
I would tear down the ranches where they were.
I would open the pens that are stacked so high,
So legs could run free and wings could fly.
I would silence the sound of the hunters guns,
I'd give speed to the legs of the fox that runs.
I would break every rope by the rodeo used,
I would comfort the cattle the cowboy abused.

I would make all the streams run pure and sweet,
I'd show mercy to animals used for meat.
I would offer green grass to the worn out nag,
I would throw out the snares in the hunters bag.
I would break all the clubs that batter their prey,
I would take all the poison and throw it away.
I would close the arenas and bloody pits,
Where roosters and dogs are torn to bits.

I'd find homes for the homeless in cities and farms,
I would gather the strays in my loving arms.
I know it's not given to mind of man
The workings of God to understand,
But oh how I long for the day to come
Bringing help for the helpless, tortured and dumb.
And I mean no irreverence because I say
I would like to be God for just one day.

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VOICE OF THE VOICELESS

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

I am the voice of the voiceless:
Through me, the dumb shall speak;
Till the deaf world's ear be made to hear
The cry of the wordless weak.

From street, from cage and from kennel,
From jungle, and stall, the wail
Of my tortured kin proclaims the sin
Of the mighty against the frail

And I am my brother's keeper,
And I will fight his fight;
And speak the word for beast and bird
Till the world shall set things right.

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Waiting...  
I'm waiting here in foster care for you to come and see
The one the others have passed by - Please stop and look at me!
I'm not alone here in my quest to find myself a place
Where someone will have love for me and softly stroke my face.
We're not so young in years they say, although we're young at heart
If you'll take a chance with us - please know we'll do our part.
Our faces have a bit of white, our legs a slower gait
Our hearts so full of love to give - but still we sit and wait.
A younger dog is what folks want, one who romps and plays
They won't take time to look at us – just think we're old and gray.
Little do they know the things we have to offer them
Manners learned and quiet souls - good dogs all we've been.
There are those here too whose souls were damaged and in pain
Before they came to this safe place and learned to trust again.
When new folks come and look at them, they seem withdrawn and shy.
Time is all they need to learn that new bonds they can tie.
Patience, love and gentle hands is all they ask of you
In exchange - their hearts they give you in their lives so new.
We may not be the perfect dogs in everybody's eye -
Too big, too small, too brown, too blue, too black, too old, too shy.
But, unless you sit and take the time and see all that we can be
You'll miss the best that is right here - Please stop
HEY - Look at ME!

  by Cyndee Walklet

Used with permission by the author. Visit Poetry Corner for more poems by Cyndee Walklet.

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RESCUE ME...

Rescue me not only with your hands but with your heart as well.
I will respond to you.
Rescue me not out of pity but out of love.
I will love you back.
Rescue me not with self-righteousness but with compassion.
I will learn what you teach.
Rescue me not because of my past but because of my future.
I will relax and enjoy.
Rescue me not simply to save me but to give me a new life.
I will appreciate your gift.
Rescue me not only with a firm hand but with tolerance and patience.
I will please you.
Rescue me not only because of who I am but who I'm to become.
I will grow and mature.
Rescue me not to revere yourself to others but because you want me.
I will never let you down.
Rescue me not with a hidden agenda but with a desire to teach me to trust.
I will be loyal and true.
Rescue me not to be chained or to fight but to be your companion.
I will stand by your side.
Rescue me not to replace one you've lost but to soothe your spirit.
I will cherish you.
Rescue me not to be your pet but to be your friend.
I will give you my undying love.
By: Terri Onorato

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   If you can get going without pep pills,
   If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,
   If you can resist complaining
   And boring people with your troubles,
   If you can eat the same food every day
   And be grateful for it,
   If you can understand when your loved ones
   Are too busy to give you any time,
   If you can overlook it
   When those who love you take it out on you
   When something goes wrong through no fault of yours,
   If you can take criticism and blame without resentments,
   If you can ignore a friend's limited education
   And never correct him,
   If you can resist treating a rich friend
   Better than a poor friend,
   If you can face the world without lies and deceit,
   If you can conquer tension without medical help,
   If you can relax without liquor,
   If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,
   If you can say honestly
   That deep in your heart you have no prejudice
Against creed, color,religion or politics,
   Then, my friend,
   You are almost as good
   As your dog.
   Author Unknown

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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A PUPPY

This morning, I woke up and kissed my dad's head.
 I peed on the carpet, then went back to bed.
  "The life of a puppy, oh my, this is great."
  Then I thought about breakfast, "I hope it's not late."

 Mom took me outside; we walked for a while.
 This never fails to make Mama smile.
 I sniffed of everything that we did pass.
 I ate something weird-it gave me gas.

I'm sure God loves me, I know that is true..
He gave me so many great things to chew
Rugs, plants or rocks, I really don't care.
What I truly like best, is Dad's underwear.

 That obedience book was sort of yummy
.  Though it didn't sit well on my poor puppy tummy.
I threw up a bit, but that was all right.
When Mom found it later, I was well out of sight.

I made streamers of T.P., while running at full speed.
Mom is pretty quick-but I was still in the lead.
I flew under the bed, and Mom flew past.
She stopped, shook her head, and breathed,"you're too fast."

Mama later phoned Daddy, and said, "It was frightening!"
That afternoon, she was sure I'd pooped lightning.
She'd sat at the computer, while I chewed the cord.
She thought I was mad, but I was just bored!

When Mama had enough, couldn't take any more,
That's when my tushy got shoved out the door.
I love it inside, but outside is best.
I lay in the cool grass and had a good rest.

That didn't last long, there was too much to do.
Can't quite remember where I hid Daddy's shoe.
I found an old bone and scratched at a flea.
I watched the dumb squirrels as they jumped in a tree.

I barked at the kids when they got off the bus.
I can't figure out why this makes Mama fuss.
I barked at the neighbor.  I barked at the wind.
I barked and barked till Mom yelled, "COME IN."

The sun dipped in the west-soon Daddy would come!
I sure love my daddy; we always have fun.
I barked at my daddy, then turned on my charms.
I woo-wooed, "Hello!" then jumped in his arms

Sitting under the table-it's sooo hard to wait.
Daddy slipped me a goodie right off his plate.
 I raced through the house and scattered my toys,
Ricocheted off the furniture, and made lots of noise.

Mom found her purse---the one I abused.
Daddy let loose a chuckle.  Mom asked, "Amused??"
I cowered down low.  I must be in trouble.
Dad said, "Wasn't MY boy.  It must be his double!"

Mom turned off the TV and said, "Time for bed."
Dad said, "Let's go, boy," and patted my head.
I got in my spot, between Mom and Dad.
I thought 'bout my day and what fun I had.

 Mama kicked out my bone from the covers below,
Then let loose a sigh-a sigh deep and low.
She gave me a kiss and snuggled me tight.
 And whispered so softly, "My darling, good night.

Author Unknown

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Cat Prayer

Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray this cushy life to keep.
I pray for toys that look like mice,
And sofa cushions, soft and nice.
I pray for gourmet kitty snacks,
And someone nice to scratch my back,
For windowsills all warm and bright,
For shadows to explore at night.
I pray I'll always stay real cool
And keep the secret feline rule
To NEVER tell a human that
The world is really ruled by CATS!
Author Unknown

"To visit a modern CAFO (Confined Animal Feeding Operation) is to enter a world that, for all its technological sophistication, is still designed according to Cartesian principles: animals are machines incapable of feeling pain. Since no thinking person can possibly believe this any more, industrial animal agriculture depends on a suspension of disbelief on the part of the people who operate it and a willingness to avert your eyes on the part of everyone else."
Michael Pollen

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