If you would like to submit to this page, feel free to e-mail us at [email protected].

Poems   Stories   Proverbs

Poems

A 4 Legged Poem  | Lend Me A Sheltie  |
A Different Kind of Christmas  | Last Will... |  Untitled | Old Dogs In A Locket | Cute Dog Poem
Eulogy for a Collie | Ilsa: A German Shephard

Stories

Do Dogs Have Souls?
Ilsa: A Great Watchdog
How to Spend a Two Dog Night

Poems

Title: A 4 legged poem
Author: [email protected]

If I Could Catch a Rainbow
I Would do it just for you

And Share with you its beauty
on the days you're feeling Blue

If I could build a Mountain
You could call your very own

A Place to find serenity
A Place to be alone

If I could take your Troubles
I would toss them in the sea

But All these things I'm finding are impossible for me,

I cannot build a Mountain
or catch a rainbow fair

But let me be what I know BEST
A Friend that's always there.

(written one day, looking in the eyes of a Sheltie)

Title: LEND ME A SHELTIE
Author Unknown

I will lend to you for a while, a shetland sheepdog pup, God said,
For you to love while he lives and mourn for him when he's dead.
Maybe for twelve or fourteen years, or maybe two or three,
But will you, until 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 always have his memories as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay, since all from earth return,
but there are lessons taught below I want this pup to learn.

I've looked the whole world over in search of teachers true,
And from the folk that crowds life's land I have chosen you.
Now will you give all your love, nor think the labour vain,
Nor hate me when I come to take my shetland sheepdog back again.

I fancied that I heard them say "Dear Lord Thy Will be Done"
For all the joys this shetland sheepdog will bring, the risk of grief we will run.
We will shelter him with tenderness, wewill love him while we may,
And for the happiness we've known, forever grateful stay.

But should you call him back, much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try and understand.
If, by our love, we've managed, your wishes to achieve
In memory of him we loved, to help us while we grieve,
When our faithful fluffy bundle departs this world of strife,
We will have another sheltie and love him all his life.

Title: A DIFFERENT SORT OF CHRISTMAS
Nancy Walton
11-8-91

For once
I would like to spend
A different sort of Christmas
Surrounded by friends
Who’s values don’t leave
With the wintry wind.

No trips to the mall,
No need to spend,
For they would be happy
With some bones and a ball
And a good scritchy scratch
On Their wagging rear end.

Uncle George, uninvited,
Wouldn’t get drunk
With his gossip and tales
Of how far he has sunk.
And under the tree
Wouldn’t be
All that junk.

We’d put on some music
And then we’d all dance,
Some on all fours,
Others would prance,
laughing and barking
All over the room
As wild as we dare.
Then I’d snuzzle my face
Into silky warm hair
And feel thankful
that they were there

Our gift would be LOVE
As pure as the light.
No nervous shopping,
nor getting up tight
Or forgetting what’s wrong
Or what’s more…
What is right.

No disappointments
In our fellow man
No sorrow, no sadness
In man-made failed plans
Just a smile
And the warmest of tongues
On my hand…

Quietly watching
The soft falling snow
Eyes turned upon me,
Seeming to know
That the human world,
Ever so lost in their ways,
Cannot find
What we have,
TRUE PEACE
On this day.

Title: an adaptation of Eugene O'Neill's "The Last Will and Testament of Silverdane Emblem O'Neill"
Author Unknown

"...I ask my Mistress to remember me, always, but not to grieve for me too long. In my life I have tried to be a comfort to her in time of sorrow and an added joy in her life's happiness. It is painful for me to think that even in death I shall cause her pain. Let her remember that, while no dog ever had a happier life, I have now grown ill and pained. I should not want my pride to sink to bewildered humiliation. It is time for me to say "Good-bye." It will be a sorrow to leave her, but not a sorrow to die.

Dogs do not fear death, as men do. We accept it as a part of life, not as something alien and terrible that destroys life.

What will become of me after death? I would like to believe I will be in a place where one is always young. Where I will someday be joined by companions I've known in life. where I will romp in lovely fields with those who have gone before me. Where every hour is mealtime. Where in long evenings there are fireplaces with logs forever burning and one curls oneself up and remembers the brave old days on earth and the love of one's Mistress.

This is much to expect but peace, at least, is certain...and a long rest for these weakened limbs...and eternal sleep which is, perhaps, the best......"

Untitled:
Author Unknown

A faithful dog will play with you
And laugh with you...or cry
He'll gladly starve to stay with you
And never reason why.

When you're feeling out of sorts,
Somehow he'll understand.
He'll watch you with his shining eyes
And try to lick your hand.

His blind, implicit faith in you
Is matched by his great love.
The kind that all of us should have
In the Master up above.

When everything is said and done
I guess this isn't odd.

For when you spell "dog" backwards
you will get the name of God."

Title: Old Dog in a Locket
Heidi Stamm

Old dog in a locket
That lays next to my heart
I will always love you
As I did right from the start.

You were right beside me
Through the darkest of my days
It was your kind and gentle nature
That made me want to stay.

Now I hold you in my arms
Your breath still warm against my hand
Our hearts still beat together
And I wonder if you understand.

Through the hours that I held you
Before the light did leave your soul
I knew a way to keep you
Forever in my hold.

I snipped the hair from around your eyes
So I would always see
The beauty that surrounds me
Even in times of need.

I snipped the hair from around your ears
So I would always hear
Music in the distance
To quiet any fears.

I snipped the hair from across your back
To bring me strength in time of need
And the the power of your essecne
Would always be with me.

I snipped the hair from around your heart
That beat in time with mine
So I would know that love would find me
At some distant time.

And so, your life slipped out of mine
On a quiet Spring like day
But I knew that a part of you
Was always here to stay.

Old dog in a locket
That lays next to my heart
I will always love you
Even though we had to part.

Title: Cute Dog Poem
Author: Unknown

Bet You Can't Own Just One!

Why own a dog?
There's a danger you know,
You can't own just one, for the craving will grow.

There's no doubt they're addictive, wherein lies the danger.
While living with lots, you'll grow poorer and stranger.

One dog is no trouble, and two are so funny.
The third one is easy, the fourth one's a honey.
The fifth one's delightful, the sixth one's a breeze,
You find you can live with a houseful with ease.

So how 'bout another? Would you really dare?
They're really quite easy but oh, Lord the hair!
With dogs on the sofa and dogs on the bed,
And crates in the kitchen, "it's no bother" you've said.

They're really no trouble, their manners are great.
What's just one more dog and just one more crate?
The sofa is hairy, the windows are crusty,
The floor is all footprints, the furniture dusty.

The housekeeping suffers, but what do you care?
Who minds a few noseprints and a little more hair?
So let's keep a puppy, you can always find room,
And a little more time for the dust cloth and broom.

There's hardly a limit to the dogs you can add,
The thought of a cutback sure makes you sad.
Each one is so special, so useful, so funny.
The vet, the food bill grows larger, you owe money.

Your folks never visit, few friends come to stay,
Except other dog folks, who all live the same way.
Your lawn has now died, and your shrubs are dead too,
But your weekends are busy, you're off with your crew.

There's dog food and vitamins, training and shots.
And entries and travel and motels which cost lots.

Is it worth it, you wonder? Are you caught in a trap?
Then that favorite dog comes and climbs in your lap.
His look says you're special and you know that you will
Keep all of the critters in spite of the bill.

Some just for showing and some just to breed.
And some just for loving, they all fill a need.

But winter's a hassle, the dogs hate it too.
But they must have their walks though they're numb and you're blue.
Late evening is awful, you scream and you shout
At the dogs on the sofa who refuse to go out.

The dogs and the dog shows, the travel, the thrills,
The work and the worry, the pressure, the bills.
The whole thing seems worth it, the dogs are your life.
They're charming and funny and offset the strife.

Your life-style has changed.
Things won't be the same.
Yes, those dogs are addictive and so is the dog game!!

Title: Eulogy for a Collie
Author: Melissa Smith

Raamo.
I always knew,
That you loved me best of all.
You're my Guardian angel now.
Good Dog.

Title: Ilsa: A German Shephard
Author: Jesse Geneson

Ilsa, Ilsa, a beastly young pup,
She loves to chew on shoes,

Ilsa, Ilsa, a smart young pup,
She loves to watch the TV news,

Loves to bark at cats,
And loves to bark at other dogs,

Loves to tear up mats,
I bet she would like to play with hogs,

Although not very quiet,
A very lovable pet,

Although she does not bite,
She loves to get wet.

Stories

Title: Do Dogs Have Souls?

The following is from an Ann Landers column. It was written by Rev. Dale Turner.

"Looking back across the years I see how important dogs have been in my life. I had been an ordained minister only a few weeks when I received a call from an 8-year-old boy. His dog had been killed by a car. "Mr. Turner," the lad sobbed, "do you do funerals for dogs?"

I didn't know quite how to respond, but I recalled the Scriptures' affirmation of God's knowing when even a sparrow falls. I replied, "Why not?" and I conducted a little ceremony for the boy's pet. He was very pleased and then asked, "Is my dog going to heaven?" I wasn't prepared for that question, but my love for animals got me through it. I'm sure I make the child feel better.

Several years later I had my own personal experience that provided the answer I had never been sure of.

Our wonderful dachshund, Gretta, died and we were eager to bring another dog into our home. We went to the pound to get the dachshund whose photo had appeared in the paper. By the time we arrived, it had been claimed. Another puppy, sensing our mission, poked her nose through the wire fence. The look in her eyes seemed to say, "Please pick me." We did. And we named her Pick.

Whenever I came home, Pick was there to greet me. I'd say, "Pick, you've got it made. Other animal work for their keep. A canary sings, cows give milk, chickens lay eggs, but you don't have to do anything but hang around."

After 14 years, Pick became very sick and there was nothing to be done except put her out of her misery. With a heavy heart I drove her to the vet's, who did what had to be done. I then went back to my study and wept for hours.

A few days later, a parishioner who knew of my grief sent me this poem. It healed my sorrow. Perhaps it will help others. I'd like to share it.

I explained to St. Peter,
I'd rather stay here,
Outside the pearly gate.
I won't be a nuisance,
I won't even bark,
I'll be very patient and wait.
I'll be here, chewing on a celestial bone,
No matter how long you may be.
I'd miss you so much, if I went in alone,
It wouldn't be heaven for me."

Title: Ilsa: A Great Watchdog

By Jesse Geneson

One day, my younger sister and I were watching a television show. Ilsa, my family's German Shephard puppy, was stretched out across her favorite area of the deck. She was sent to the deck every day, for she was too wild to be kept in the house with all of our cats. My parents had left for their usual weekend errands and only Ilsa, my younger sister, and I were left home. In about the middle of the television show, I heard growling and loud barking coming from the deck. At first I ignored this because this was the usual behavior of my dog, but the growling and loud barking continued. I walked over to my door, ready to go outside and tell Ilsa to be quiet, when I noticed that there was a gray blur running around in the grassy area in front of the deck. I noticed what the blur was immediately. It was Cody, the huge husky dog that lived several houses down the street. I noticed that Ilsa had not been barking because she felt like it, but because she wanted to keep the family safe. I ran outside and started yelling at Cody to get out of the yard. The dog ignored my orders and ran through my mother's garden, not caring about anything, but herself. Suddenly she bolted for the woods, running after a stray cat. I was pretty sure that the cat was Sunny, a stray who my family fed. He would definitely be able to outrun Cody. When Cody was out of sight, I started hugging Ilsa and saying great things about her to her and myself. Though she probably didn't understand a word I said, I knew she understood my tone of voice. She sat there the whole time, and let me talk about how good she was until I didn't have anything more I could say.

As I went inside the house, I knew that no matter what, Ilsa would continue to be a great dog, and would probably continue to be a great watchdog.

Since then, Ilsa has made many great dog friends including Toby, Buttercup, and Prince. She is about six and a half months old. Some of her favorite things to do are barking at strangers, destroying things, and being sprayed by the hose.

Title: How to spend a two dog night
Author: Bev Ryba

I will address myself mostly to the rules for sleeping with two dogs. For the few who have already mastered this technique, I will later add a cat, although I urge beginners to leave the cat out.

To achieve any sort of success, certain arbitrary conditions must be assumed, the first one being that you must have a king-sized bed. There is no point in lying down in anything smaller. While the size of the breed of dog is not important (people who sleep with dogs know that before the night is over everybody collects into a pile), the condition of the dogs may be. Very thin dogs, for example, are lumpier.

I have selected the two-dog minimum because, as we shall see, it is the only way to stay in bed at all. The key word here is LEVERAGE. All dogs spend the night pressed tightly against their human bedfellows,but no two dogs ever sleep on the same side. This is, in part, an expression of the "Let Sleeping Dogs Lie Principle". It is also to create Leverage.

Because the human being is always in the middle, held tightly in place by the dogs and by his blanket (which the dogs are sleeping on top of), restlessness and recurring cramps are difficult to handle. Here is the tip: When you first lie down, AND BEFORE THE DOGS SETTLE AGAINST EACH SIDE OF YOU, spread your legs three inches apart. Stiffen and hold out NO MATTER HOW GREAT THE PRESSURE! When the time comes to turn over, bring the legs together quickly under the now slightly slackened blanket and revolve BEFORE THE DOGS WAKE UP. As soon as you have assumed a new position, allow for those crucial three inches again; otherwise, you're a mummy for the rest of the night.

NEVER SPREAD THE LEGS MORE THAN THREE INCHES. A dog's favorite place to sleep is in the hollow created by legs too widely spread, and once settled, he and you are frozen into position until morning. (There is a way out of this trap, but it is difficult to describe without slides). Dogs who prefer to sleep on their backs MUST BE GIVEN SPACE THREE TIMES THE HEIGHT OF THE DOG AT THE SHOULDER. Dogs who like pillows may be accommodated if you sleep on your side with the legs scissored so that each dog has an ankle for a chin rest. Above all, BEWARE OF CURLING. When the curl is reversed, both dogs are dislocated, resulting in low growls on both sides of you.

When you are ready to add a cat, position is all important. All cats prefer to sleep in hollows, but NO CAT WILL SLEEP ON THE SAME SIDE AS A DOG. (Remember, you have only two sides). YOU MUST THEREFORE BECOME A TRIANGLE! Do this by assuming a horizontal diver's crouch, thereby creating not only three more-or less exclusive sides but two hollows as well. With one dog at your front, and the other against your back, the cat can
curl into the hollow at the back of your bend knees, separated from
both dogs. All will then sleep soundly.

This entire technique still needs a lot of refinement. A method that deals with early morning scratching needs to be developed, and the problem of pretending to sleep while being closely scrutinized by various animals needs to be solved.

Proverbs

"In dog years I'm dead"
--Unknown

"Dogs feel very strongly that they should always go with you in the car, in case the need should arise for them to bark violently at nothing right in your ear."
--Dave Barry

"I wonder what goes through his mind when he sees us peeing in his water bowl."
-- Penny Ward Moser

"The dog's kennel is not the place to keep a sausage."
-- Danish Proverb

"Outside of a dog, a book is probably man's best friend, and inside of a dog, it's too dark to read."
-- Groucho Marx.

"The scientific name for an animal that doesn't either run from or fight its enemies is lunch."
--Michael Friedman

"To his dog, every man is Napoleon; hence the constant popularity of dogs."
-- Aldous Huxley

"A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three times before lying down."
-- Robert Benchley

"Did you ever walk into a room and forget why you walked in? I think that is how dogs spend their lives."
-- Sue Murphy

"Did you hear about the dyslexic agnostic insomniac who stays up all night wondering if there really is a Dog?"
-- Unknown

"I think animal testing is a terrible idea; they get all nervous and give the wrong answers."
-- Unknown

"I loathe people who keep dogs. They are cowards who haven't got the guts to bite people themselves."
-- August Strindberg

"No animal should ever jump up on the dining-room furniture unless absolutely certain that that he can hold his own in the conversation."
-- Fran Lebowitz

"Scratch a dog and you'll find a permanent job."
-- Franklin P. Jones

"Ever consider what they must think of us? I mean, here we come back from a grocery store with the most amazing haul -- chicken, pork, half a cow. They must think we're the greatest hunters on earth!"
-- Anne Tyler

"I wonder if other dogs think poodles are members of a weird religious cult."
-- Rita Rudner

"If dogs could talk it would take a lot of the fun out of owning one."
-- Andy Rooney

"My dog is worried about the economy because Alpo is up to 99 cents a can. That's almost $7.00 in dog money."
-- Joe Weinstein

"Some days you're the dog, some days you're the hydrant."
-- Unknown

"If a dog will not come to you after having looked you in the face, you should go home and examine your conscience."
-- Woodrow Wilson

"If I have any beliefs about immortality, it is that certain dogs I have known will go to heaven, and very, very few persons."
--James Thurber


"You enter into a certain amount of madness when you marry a person with pets."
-- Nora Ephron

"Rambunctious, rumbustious, delinquent dogs become angelic when sitting."
-- Dr. Ian Dunbar

"Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful."
-- Ann Landers

"Women and cats will do as they please and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea."
-- Robert A. Heinlein

"In order to keep a true perspective of one's importance, everyone should have a dog that will worship him and a cat that will ignore him."
-- Dereke Bruce, Taipei, Taiwan

"There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face."
-- Ben Williams

"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole."
-- Roger Caras

"When a man's best friend is his dog, that dog has a problem."
-- Edward Abbey

"Cat's Motto: No matter what you've done wrong, always try to make it look like the dog did it."
-- Unknown

"Money will buy you a pretty good dog, but it won't buy the wag of his tail.."
-- Unknown

"No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversation as the dog does."
-- Christopher Morley

"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself."
-- Josh Billings
"Man is a dog's idea of what God should be."
-- Holbrook Jackson

"The average dog is a nicer person than the average person."
-- Andrew A. Rooney

"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion"
-- Unknown

"Heaven goes by favour. If it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in."
-- Mark Twain

"I care not for a man's religion whose dog and cat are not the better for it."
-- Abraham Lincoln

"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went."
-- Unknown

"If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the principal difference between a dog and a man."
-- Mark Twain

"Things that upset a terrier may pass virtually unnoticed by a Great Dane."
-- Smiley Blanton

"I've seen a look in dogs' eyes, a quickly vanishing look of amazed contempt, and I am convinced that basically dogs think humans are nuts."
-- John Steinbeck

"My husband and I are either going to buy a dog or have a child. We can't decide whether to ruin our carpets or ruin our lives."
-- Rita Rudner