'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 shelter that cares for us wants us to live,

And more of us will, if more people will give.

---Author Unknown

Preparation for getting a new New pup is not just a matter of reading books and buying a crate. Here are 12 simple tests for expectant puppy parents to take to prepare themselves for the real life experience of being a mother or father to a new New pup.

1) (Women) To prepare for the pup, put on an old tracksuit with mud smeared down both legs or a pair of laddered tights under a mud smeared skirt.

2) (Men) To prepare for the pup, go to the local pet supply store, tip the contents of your wallet on the counter, and tell the owner to help himself. Then go to the supermarket. Arrange to have your salary paid directly to their head office. Go home. Pick up the paper and read it for the last time.

3) Before you finally go ahead and have get your pup, find a couple who are already puppy parents and berate them about their methods of discipline, lack of patience, appallingly low tolerance levels, and how they have allowed their puppies to run riot, chew the furniture etc. Suggest ways in which they might improve their pup's sleeping training, eating manners, and overall behavior. Enjoy it--it's the last time in your life that you will have all of the answers.

4) To discover how the nights feel, walk around the living room from 5pm till 10pm carrying a bag of jelly (Jell-O) weighing approximately 20 pounds. At 10pm put the bag down, set the alarm for midnight, and go to sleep. Get up at 12am and walk around the living room again with the bag, until 1am. Put the alarm on for 3am. As you can't go back to sleep, get up at 2am and make a drink. Go to bed at 2:45am. Get up again at 3am when the alarm goes off. Sing songs in the dark till 4am. Put the alarm on for 5am. Get up. Make breakfast. Keep this up for a year. Look cheerful.

5) Can you stand the mess pups make? To find out, smear puppy cereal onto the sofa and cottage cheese onto the curtains. Hide a chicken wing behind the stereo and leave it there all summer. Stick your fingers in the flowerbeds then rub them on the clean floors. There, how does that look?

6) Grooming pups is not as easy as it seems. First try bathing and grooming a feral cat or some other wild animal. Time allowed for this: all morning.

7) Take a newspaper and cut it into tiny pieces and strew it all over your loungeroom floor. Take a rasp and roughen all your chair and table legs.

8) Forget the sedan and buy the minivan. And don't think you can leave it out in the driveway spotless and shining. Dogmoblies don't look like that. Buy some doggy treats and put them in the glove compartment. Leave them there. Take some dog biscuits and hit them with a hammer to make a bag full of crumbs. Mash them down the back seats. Run a garden rake over the upholstery of the car. There! Perfect!

9) Get ready to go out. Walk around the garden for half an hour practicing the words "Go Potty, there's a good dog". Go out the front door. Come in again. Go out. Come back in. Go out again. Walk down the front path. Walk back up it again. Walk down it again. Walk very slowly down the road for 5 minutes. Stop to inspect minutely every blade of grass, piece of used chewing gum, dirty tissue, and dead insect along the way. Retrace your steps. Scream that you've had as much as you can stand until all of the neighbors come out and stare at you. Give up and go back in the house. You are now just about ready to try taking a puppy for a walk.

10) Spill everything from your refrigerator onto the kitchen floor. Walk through it several times, taking care to track your shoes onto the living room rug, especially if it is a light colour. Pour little puddles of fruit juice or some other liquid which stains onto your rugs.

There now you are ready for your new puppy - or are you?

Contributed by Leanne Warner

Why do you look at me in that forlorn way?

Are you cold and hungry in this winter's day?

Why do you gaze with tears in you clear green eyes,

They are so translucent under the matching skies.

You look so familiar, like someone I know,

But sadly, last year, he had to go.

He burrowed deep into my heart,

Made me cry when we had to part.

He invaded my home, when he had no right,

Yet I had to give in to those eyes so bright.

They were like yours, a pearly green,

With the deepest aura that I've seen.

He did things wrong but I didn't mind,

The will to throw him out, I couldn't find,

He wasn't perfect, and I liked him for that,

And I tried to correct him as we sat.

But he was so stubborn, so determined and willed,

I dearly missed his encouragement when he was killed.

Are you his spirit, here to haunt me again?

And die once more and cause me pain?

Well if him you cannot be,

Why do you look as if you know me?

And the night we met, he too, was ragged and thin,

Miserable and abused near the garbage bin.

If you think I would adopt and care for you,

And then rear you up faithful and true,

Then only to lose another life once again,

You're right so don't just stand there, come on in!

Author Unknown

They say memories are golden

Well maybe that is true.

I never wanted memories,

I only wanted you.

A million times I needed you,

A million times I cried.

If love alone could have saved you

You never would have died.

In life I loved you dearly,

In death I love you still.

In my heart you hold a place

No one could ever fill.

If tears could build a stairway

And heartache make a lane,

I'd walk the path to heaven

And bring you back again.

Our family chain is broken,

And nothing seems the same.

But as God calls us one by one,

The chain will link again.

Author Unknown

I'm getting on in years,

My coat is turning gray.

My eyes have lost their luster,

My hearing's just okay.

I spend my whole day dreaming

Of conquests in my past,

Lying near a sunny window.

Waiting for its warm repast.

I remember our first visit,

I was coming to you free,

Hoping you would take me in

And keep me company.

I wasn't young or handsome,

Two years I'd roamed the street.

There were scars upon my face,

I hobbled on my feet.

I could sense your disappointment

As I left my prison cage.

Oh, I hoped you would accept me

And look beyond my age.

You took me out of pity,

I accepted without shame.

Then you grew to love me,

And I admit the same.

I have shared with you your laughter,

You have wet my fur with tears.

We've come to know each other

Throughout these many years.

Just one more hug this morning

Before you drive away,

And know I'll think about you

Throughout your busy day.

The time we've left together

Is a treasured time at that.

My heart is yours forever.

I promise . . . This Old Cat.

Author Unknown

Do not stand at my grave and weep;

I am not there. I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.

I am the diamond glint on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.

I am the gentle autumn's rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush,

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry;

I am not there, I did not die.

Author Unknown

Welcome

I love my dogs
This is their home
From which I hope
They'll never roam

They're faithful friends
I love them best...
This is their home
You are the guest

If dogs to you
Are just a peeve
Then by all means
Feel free to leave...

One day a man was walking along the seashore. He noticed that during the night many seashells and starfish had washed up on the shore. Thoroughly enjoying the morning sun and cool sea air, the man strolled for miles along the sand. Far off in the distance, he saw a small figure dancing. The man was joyous that someone was celebrating life in such a grand and uninhibited manner. As he drew closer, however, it became apparent that perhaps the figure was not dancing but was repeatedly performing some ritual. Approaching the small figure, the man noticed that it was a child. The girl was methodically picking up starfish from the shore and tossing them back into the surf. The man paused for a moment, puzzled, then asked, "Why are you throwing those starfish?" "If I leave these starfish on the beach," she replied, "the sun will dry them, and they will die. So I'm throwing them back into the ocean because I want them to live." The man was silent for a moment, impressed with the child's thoughtfulness. Then he motioned up and down the miles and miles of beach and said, "There must be millions of starfish along here! How can you possibly expect to make a difference?" The young girl pondered the man's words for a moment, then she slowly leaned over, reached down, and carefully picked up another starfish from the sand. Pulling back, she arched the starfish gently into the surf. She turned to the man and smiled. "You may be right," she said, "but I made a difference for that one!"

-Author Unknown

(In Memory of Asta, February, 1997

- Karen Clouston

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.

When I was sweet and tender;

When SHOW DOG meant a Disney Star,

and Bitch was not a gender.

I went to bed at half past ten;

I went to Church on Sunday;

On Saturday I baked the beans

And did the wash on Monday.

But then I got a certain pup,

And an erstwhile friend said, "SHOW",

And so I did and so I do,

OH! What I didn't know.

I used to dress with flair and style,

That was the life, don't knock
it.
But now each dress from bed to ball

Must have a good bait pocket.

I used to have a certain air,

I wallowed in perfume;
I used to smell of Nuit D' Amour,

Now I smell like Mr. Groom.

My furniture was haut decor,

My pets a tank of guppies.
Now I've furniture unstuffed,

And well-adjusted puppies.

Once I spoke in pristine prose,

In dulcet tones and frail,
But now I'm using language,

That would turn a sailor pale.

I was taught to be well groomed

No matter where I went.
Now all the grooming that I do

Is in the Handler's tent.

I used to long for furs and jewels

And a figure classed as super,
Now the thing I yearn for most

Is a nice new Pooper-Scooper.

I adored a man who murmured verse

Through intimate little dinners,
But now the words I thrill to hear,

Are just three -

"Best of Winners"

I rise at dawn and pack the car

The road ahead's a long one.
The one I routed on the maps

Invaribly's the wrong one.

I really love this doggy life

I wouldn't care to change it.
But when I get that BEST IN SHOW.

I plan to rearrange it;

When my time on earth is done

I'll go without much nudging
Just give me three weeks closing date

and let me know who's judging.

A Dog as Natural as a Tree

I think that I shall never see
A dog as natural as a tree,
For in the ring, what show dog stands
That's shown untouched by human hands?
A dog with ears erect and tall
That never needed tape at all.
A dog that gaits and doesn't quit
Without the "double-handling bit".
A dog with perfect scissors bite
Untouched by dentist in the night.
A dog that stands on lead so loose
Without his owner's "jingling" ruse.
A dog that's truly black and tan
Without the aid of Clairol's can.
A dog with tail that doesn't hook
And wasn't fixed by any crook.
Dog owners, please, this warning heed,
For show dogs aren't a different breed.
Those little tricks that cover faults
Can't cover progeny results!
- - - Anonymous

I'm a little puppy, so cuddly, sweet and small
I live inside a cage, you see at Pet World in the mall.
I'm not an only puppy, my sisters are all here.
My brothers, too, except for Ralph who died coz he was scared.
It's lonely here at nighttime when all the lights go dark,
We tremble in our cages and we whimper and we bark.
But no one comes to hold us or pet our fears away
We sit all night in terror til the store opens next day.
We don't remember mama, left so far behind
she did the best she could for us til Man said "It is time."
He crammed us all in cages too small for us you see
We rode for hours; we could not help but lay in poop and pee
And now we sit in Pet World where kids come taunt and squeeze
They do not hear our whimpers or understand our pleas
We're miserable and it's scary here we all would rather die
But since we don't we do our best to run away and hide
I know you think my story too sad to leave me be
You want to take me home with you, a happy little puppy.
But please, though it is fearful to live here against our will
If you take me that leaves a spot another pup will fill.
You can stop our suffering but not by taking us home
You must be strong and leave us here, unsold and all alone
For if you do not take me, then another pup won't come
And maybe he will not be shipped so far away from home
Tho some of us may not survive the cycle 'ere it falls
If we don't sell they will not need more puppies in these halls
And if they need no puppies then the Man will not bring more
Eventually it can all stop! You CAN close the door.
So when you see a puppy face so sad and sweet and small
In a cage at Pet World at your neighborhood shopping mall
The best thing you can do for him is leave him sitting there
That is the best way you can tell all dogs how much you care.
- Poem by Amy Butcher

I never cry when I am sad,
never complain when,
I feel bad;
I wait patiently to be fed,
never argue when
it is time for bed.
I make no big demands,
just wait for loving hands.
I try to do what I am told,
don't understand it when you scold.
I wish I could speak like you,
for I would say,
"I love you too."
I am, your pet.

I cannot train my dog today,
the sky is overcast and grey,
the air's too damp. I've got a cramp,
and the dog's just eaten anyway.
Can't find the leash, got home too late,
I'm due somewhere tonight at eight.
I've got a rash, a gash, and bumps.
Too tired now to get the jumps.
Traffic's made me tense and strained.
I have to lose this weight I've gained.
How can we work when it's just rained?
The dog's too hyper. My mood is blue,
I must be coming down with the flu,
I cough, I sneeze, and wheeze and choke.
Darn! My only dumbbell broke!
Too cold outside - my feet are numb.
There's a sliver in my thumb.
The house needs cleaning - it's a sight.
I'm working overtime tonight.
I need a nap. Had company.
Lawrence Welk is on t.v.
My toe is sore - it might be gout.
I think my hair is falling out.
I ate too much. My day's been rough.
I think my dog has had enough
of this daily training grind,
we need some time off to unwind.

_author unknown