Rescue's Christmas Poem

'Tis the night before Christmas and all through the town,
Every shelter is full - we are lost but not found,
Our numbers are hung on our kennels so bare,
We hope every minute that someone will care,
They'll come to adopt us and give us the call,
"Come here, Max and Sparkie - come fetch your new ball!!

But now we sit here and think of the days..
We were treated so fondly - we had cute, baby ways,
Once we were little, then we grew and we grew -
Now we're no longer young and we're no longer new.

So out the back door we were thrown like the trash,
They reacted so quickly - why were they so rash?
We "jump on the children:, "don't come when they call",
We "bark when they leave us", climb over the wall.

We should have been neutered, we should have been spayed,
Now we suffer the consequence of the errors THEY made.
If only they'd trained us, if only we knew...
We'd have done what they asked us and worshiped them, too.
We were left in the backyard, or worse -let to roam-
Now we're tired and lonely and out of a home.
They dropped us off here and they kissed us good-bye...

"Maybe someone else will give you a try."
So now here we are, all confused and alone...
In a shelter with others who long for a home.
The kind workers come through with a meal and a pat,
with so many to care for, they can't stay to chat,
They move to the next kennel, giving each of us cheer...

We know that they wonder how long we'll be here.
We lay down to sleep and sweet dreams fill our heads..
Of a home filled with love and our own cozy beds.
Then we wake to see sad eyes, brimming with tears --
Our friends filled with emptiness, worry, and fear.

If you can't adopt us and there's no room at the Inn --
Could you help with the bills and fill our food bin?
We count on your kindness each day of the year --
Can you give more than hope to everyone here?

Please make a donation to pay for the heat...
And help get us something special to eat.
The rescue that cares for us wants us to live,
And more of us will, if more people will give.

Author Unknown

Wrapping Presents Assisted By Bulldogs

1. Gather presents, boxes, paper, etc. in middle of living room floor.
2. Get tape back from puppy.
3. Remove scissors from older dog's mouth.
4. Open box.
5. Take puppy out of box.
6. Remove tape from older dog's mouth.
7. Take scissors away from puppy.
8. Put present in box.
9. Remove present from puppy's mouth.
10. Put back in box after removing puppy from box.
11. Take scissors from older dog & sit on them.
12. Remove puppy from box & put on lid.
13. Take tape away from older dog.
14. Unroll paper.
15. Take puppy OFF box.
16. Cut paper being careful not to cut puppy's foot or nose that is getting in the way as it "helps".
17. Let puppy tear remaining paper.
18. Take puppy off box.
19. Wrap paper around box.
20. Remove puppy from box & take wrapping paper from its mouth.
21. Tell older dog to fetch the tape so he will stop stealing it.
22. Take scissors away from puppy.
23. Take tape older dog is holding.
24. Quickly tape one spot before taking scissors from older dog & sitting on them again.
25. Fend off puppy trying to steal tape & tape another spot.
26. Take bow from older dog.
27. Go get roll of wrapping paper puppy ran off with.
28. Take scissors from older dog who took them when you got up.
29. Give pen to older dog to hold so he stops cleaning your face.
30. Remove puppy from present & hurriedly slap tape on to hold the paper on.
31. Take now soggy bow from puppy & tape on since the sticky stuff no longer sticks.
32. Take pen from older dog, address tag & affix while puppy tries to eat pen.
33. Grab present before puppy opens it & put it away.
34. Clean up mess puppy & older dog made playing tug-of-war with remnants of wrapping paper.
35. Put away rest of wrapping supplies & tell dogs what good helpers they are.


Copyright 1997 by author Christi Green
permission granted by author

A Dogs Christmas Carol

(sung to the tune of Winter Wonderland)

Dog tags ring, are you listening'?
In the lane, snow is glistenin'.
It's yellow, NOT white I've been there tonight,
Marking up my winter wonderland.

Smell that tree? That's my fragrance.
It's a sign for wandering vagrants;
Avoid where I pee, it's MY pro-per-ty!
Marked up as my winter wonderland.

In the meadow dad will build a snowman,
following the classical design.
Then I'll lift my leg and let it go Man,
So all the world will know that it's
mine-mine-mine!

Straight from me to the fence post,
flows my natural incense boast;
Stay off my TURF, this small piece of earth,
I marked it as my winter wonderland."

Bill Thacker

Christmas Wishes for Dogs

Dear Santa,

Hey Santa, help me out here. Sorry I haven't written to you before. Guess I've been saving up. Well, this year I've got a big list, but I've been good. All I want for Christmas is.

One self cleaning kitchen floor. (Push a button and a shiny new surface emerges - minus pawprints)

Carpeting that doesn't bear the scars of the recent housebreaking war.

Dogsafe pantyhose. I'd like to get out the door without screaming "off, off, PANTYHOSE!!!"

A cold Winter followed by a dry Spring Please Santa, no more mud!!!

An end to rawhide fights.How can I use the stuff as a cheap doggie babysitter if they are noisier WITH rawhide than without?

Considerate dog owners who leash their pets So I can move freely about the neighborhood with the furkids without being circled by yapping small dogs or menaced by ominously large dogs of unknown character.

An automatic Cocker ear detangler With a special Booda Bone setting.

Doggie sweaters that fit. That do not "grow" once on the dog covering tails and creating major irritation or shrink causing the poor dogs to look like sausages ready to pop.

An uninterrupted night's sleep. One without the puppy sobbing to get up at 4AM to play, or the old dog's bladder giving out at 2AM or the young dog returning something she ate at 5AM.

A full time "yard guard" to fill holes, scoop poop, repair dog damage, keep order and gather up the soft toys left outside and scrape off the earthworms before they come back into the house.

A seamstress to mend all the disemboweled dog toys piling up in the closet awaiting repair.

A lifetime supply of free vet care (or at least some sort of "frequent flier" discount)

Massive acts of love, kindness and sanity. I want everyone who loves dogs to do something nice for a local shelter or rescue. Take in treats or food, volunteer to walk a dog, cuddle a puppy - whatever. All pet owners to spay or neuter their pets so overworked shelter staffs can concentrate on the millions of homeless pets already in need. I want every lost pet to find their way home. I want every abused, neglected or abandoned pet to find a loving new home.

Oh, I know it's a tall order Santa, but they say miracles happen at Christmastime...

Oh, and could you please send an elf to take Puppy to puppy school.

dogmama

Joy To the World

"Joy to the World!" - I can hear the people sing
In the building down the road where all the bells do ring
What is this *joy* they sing about I wonder to myself
As I lie here in the cold and wet upon this bare wood shelf
My sable fur once soft and clean is matted to the skin
My rib and hip bones jutting out - I can barely raise my chin
There are others too at this sad place who share a common fate
What did we do to earn this life and get in such a state?

I had some puppies here with me about a week ago
But they're gone now and I'm glad 'cause its begun to snow
Does God know I loved and nursed them - tried to keep them warm
Though in the end - it mattered not, they were never safe from harm.
Are snowflakes really frozen tears from Heaven up above
To comfort those like us alone and lost with no one left to love?
The snowflakes fall so soft and still and muffle out the cry
Of the old one in the next cage down; I think she's going to die.
A glow appears amongst the flakes and slowly takes the form
Of a dog like me in better times, it approaches through the storm.
The old dog breathes just one more time and suddenly lies still
An empty shell is all that's left, my prophecy fulfilled.
The glowing dog floats to her cage - the door opens on its own
He leans over her still, thin form and says, "I've come to take you home."

"Home to the Bridge where there is light and soft grass on which to play
The sun shines always - warm and bright - all through out the day.
You'll have a lap in which to sit, hands to softly stroke your face
Someone to show the love to you that you missed in this sad place."
With that, the old one floated up and took her place along side -
Once again she's young and whole - then the two began to glide.
I cried out as they began to leave, "Please take me there with you!
Don't leave me in this horrid place. Is there nothing you can do?"
The glowing one turned and smiled and said, "Its not your time
To travel to the Bridge my friend." Then I heard a faint, soft chime.
Eyes raised above, he listened close and looked at me again.
"Its Christmas Eve, you now must go to the building down the lane
Where the bells do ring this night of nights and you will sit and wait
In the stable filled with straw and light next to the wooden gate.
When the singing stops and people leave, one will stop and see your face
Be not afraid, for this is one who has an inner grace. She rescues those
who are lost or hurt and keeps them safe from harm. You will find the
Bridge on earth my friend when you settle in her arms."

With that he turned with my old friend, his glow grew very bright
It surrounded both, his wings unfurled and they flew away from sight.
I sat a moment in the dark and then heard a small pop
The door to my cage had opened up - I leapt out with a small hop.
My shaky legs took me to the lane where I could see the light
From the building with the ringing bells, my little heart grew tight.
But I thought of what the glowing dog had said and then I was at peace.
My fear was gone, strength filled my soul, I felt a strange release.
Not knowing what the world would hold in store for one as small as me
Faith gave me strength as I trotted slowly on towards my new destiny.

Cyndee Walklet '99

The Twelve Treats of Christmas

On the first day of Christmas, my hoomins gave to me an apple from under the tree...

On the second day of Christmas, my hoominss gave to me ... two rubber kongs, and an apple from under the tree.

On the third day of Christmas my hoomis gave to me ... three squeaking woobies, tow rubber kongs, and an apple from under the tree.

On the 4th day of Christmas my hoomins gave to me ... four rawhide chews. three squeeking woobies, two rubber kongs, and an apple from under the tree.

On the 5th day of Christmas my hoomins gave to me ... five tennis balls. four raw hide chews, three squeeking woobies, two rubber kongs, and an apple from under the tree.

On theeeee sixth day of Christmas my hoomins gave to me ... six twisty rope tugs, five tennis balls. four raw hide chews, three squeeking woobies, two rubber kongs, and an apple from under the tree.

On the 7th day of Christmas my hoomins gave to me ... seven buster cubes ,six twisty rope tugs, five tennis balls. four raw hide chews, three squeeking woobies, two rubber kongs, and an apple from under the tree.

On the 8th day of Christmas my hoomins gave to me... eight flying Frisbees, seven buster cubes ,six twisty rope tugs, five tennis balls. four raw hide chews, three squeeking woobies, two rubber kongs, and an apple from under the tree.

On the 9th day of Christmas my hoomins gave to me ... nine nylabones, eight flying Frisbees, seven buster cubes ,six twisty rope tugs, five tennis balls. four raw hide chews, three squeeking woobies, two rubber kongs, and an apple from under the tree.

On the 10th day of Christmas my hoomins gave to me ... ten cow hoofies, nine nylabones, eight flying Frisbees, seven buster cubes ,six twisty rope tugs, five tennis balls. four raw hide chews, three squeeking woobies, two rubber kongs, and an apple from under the tree.

On the 11th day of Christmas my hoomins gave to me... eleven flexi-leashes, ten cow hoofies, nine nylabones, eight flying Frisbees, seven buster cubes ,six twisty rope tugs, five tennis balls. four raw hide chews, three squeeking woobies, two rubber kongs, and an apple from under the tree.

On the 12th day of Christmas my hoomins gave to me ... twelve obedience lessons, eleven flexi-leashes, ten cow hoofies, nine nylabones, eight flying Frisbees, seven buster cubes ,six twisty rope tugs, five tennis balls. four raw hide chews, three squeeking woobies, two rubber kongs, and an apple from under the tree.

A Christmas Poem From the Dog

Eyeing hydrants, digging holes,
Drinking from the toilet bowls . . .

Playing games of "tug-o'-war,"
Putting scratch marks on your door . . .

Rolling over, playing dead,
Getting dog hair on your bed . . .

Scaring folks who bring the mail,
Chasing cars, as well as tail . . .

Barking, begging, heeling, howling,
And also, on occasion, growling . . .

Romping through a field of grass,
Sneezing, snoozing, passing gas . . .

Sniffing everything I see,
Peeing on the Christmas tree . . .

Woofing, wagging, chomping, chewing . . .
These are things I sure love doing!

(But I'll try not to do that tree thing . . .)

Happy Holidays!

Unknown

Twas the Night Before Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas,
and all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
the stockings were hung by the chimeny with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
With nary a thought of the dog in their heads.
And mamma in her kerchief and I in my cap,
Knew he was cold, but who cared about that?

When out on the lawn there rose such a clatter,
I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
The dog must be loose; he's into the trash!

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow,
Gave the luster of mid-day to objects below.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But Santa Claus with eyes full of tears.

He unchained the dog, once so lively and quick,
Last year's Christmas gift, now thin and sick.
More rapid than eagles, he called the dogs name,
And the dog went right to him, despite all his pain.
Now DASHER, Now DANCER, Now, PRANCER and VIXEN!
On COMET on CUPID on DONNER and BLITZEN!
To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!!
Let's find him a home where he'll be loved by all!!

I knew in an instant there were not gifts this year.
For Santa had made our mistake very clear.
The gift of a dog is not just for the season,
We had gotten a pup for all the wrong reasons.

In our haste to think of a gift for the kids,
There was something we important that we had missed.
A dog should be family, and cared for the same.
You don't give a gift, then put it on a chain.

And I heard him exclaim as he flew out of sight,
"YOU WERE GIVEN A GIFT!! YOU WERE GIVEN A LIFE."

Author Unknown

Christmas Puppy - Free to a good home

My family pack are back at last - I hear Rob turn the key
I must be quick to welcome them! They're all my life to me
Did I tear Fay's nylons in my haste, and scratch her arms as well?
Put paw prints on Rob's office suit, and hairs and widdle smell?

So I chewed Fay's pure wool jacket! well, she left it on a chair
It was warm and soft and perfumed; I pretended she was there
And Aunt Molly's wedding ornament knocked off the window-sill?
I was speaking to a passing friend, as any prisoner will.

Next door neighbours are complaining - how could I disturb their day?
What about that stinking corner where net curtains sag and sway?
And the wet shreds on the hearth rug, with spread feathers billowing up?
Well, soil cushions make find play-toys for an active lonely pup

Did I nip the hand that fed me? True - it smelled just like my plate
And I was starving hungry, and I've never had to wait
And if I brought my supper up across the bedroom floor
Who filled my plate so generously, and failed to close the door?

It's dark down here and chilly, and I'm feeling rather blue
Perhaps a song would cheer me up? Oh great, Rob's howling too!
My new pack boss is calling me - I must greet him with love
But why the screams and smacks and roars and threatening from above?

I lost my mother yesterday and all my litter pals
I'm small and cute and cuddly, with a host of playful wiles
I didn't choose to come here, I'm only six weeks old
I want so hard to please them - but all they do is scold.

(by Louise Maguire)

Fill the Bowls

(to the tune of "Deck the Halls")

Fill our bowls with freeze-dried liver,
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la!

Watch our noses start to quiver,
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la!

Please add bits of cheese and bacon,
Fa-la-la, Fa-la-la, la-la-la!

Happy wags our tails are makin',
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la!

Sniff the gifts and shred the wrapping,
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la!

'Round the Christmas tree go FRAPping*
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la!

Swipe a slurp of grandma's eggnog
Fa-la-la, Fa-la-la, la-la-la!

Then relax and be a bedhog
Fa-la-la, Fa-la-la, la-la-la!

Christmas Without My Dog

The tree is all trimmed.
The gifts are all wrapped.
The hymns are all sung,
And the travel plans mapped.

And still there's a sadness
That lies in your heart,
For a dog that was lost
And a love now apart.

A stocking is missing,
With toys and a treat.
A lap is now empty,
A space at your feet.

Yet remember this season
God's small gift to you,
Wonderful memories
To treasure life through.