Bulldog Deep Thoughts

God Said:
I'll lend you for a little while
A bulldog pup of mine
For you to love while he lives
And mourn for when he's dead.

It may be six or seven years
Or only one or two or three
But, will you till I call him back
Take care of him for Me?

He'll bring his charms to gladden you
And... should his stay be brief...
You'll have his lovely memories
As solace for your grief.

Now will you give him all your love
Nor think the labor vain
Nor hate Me when I come to take
This lent bulldog back again?

Then God heard us say
Dear Lord Thy will be done
For all the joys Thy bully will bring
The risk of grief we'll run.

We sheltered him with tenderness
We loved him while we may
And for the happiness we've known
Forever grateful stay.

Thy Lord's angel did call for him
Much sooner than we'd planned
We've braved the bitter grief that comes
And tried to understand.
-Author Unknown

When I was a puppy I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend. Whenever I was "bad," you'd shake your finger at me and ask "How could you?" - but then you'd relent and roll me over for a belly rub.

My housetraining took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed, listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect. We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because "ice cream is bad for dogs," you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day.

Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love.

She, now your wife, is not a "dog person" - still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy. Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a "prisoner of love."

As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them, especially their touch - because your touch was now so infrequent - and I would have defended them with my life if need be.

I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams. Together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway. There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few years, you just answered "yes" and changed the subject. I had gone from being your dog to "just a dog," and you resented every expenditure on my behalf.

Now you have a new career opportunity in another city and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You've made the right decision for your "family," but there was a time when I was your only family.

I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the paperwork and said "I know you will find a good home for her." They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog or cat, even one with "papers."

You had to pry your son's fingers loose from my collar as he screamed "No, Daddy! Please don't let them take my dog!" And I worried for him and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life. You gave me a goodbye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet and now I have one, too.

After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked "How could you?"

They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago. At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you - that you had changed your mind - that this was all a bad dream...or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me. When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited.

I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room. She placed me on the table, rubbed my ears and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days. As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood.

She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago. She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured "How could you?"

Perhaps because she understood my dog speak, she said "I'm so sorry." She hugged me and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself - a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place. With my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my "How could you?" was not meant for her. It was you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of. I will think of you and wait for you forever.

May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty.

Copyright © Jim Willis 2001, all rights reserved
Jim Willis has graciously given permission for "How Could You?" to be reprinted here on About Dogs. Please note that this piece is freely available for distribution, and in fact, encourages such use, but please use this location for downloading. "How Could You?" is located under "Sample Pieces", and permission requests are not necessary. Please help spread the word. Thank you.
http://www.crean.com/jimwillis

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I Am Your Puppy

I am your puppy, and I will love you until the end of the earth, but please know a few things about me.

I am a puppy; this means that my intelligence and capacity for learning are the same as an 8-month old child.

I am a puppy; I will chew EVERYTHING I can get my teeth on. This is how I explore and learn about the world. Even human children put things in their mouth. It's up to you to guide me to what is mine to chew and what is not.

I am a puppy; I cannot hold my bladder for longer than 1-2 hours. I cannot "feel" that I need to poop until it is actually beginning to come out. I can not vocalize nor tell you that I need to go, and I cannot have "bladder bowel control" until 6-9 months. Do not punish me if you have not let me out for 3 hours and I tinkle. It is your fault. As a puppy, it is wise to remember that I NEED to go potty after: eating, sleeping, playing, drinking, and around ever 2-3 hours in addition. If you want me to sleep through the night, then do not give me water after 7 or 8 PM. A crate will help me learn to housebreak easier, and will avoid you being mad at me.

I am a puppy, accidents WILL happen, please be patient with me! In time I will learn.

I am a puppy, I like to play. I will run around and chase imaginary monsters, and chase your feet and your toes and 'attack' you, and chase fuzzballs, other pets and small kids. It is play; it's what I do. Do not be mad at me or expect me to be sedate, mellow and sleep all day. If my high energy level is too much for you, maybe you could consider an older rescue from a shelter or Rescue Group. My play is beneficial, use your wisdom to guide me in my play with appropriate toys and activities like chasing a rolling ball, or gentle tug games, or plenty of chew toys for me.

If I nip you to hard, talk to me in "dog talk" by giving a loud YELP, I will usually get the message, as this is how dogs communicate with one another. If I get to rough simply ignore me for a few moments, or put me in my crate with an appropriate chew toy.

I am a puppy; hopefully you would not yell, hit, strike, kick, or beat a 6 month-old human infant, so please do not do the same to me. I am delicate, and also very impressionable. If you treat me harshly now, I will grow up learning to fear being hit, spanked, kicked, or beat. Instead, please guide me with encouragement, and wisdom. For instance, if I am chewing something wrong, say "NO CHEW" and hand me a toy I CAN chew. Better yet, pick up ANYTHING that you do not want me to get into. I can not tell the difference between your old sock and your new sock, or an old sneaker and your $200 Nikes.

I am a puppy, and I am creature with feelings and drive much like your own, but yet also very different. Although I am NOT a human in a dog suite, neither am I an unfeeling robot who can instantly obey your every whim. I truly DO want to please you, and be part of your family, and your life. You got me (I hope) because a loving partner and companion, so do not relegate me to the backyard when I get bigger. Do not judge me harshly but instead mold me with gentleness and guidelines and training into the kind of family member you want me to be.

I am a puppy and I am not perfect, and I know you are not perfect either. I love you anyway. So please, learn all you can about training, and puppy behaviors and caring for me from your veterinarian, books on dog care and even researching on the computer. Learn about my particular breed and its characteristics, it will give you understanding and insight into WHY I do all the things I do. Please teach me with love and patience, the right way to behave and socialize me with training in a puppy class or obedience class. We will BOTH have a lot of fun together.

I am a puppy and I want more than anything to love you, to be with you, and to please you. Won't you please take time to understand how I work? We are the same, you and I, in that we both feel hunger, pain, thirst, discomfort, fear, but yet we are also very different and must work to understand one another's language, body signals, wants, and needs. Someday I will be a handsome dog, hopefully, one you can be proud of and one that you will love as much as I love you.

Love,
Your Puppy

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Character of The Bulldog

A man may smile and bid you hail
yet wish you to the devil.
But when a Bulldog wags its tail
you know it's on the level!
-Author Unknown

Why do we love our bully dogs so?
It seems very strange to so many, you know.
They maze at the wrinkled up face that seems "smashed."
They whiff doggie odors and gas that's been passed.
If some folks were honest, they'd shout out: "Alas!
You're telling me truly, for this you paid cash?!"
Why do we love our bully dogs so?
Some call us weird and deranged "so-and-so's."
With stark frozen fear, they gaze at the teeth,
the massive broad shoulders and little fat feet.
They gasp at the sight of the jowls and then shriek:
"Someone please save me! Just throw him some meat!"
Why do we love our bully dogs so?
They say we're obsessive fanatics, you know.
An accurate statement, but "Foul!" I protest.
You don't understand why a bulldog's the best!
It's hard to explain; to that I'll confess.
But sit down and listen, to what I profess.
Why do we love our bully dogs so?
And why does our love continue to grow?
I can't speak for all, but I'll say what I know.
To me it is simple, and easy to show:
From the short stumpy tail to the wrinkled-up nose,
they're sensitive children, just dressed in dog's clothes.
-Author Unknown

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
and pain should keep me from my sleep--
then you must do what must be done
for this, last battle, can't be won.
You will be sad--I understand
don't let this grief then stay your hand.
For this day,more than the rest,your love and friendship,stand the test.
We've had so many happy years,
what is to come can hold no fears.
You'd not want to suffer so, when the time comes please let me go.
Take me where my needs they'll tend.
Only stay with me until the end
and hold me firm and speak to me until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you too will see, it is a kindness you do to me,
Although my tail it's last has moved,
from pain and suffering I've been saved.
Don't grieve that it should be you
who has to decide this thing to do.
We've been so close-- we two these years,
don't let your heart hold any tears .
-Mary Pringle

I got to the gate of heaven yesterday after we said goodbye.
I began to miss you terribly, because I heard you cry.
Suddenly there was an angel and she asked me to enter heaven's gate.
I asked her if I could stay outside for someone who'd be late.
I wouldn't make much noise you see,
I wouldn't bark or howl,
I'll only wait here patiently
and play with my tennis ball.
The angel said I could stay right here and wait for you to come
Because heaven just wouldn't be heaven if I went in alone.
So I'll wait here, You take your time, but keep me in your heart.
Because heaven just wouldn't be heaven without you to warm my heart.
- Author Unknown

There's something missing in my home,
I feel it day and night.
I know it will take time and strength
Before things feel quite right.

But, just for now, I need to mourn,
My heart.....it needs to mend,
Though some may say, "It's just a pet"
I know I've lost a friend.

You've brought such laughter to my home,
And richness to my days.....
A constant friend through joy or loss,
With gentle, loving ways.

Companion, pal, and confidante,
A friend I won't forget,
You'll live for always in my heart,
My sweet, forever pet.
-Susanne Taylor

Down to Sleep

Now I lay my down to sleep,
The king size bed is soft and deep.
I sleep right in the groove
My human being can hardly move!
I've trapped her legs, she's tucked in tight
And here is where I pass the night
No one disturbs me or dares intrude
Till morning comes and "I want food!"
I sneak up slowly to begin
my nibbles on my human's chain.
She wakes up quickly,
I have sharp teeth-
I'm a puppy, don't you see?
For the morning's here
and it's time to play
I've always seem to get my way.
So thank you Lord for giving me
This human person that I see.
The one who hugs and hold me tight
And shares her bed with me at night!

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

Dog tags ring, are you listening'?
In the lane, snow is glistening'.
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."
-Author Unknown

My family brought me home cradled in their arms.
They cuddled me and smiled at me and said I was full of charm.
They played with me and laughed with me and showered me with toys.
I sure do love my family, especially the little girls and boys.

The children loved to feed me; they gave me special treats.
They even let me sleep with them - all snuggled in the sheets.
I used to go for walks, often several times a day.
They even fought to hold the leash, I'm very proud to say.

These are the things I'll not forget - a cherished memory.
I now live in the shelter - without my family.
They used to laugh and praise me when I played with that old shoe.
But I don't know the difference between the old one and the new.

The kids and I grab a rag, for hours we would tug.
So I thought I did the right thing when I chewed the bedroom rug.
They said that I was out of control and would have to live outside.
This I don't understand, although I tried and tried.

The walks stopped, one by one; they said they hadn't time.
I wish that I could change things; I wish I knew my crime.
My life became so lonely in the backyard, on a chain.
I barked and barked all day log to keep my going insane.

So they brought me to the shelter but were embarrassed to say why.
They said I caused an allergy, and then they each kissed me goodbye.
If I'd only had some training as a little pup.
I wouldn't have been so hard to handle when I was all grown up.

"You only have one day left"
I heard a worker say.
Does that mean I have a second chance?
Do I go home today?

Final Fate

The date is December the 25th,
A gorgeous sunny-day.
It makes me want to romp around,
But I'm too tired to play.
I have not eaten for a while,
I think it has been a week.
My only source of water,
Has been a sewage leak.
I lie herein a cardboard box,
And I feel quite alone.
I'm trying to stand up on my feet,
But all I can do is moan.
Won't someone come and rescue me,
Before my time is up?
Who wouldn't want to help a dog,
A precious little pup?
I want to yell and cry for help,
I want to get away.
My place is in a loving home,
With children with which I'd play.
I should be chasing tennis balls,
And licking children's faces.
Running circles in the yard,
Even sometimes winning races.
This is not where I should be,
By the road under a bridge.
Where there is no one I can find,
No mother nor father nor kid.
So is this box my final fate,
My only destiny?
What terrible thing did I ever do,
To make things end this way?
I know now my time has come,
on this beautiful winter day.
I will fall into eternal sleep,
and my sufferings will float away.
During my last day on this earth,
To my future owner I say,
"Catch up to you in heaven,
And have a Merry Christmas Day."
-Author Unknown

T'was the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
With no thought of Labradors filling their head.
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Knew he was cold, but didn't care about that.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Figuring the Lab was free of his chain and 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 Clause - with eyes full of tears.
He unchained the dog, once so lively and quick,
Last years Christmas present, now painfully thin and sick..
More rapid than eagles he called the Labrador's name.
And the dog ran to him, despite all his pain;
"Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN!
On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONDER and BLITZEN!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Let's find this Lab a home where he'll be loved by all"
I knew in an instant there would be no gifts this year,
For Santa Clause had made one thing quite clear,
The gift of a dog is not just for the season,
We had gotten the pup for all the wrong reasons.
In our haste to think of the kids a gift
There was one important thing that we missed.
A Labrador 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 rode out of sight,
" You weren't giving a gift! You were giving a life!"

Visitor

These are our dogs
This is their home
from which we hope
they'll never roam

For Sale - To a Good Home

I was born in the Summer a few years ago.
Quite why I was born, I'll never know.
Some folk who owned my mother, decided to breed.
No reason I know of except for their greed;
I know I was hungry, I know I was cold;
They sold me quite early at just five weeks old.

My number one owners seemed friendly at first,
And life was quite good till my bubble burst;
They started to argue, their marriage split up;
And in the AD: "For Sale - 4 months old pup".
Some folk arrived, the next ones in line.
They treated me kind and life was just fine.
But Master dropped dead, and she couldn't cope.
So she sold me again (I'll soon give up hope).

I now had a new home right up in the sky;
We went up in the lift fourteen floors high!
The new folk were kind but they left me all day;
I was bursting to wee and had nowhere to play.
It was boredom, I think, when I chewed up the chair;
They agreed I should go as it just wasn't fair.

The next home was good and I thought "this is it"!
They started to show and I won....well, a bit.
Then somebody told them that I had no bone.
And in went the AD: "For Sale...to a good home".

The next lot were dreadful, they wanted a guard;
But I didn't know how, although I tried hard.
One night they got burgled and I didn't bark;
Tied up in that shed and alone in the dark.
For four months I lay in that cold and dark shed;
With only an old paper sack for a bed.
A small dish of water all slimy and green;
The state I was in, well, it had to be seen!
I longed for destruction, and an end to the pain;
But some new people came and I went off again.

Well now I'm with Rescue and this home is good;
There's walks in the country and lots of good food;
There's kisses and cuddles to great me each day;
But I dread the time they will send me away.
But for now here I stand, skin and bone on all four;
PLEASE......don't let "ME" happen to any of yours!!

The Rescue Dog

I took a little dog home that day,
He was ugly and bad, it's true,
Only I could see
His true beauty shining through.

I put him down at my front door,
So he could walk inside,
And when I opened up for him,
He just stood there, eyes open wide.

A big soft bed was there for him,
A fluffy blanket blue,
A heap of toys was nearby,
All bright and shiny and new.

All this for me he seemed to say,
His little eyes they shone,
No more need to bite, or cower, or cringe
All fear and anger gone.

He paid me back a thousand times
My furry faithful friend,
A better friend I never had
Right up until the end.

We walked a long and rocky road,
Through trouble, grief and strife,
And in the dark and stormy days
He gave meaning to my life.

I thought my heart would break,
When the time came for him to go,
I buried him in his blanket blue
Beneath the cold white snow.

Sometimes I still hear his little bark,
Feel the touch of a velvet paw,
And I still stoop down to greet him
When I open my front door.

-Author Unknown

On the first day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
The Santa topper from the Christmas tree.

On the second day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.

On the third day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.

On the fourth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.

On the fifth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Five chewed-up stockings
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.

On the sixth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.

On the seventh day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Seven scraps of wrapping paper
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.

On the eighth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Eight tiny reindeer fragments
Seven scraps of wrapping paper
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.

On the ninth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
My wreath in nine pieces
Eight tiny reindeer fragments
Seven scraps of wrapping paper
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.

On the tenth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Ten Christmas cards I should have mailed
My wreath in nine pieces
Eight tiny reindeer fragments
Seven scraps of wrapping paper
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.

On the eleventh day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Eleven unwrapped presents
Ten Christmas cards I shoulda mailed
My wreath in nine pieces
Eight tiny reindeer fragments
Seven scraps of wrapping paper
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.

On the twelfth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
A dozen puppy kisses And I forgot all about the other
eleven days.

You're giving me a special gift,
So sorrowfully endowed,
And through these last few cherished days,
Your courage makes me proud.

But really, love is knowing
When your best friend is in pain,
And understanding earthly acts
Will only be in vain.

So looking deep into your eyes,
Beyond, into your soul,
I see in you the magic, that will
Once more make me whole.

The strength that you possess,
Is why I look to you today,
To do this thing that must be done,
For it's the only way.

That strength is why I've followed you,
And chose you as my friend.
And why I've loved you all these years,
My partner 'til the end.

Please, understand just what this gift,
You're giving, means to me,
It gives me back the strength I've lost,
And all my dignity.

You take a stand on my behalf,
For that is what friends do.
And know that what you do is right,
For I believe it too.

So one last time, I breathe your scent,
And through your hand I feel,
The courage that's within you,
To now grant me this appeal.

Cut the leash that holds me here,
Dear friend, and let me run,
Once more a strong and steady dog,
My pain and struggle done.

And don't despair my passing,
For I won't be far away,
Forever here, within your heart,
And memory I'll stay.

I'll be there watching over you,
Your ever faithful friend,
And in your memories I'll run,
a young dog once again.

Just this side of heaven lies the Rainbow Bridge.

When a beloved pet dies, it goes to the Rainbow Bridge. It makes
friends with other animals and frolics over rolling hills and peaceful.
lush meadows of green.

Our pets do not thirst or hunger. The old and sick are made young once
more; the maimed and the ill become healed and strong. They are as
healthy and playful as we remember them in days gone by.

Though happy and content, they still miss someone very special, someone
they had to leave behind.

Together, the animals chase and play, but the day comes when a pet will
suddenly stop and look into the distance... bright eyes intent, eager body
quivering. Suddenly recognizing you, your pet bounds quickly across the
green fields and into your embrace. You celebrate in joyous reunion. You
will never again separate. Happy tears and kisses are warm and plenty;
your hands caress the face you missed. You look once more into the loving
eyes of your pet and know you never really parted. You realize that
though out of sight, your love had been remembered.

And now you cross the Rainbow Bridge together.

-M. A. Preston

A dog sits waiting in the cold autumn sun,
Too faithful to leave, to frightened to run
He's been here for days now with nothing to do
But sit by the road waiting for you
He can't understand why you left him that day
He thought you were stopping to play
He's sure you'll come back and that's why he stays
How long will he suffer? How many more days?
His legs have grown weak, his throat's parched and dry
He's sick now from huger and falls with a sign
He lays down his head and closes his eyes

I wish you could see how a waiting dog dies.
- Author Unknown

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