Please Don't Leave Me Here

Bonnie sent this to me today and I started reading it at work and had to leave my desk. Tears in my eyes as I write this, but I wanted to share - I wanted to share so you can see the incredible depth Bonnie has in her soul for these beautiful dogs and why she is so good and kind with her rescues....

 

 

 

I'm not quite sure how I ever arrived here but I'm here.

I once had such a wonderful life laying at my masters feet.

          PLEASE DON'T LEAVE ME HERE

How I loved our long walks together while you watched me

romp through the open fields. You tossed a stick and I proudly  brought it back to you.

I so remember those chilly nights lying by your feet feeling thewarmth from fireplace heat. Your gentle touch as you rubbed my head. As the fire dwindled I soon knew I would follow you to my special place beside your bed.

            

      ;        PLEASE DON'T LEAVE ME HERE

As time went by we aged you and I, we don't go quite so far on our walks these days. But never the less I still love your gentle caress and my special place by your bed.

                PLEASE DON'T LEAVE ME HERE

Soon you went away and I never saw you again. I patiently lie by my special place by your bed. I don't understand why you won't come back to me again. A nice man soon came me to take me away. In a soft voice he said sorry old timer I have to take you away.

                      ;  

                    PLEASE DON'T LEAVE ME HERE

 

As I lay on the cold hard floor my thoughts were only of you. Our wonderful walks seemed like just a memory. My eyes are cloudy  and I can't hear at all. Oh I miss the gentle touch of your hand. Oh I miss the gentle touch of your hand.

                    PLEASE DON'T LEAVE ME HERE

As I drift off to sleep I am once again taken back to all the places we've been. I am young again and so are you were doing once again all the things we used t o do. I chasing a stick and bringing it back to you. I feel once again the gentle touch of your hands.....the gentle touch of your 

hands. It's then that I realize we will never be apart again. I knew  you would not leave without me.... were together again.

Bonnie Towner

Dear Foster Mom

Dear Foster Mom
There I sat, alone and afraid,
You got a call and came right to my aid.
You bundled me up with blankets and love.
And, when I needed it most, you gave me a hug.
I learned that the world was not all that scary and cold.
That sometimes there is someone to have and to hold.
You taught me what love is, you helped me to mend.
You loved me and healed me and became my first friend.
And just when I thought you'd done all you do,
There came along not one new lesson, but two.
First you said, "Sweetheart, you're ready to go.
I've done all I can, and you've learned all I know."
Then you bundled me up with a blanket and kiss.
Along came a new family, they even have kids!
They took me to their home, forever to stay.
At first I thought you sent me away.
Then that second lesson became perfectly clear.
No matter how far, you will always be near.
And so, Foster Mom, you know I've moved on.
I have a new home, with toys and a lawn.
But I'll never forget what I learned that first day.
You never really give your fosters away.
You gave me these thoughts to remember you by.
We may never meet again, and now I know why.
You'll remember I lived with you for a time.
I may not be yours, but you'll always be mine.

by Barb Lieberman

I Am an Animal Rescuer

I AM AN ANIMAL RESCUER
by Casey Carter Tyree

I will never bring about world peace. I will not save the rain forest.
I'm not a brain surgeon and I'll never transplant an organ to save a life.
I don't have the ear of a powerful politician or world power.
I can't end world hunger.
I'm not a celebrity, and God knows I'm not glamorous!
I'm not looked up to by millions around the world. Very few people even recognize my name.
I'll never win the Nobel prize.
I'll never save the rain forest or end global warming.
There are a lot of things that I'll never do or become.

But today I placed a dog!
It was a small, scared, bundle of flesh and bones that was dropped off in a shelter by unfeeling people that didn't care what happened to it, but yet who were responsible for it even having existence in the first place.
I found it a home.
It now has contentment and an abundance of love. A warm place to sleep and plenty to eat. A child has a warm fuzzy new friend who will give them unquestioning devotion and teach them about responsibility and love.
A wife and mother has a new spirit to nurture and care for. A husband and a father has a companion to sit at his feet at the end of a hard day of work and help him relax and enjoy life. And a sense of security, that when he is gone all day at work, that there is a protector and a guardian in his home to keep watch over his family.
No, I'm not a rocket scientist but today I saved one of God's precious creatures. Today, I made a difference!

I Am An Animal Rescuer
My job is to assist God's creatures
I was born with the need to fulfill their needs
I take in new family members without plan, thought or selection
I have bought dog food with my last dime
I have patted a mangy head with a bare hand
I have hugged someone vicious and afraid
I have fallen in love a thousand times and I have cried into the fur of a lifeless body
I have Animal Friends and friends who have Animal Friends
I don't often use the word "pet"
I notice those lost at the road side
And my heart aches
I will hand raise a field mouse
And make friends with a vulture
I know of no creature unworthy of my time
I want to live forever if there aren't animals in Heaven
But I believe there are!
Why would God make something so perfect and leave it behind?
We may be master of the animals,
But the animals have mastered themselves
Something people still haven't learned
War and abuse make me hurt for the world
But a rescue that makes the news gives me hope for humankind
We are a quiet but determined army
And making a difference every day

There is nothing more necessary than warming an orphan
Nothing more rewarding than saving a life
No higher recognition than watching them thrive
There is no greater joy than seeing a baby play
who only days ago, was too weak to eat
I am an Animal Rescuer
My work is never done
My home is never quiet
My wallet is always empty
But my heart is always full
In the game of life, I have already won!

Rainbow Bridge for Rescuers

The Bridge - Unlike most days at Rainbow Bridge, this day dawned cold and gray, damp as a swamp and as dismal as could be imagined. All of the recent arrivals had no idea what to think, as they had never experienced a day like this before.

But the animals who had been waiting for their beloved people knew exactly what was going on and started to gather at the pathway leading to The Bridge to watch.

It wasn't long before an elderly animal came into view, head hung low and tail dragging. The other animals, the ones who had been there for a while, knew what his story was right away, for they had seen this happen far too often. He approached slowly, obviously in great emotional pain, but with no sign of injury or illness. Unlike all of the other animals waiting at The Bridge, this animal had not been restored to youth and made healthy and vigorous again. As he walked toward The Bridge, he watched all of the other animals watching him. He knew he was out of place here and the sooner he could cross over, the happier he would be. But, alas, as he approached The Bridge, his way was barred by the appearance of an Angel who apologized, but told him that he would not be able to pass. Only those animals who were with their people could pass over Rainbow Bridge. With no place else to turn to, the elderly animal turned towards the fields before The Bridge and saw a group of other ani mals like himself, also elderly and infirm. They weren't playing, but rather simply lying on the green grass, forlornly staring out at the pathway leading to The Bridge.

And so, he took his place among them, watching the pathway and waiting.

One of the newest arrivals at The Bridge didn't understand what he had just witnessed and asked one of the animals that had been there for a while to explain it to him.

"You see, that poor animal was a rescue. He was turned in to rescue just as you see him now, an older animal with his fur graying and his eyes clouding. He never made it out of rescue and passed on with only the love of his rescuer to comfort him as he left his earthly existence. Because he had no family to give his love to, he has no one to escort him across The Bridge."

The first animal thought about this for a minute and then asked, "So what will happen now?"

As he was about to receive his answer, the clouds suddenly parted and the gloom lifted. Approaching The Bridge could be seen a single person and among the older animals, a whole group was suddenly bathed in a golden light and they were all young and healthy again, just as they were in the prime of life.

"Watch, and see.", said the second animal. A second group of animals from those waiting came to the pathway and bowed low as the person neared. At each bowed head, the person offered a pat on the head or a scratch behind the ears. The newly restored animals fell into line and followed him towards The Bridge. They all crossed The Bridge together.

"What happened?"

"That was a rescuer. The animals you saw bowing in respect were those who found new homes because of his work. They will cross when their new families arrive. Those you saw restored were those who never found homes. When a rescuer arrives,they are allowed to perform one, final act of rescue. They are allowed to escort those poor animals that they couldn't place on earth across The Rainbow Bridge."

The first animal said, "I think I love rescuers".

The second animal said, "God does too".


Author unknown

On the Parting of a Friend

So this is where we part, My Friend,
and you'll run on, around the bend,
gone from sight, but not from mind,
new pleasures there you'll surely find.

I will go on, I'll find the strength,
life measures quality, not its length.
One long embrace before you leave,
share one last look, before I grieve.

There are others, that much is true,
but they be they, and they aren't you.
And I, fair, impartial, or so I thought,
will remember well all you've taught.

Your place I'll hold, you will be missed,
the fur I stroked, the nose I kissed.
And as you journey to your final rest,
take with you this...I loved you best.

-Jim Willis

Photo of Demi, taken by Sergio.

Rescue Poem... shared by Champ Waring

Rescue Poem... shared by Champ Waring


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 bowl 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 - So will you still want me?

Author Unknown

Benny's Haiku

Benny Stone:


Mom writes Haiku. This is one from a couple of years ago.

autumn leaves
red gold and yellow
hide dog poop.

My Forever Pet

The Life of a Puppy

This morning, I woke up & 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 anymore,
That's when my tushy got shoved out the door.
I love it inside, but outside is best.
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 goodnight'.
Unknown

A Poem to My Foster Dog

-- Contributed by Lisa Vaughan

Pedigree Poems Boston Terrier

Pawsh magazine is featuring the Boston Terrier in its Pedigree Poems!

Visit it at http://pawsh-magazine.com/2013/04/pedigree-poems-the-boston-terrier.html

On Passing

Foster Love

Foster Parents, bless you all for your big hearts, your loving care. You are the special angels that make whole the damage inflicted by others, that love another being enough to prepare and release them to a new beginning, regardless of the pain that causes you. You are the heart and soul of rescue organizations.

I Adopted Your Dog Today

Losing a Pet

 On losing a pet, contributed by Tony Ferrarese

Sorrow fills a barren space,
you close your eyes and see my face
and think of times I made you laugh,
the love we shared,
the bond we had,
the special way I needed you,
the friendship shared by just we two.

The day's too quiet,
the world seems older,
the wind blows now a little colder.

You gaze into the empty air and look for me,
but I'm not there,
I'm in heaven and I watch you,
and I see the world around you too.

I see little souls wearing fur,
souls who bark and souls who purr,
born unwanted and unloved,
I see all this and more above,
I watch them suffer,
I see them cry,
I see them lost,
I watch them die.

I see unwanted thousands born
and when they die, nobody mourns.

These little souls wearing fur,
are castaways who, unlike me,
will never know love or security.

A few short months they starve and roam,
or caged in shelters nobody takes home.

They're special furballs of pleasure,
filled with love and each one, a treasure.

My pain and suffering came to an end,
so don't cry for me, my person, my friend.

But think of the living, those souls with fur,
and though our bond can't be broken apart,
make room for another in your home and in your heart.

(author unknown)

Dog Last Will and Testament

Don't Forget the Seniors!!!

A Senior Dog's Wish

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!

Why We Rescue

He woke with a start
could not figure out where he was.
Why am I warm, why am I safe,
why is the world suddenly soft?
Oh yes, the lady that talks so sweet
she rubs my ears and cooches my belly.
I like it here
wonder if she'll send me back?

It is quiet but I can hear life about me
it is a calm, safe feeling.
One I have never known
but have dreamt of.
I have only been here a day
wonder if they'll let me stay?

Maybe if I'm good and sweet
they won't put me on the street.
I'm so confused
the lady talks so nice all the time.
I got my own dinner last night
without a fight.
I hear some noise
wonder if she'll send me back?

She is calling my name
how sweet she sounds.
I am here, right here
waiting for my ear rub.
Better wag my tail
let her know I like her a lot.
There she is, she is so soft
wonder if she'll let me stay?

Time to go out she says
better not do it on the floor.
Out side with all the others
they seem happy here too.
I hope she lets me stay.

Wow food again
and all my own!
She just rubbed my head
and said 'what a good boy.'
Me a good boy
wow me a good boy!
Oh that smile of hers
hope she lets me stay.

Looks like play time
hey I can play too.
She is laughing
I remember that sound.
They used to do that when
I was little and they liked me.
You know the other people
then they just stopped laughing.
Please don't make me go back.

She is on the phone
thought I heard my name.
She is looking at me
she is smiling.
Better get over there and
get one of those ear rubs.
She is talking about me
Please don't make me go back.

Still talking about me
Wonder what she meant.
She said 'looks like a keeper to me.'
I hope she'll let me stay.

I was never allowed to give kisses
wonder what she would do?
Think I'll try.
Oh my, she's got tears in her eyes!
Oh what have I done?
A big hug, maybe she'll let me stay.

She said I'm home now
talks to me a lot, real nice.
Wow, what a day and
it's only just begun!
Imagine having many days
like this all together.
Oh, Please let me stay!

-- Contributed by Sheryl Trent

We Have a Secret

We have a secret, you and I

that no one else shall know,

for who but I can see you lie

each night in fire glow?


And who but I can reach my hand

before we go to bed

and feel the living warmth of you

and touch your silken head?


And only I walk woodland paths

and see ahead of me,

your small form racing with the wind

so young again, and free.


And only I can see you swim

in every brook I pass

and when I call, no one but I

can see the bending grass.


Author Unknown

--Contributed by Meredith Festa

In Memory of Lily

Lily was born, raised and perhaps had 13 litters of puppies at the Reedgate Kennels in Missouri before she was purchased at auction by her new family.  Although not a Boston Terrier,  Lily's poem is definitely worth reading.

In Memory of Lily

She withstood her life of misery
Her cage was her domain
The hopelessness, the loneliness
She was a number with no name.

Her eyes had never glistened
No love, her heart had known
Her cries were never answered
Her doom was hers, alone.

Her body, torn and tattered
So weak, so thin and frail
Her small sweet face disfigured,
As she languished in her jail.

Like the others all around her
From neglect she lived in pain
Oh, humans void of heart and souls
Were surely those to blame.

Shrouded behind secrecy
They perpetuate their lies
The puppy mills breed misery
Kept hidden from our eyes.

Then breaking thru the darkness
An angel brought the light
Reaching down with kindness
To alleviate this plight.

And so a few were taken
To be given a new start
And a mission was now realized
From deep within a heart.
Discarded were the numbers,
Now Lily was her name
She was nurtured now and cared for
And the others, just the same.

She responded to the kindness
She was kissed upon her head
Each night as she lay sleeping
In her warm and cozy bed.

From beginnings that were tragic
Lily now embraced the love
But she would only stay a minute
She had lessons up above.

Her life brought inspiration
She taught her humans well
About courage and conviction
To save others from the hell.

Lily's life had purpose
As she endured such strife and pain
She emerged with great forgiveness
Oh, her life was not in vain.

Now the cozy bed is empty
But Lily's memory lingers still
And hundreds more will follow
…..Rescued from the mill.

Bari Mears
Copyright 2008