For All Who Rescue

"If Not For You" - Author Unknown

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.

-- Contributed by Joyce H.