by- Bob Mace
I was born today. One of 10. My daddy was very famous. I have lots of half
brothers and sisters. My mother is very famous. Since she got famous, she has
only had puppies. No more loving hands, no more fun trips....just puppies. She
is always sad when they leave her.
I left home today. I didn't want to go, so I hid behind my mama and my three
litter mates that were left. I didn't like you. But one day they said I would
be famous. I wonder; is famous the same as fun and good times? So you picked
me up and carried me away, even though you were concerned about me hiding from
you. I don't think you liked me.
My new home is far away. I am scared and afraid. My heart says BE BRAVE. My
ancestors were. Did they go to good homes like mine? I'm hungry because I can't
eat too much because it will be bad for my bones. I can't bite or snap when
the children are mean to me. I just run and play and pretend I am in a big
green field with butterflies and robins and frogs.
I can't understand why they kick me. I am quiet, but the man hits and says
loud things. The lady doesn't feed me good things like I had with my mother. She
just throws dry food on the ground, then goes away before I can get too close
for touching and petting. Sometimes my food smells bad but I eat it anyway.
Today I had 10 puppies. They are so wonderful and warm. Am I famous now? I
wish I could play with them, but they are so tiny. I am so young and playful
that it is hard to lay here in this hole under the house nursing my puppies..
They are crying now. I am so hungry. I scratch and worry my fur. I wish someone
would throw me some food. I am also very thirsty. I now have eight. Two got
cold during the night and I couldn't make them warm again. They are gone. We are
all very weak. Maybe if I take them out on the porch, we can get some food.
Today they took us away. It was too much trouble to feed us and someone came
to take us away. Someone grabbed my puppies, they were crying and whimpering.
We were put in a truck with boxes in it. Are my babies famous now? I hope so,
because I miss them. They are gone.
beautiful, like my ancestors. Now I am hungry, dirty, in pain and unwanted. Maybe
the worst is unwanted. No one came though I tried to be good.
Today someone came. They put a rope on my neck and led me to a room that was
very clean and had a shiny table. They put me on the table. Someone hugged me.
It felt so good!!! Then I felt tired and laid over the last one who cared.
AM I FAMOUS NOW.
Today someone cared
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?
------------------------------
The Reason
(from a rescue dog)
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.
© DJ's Critters 2004
