My Gift To Jesus
I wish someone had given little Jesus a dog as loyal and loving as mine to sleep buy His manger and gaze in His eyes and adore Him for being divine.
As Our Lord grew to manhood, His own faithful dog would have followed Him all through the day while he preached to the crowds and made the sick well and knelt in the Garden to pray.
It is sad to remember that Christ went away to face death alone and apart, with no tender dog following close behind to comfort it's Master's heart.
And when Jesus rose on that Easter morn, how happy He would have been as His dog kissed His hand and barked its delight for the One who died for all men!
Well, the Lord has a dog now: I just sent Him mine, the old pal so dear to me. And I smile through my tears on this first day alone, knowing they're in eternity.
~ Jane L. Sears ~
A Stray's Prayer
Dear God, please send me somebody who'll care!
I'm tired of running, I'm sick with despair.
My body is aching, it's so racked with pain,
and dear God I pray, as I run in the rain,
That someone will love me and give me a home,
a warm cozy bed and a big juicy bone.
My last owner tied me all day in the yard
Sometimes with no water, and God that was hard.
So I chewed my leash, and God I ran away,
To rummage in garbage and live as a stray.
But now God, I'm tired and hungry and cold,
and I'm so afraid that I'll never grow old.
They've chased me with sticks and hit me with stones,
while I run the streets just looking for bones!
I'm not really bad, God, please help if you can,
for I have become just a "Victim of Man!"
I'm wormy, dear God and I'm ridden with fleas,
and all that I want is an Owner to please!
If you find one for me God, I'll try to be good,
and I won't chew their shoes, and I'll do as I should.
I'll love them, protect them and try to obey...
when they tell me to sit, to lie down or to stay!
I don't think I'll make it too long on my own,
cause I'm getting so weak and I'm so all alone.
Each night as I sleep in the bushes I cry,
cause I'm so afraid God, that I'm gonna die.
And I've got so much love and devotion to give,
that I should be given a new chance to Live!
So dear God, please answer my prayer,
and send me someone who will REALLY care...
That is, dear God, if YOU'RE REALLY there!
~ Author Unknown ~
A Dog Sits Waiting
A dog sits waiting in the cold autumn sun,
too faithful to leave, too 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 and he were just 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 hunger and falls, with a sigh.
He lays down his head and closes his eyes.
I wish you could see how a waiting dog dies.
~ Kathy Flood ~
A Prayer for Animals
Hear our humble prayer, O God, for our friends the animals, especially for animals who are suffering; for any that are hunted or lost or deserted or frightened or hungry; for all that must be put to death. We entreat for them all thy mercy and pity, and for those who deal with them we ask a heart of compassion and gentle hands and kindly words. Make us, ourselves, to be true friends to animals and so to share the blessings of the merciful.
~ Albert Schweitzer, Humanitarian ~
A Kitten in Paradise
Once upon a time there lived, in a thoroughly disreputable street, a thoroughly disreputable man; that is to say, he lived there when he was not in goal - where he went very often and deserved to go very much oftener. In prison he was supported by the tax-payers' money, and out of prison he supported himself by annexing other people's property; in fact he stole so much and so often that, if he had not wasted the proceeds in drink, he ought to have quite well off.
It happened one day, as he was returning home from a neighbouring public; that he leaned against a lamp-post till the street grew a little more steady; and, as he stood embracing the stem of the lamp-post, he heard a plaintive noise at his feet. It was the cry for help of a kitten, strayed and hungry; a small, shabby kitten, very young and inexperienced - otherwise it would hardly have appealed for help to anyone so unprepossessing as the drunken, disreputable thief. The drunken thief was in the foolishly cheerful stage of intoxication - so the kitten's plaintive crying amused him.
"'Ullo," he said, "and what 'ave you got to grouse abaht? Got a thirst on her, eh? - and the pubs all shut? Or perraps they've turned yer out of yer pub, same as they turned me last night." The idea amused him so much that he picked up the kitten and stuffed it in his dirty pocket; and, on the way home, seeing a milk-can standing outside a neighbour's door, he picked that up too - and carried it off to his lodging.
"'Ere you are," he said to the kitten. "Try a drop o' that to stop yer 'owling - the kids next door are standing treat." Then he sat on his bed and laughed in a silly drunken fashion while the kitten lapped and lapped at the milk as if it would never leave off. And in the eyes of the kitten, the dirty drunken man with his silly drunken chuckle was a messenger of infinite mercy.
As it happened, however, the children whose milk had been taken had been watching from their window when the thief lurched off with their can; and before the kitten had finished its meal, there arrived a policeman with the children's father at his heels. So as a result of treating the kitten to a drink, the disreputable thief appeared once more in the police court; and, as his previous convictions were many and he was wanted on one or two other accounts, he again retired into gaol, at the taxpayers' expense. And, being in gaol, he thought bitterly of the cause of his latest misfortune.
"'Ere I am," he said, "'Ere I am in this blanketty cell, and all through
that blanketty kitten! I'll teach it to come yowlin' to me for drinks - if it's 'angin' abaht when I come out o' this, I'll send it for a swim with a stone round its little neck."
But when he came out he saw no kitten - because, though he did not know it, the kitten had long been dead. When its messenger of mercy went away with a policeman, it waited and hoped for his return; and when he did not come back and there was no more milk, it went out into the street to look for him. And while it ran about calling for the messenger of mercy, a motor-van came round the corner very quickly. And that was the end of the shabby little kitten - except that a street-cleaner swept up its body. It died, unregretted by a living creature; and the drunken thief soon forgot that it had ever existed.
The time came, however, when there was also an end to the drunken thief. He died, like the kitten, very suddenly - as the result of a pothouse quarrel; and, also like the kitten, unregretted by a living creature... And his ugly black soul, having left its body, made its way to the gate that leads to Paradise and stood before Peter - in whose hand is the key of the gate.
Now some of us think that it is hard to enter Heaven; but that is very far from the truth. On the contrary, it is a very hard thing to keep out of Heaven; for the Apostle Peter, in whose hand is the key, remembers that, on earth, he was a liar and a coward who denied his Master in His need. Therefore, he is merciful, even to the greatest of sinners; because he himself has needed great mercy and obtained it. Also, at the right hand of Peter, stands the Holiest of all the Holy Angels; whose eyes are so pure
that they cannot see evil and sin.
There is only one reason for which the soul of a sinner is turned away from Paradise - and the reason, is that no one in Paradise has need of him. It is the right of the blessed to have fullness of joy - and how shall the blessed have fullness of joy when those whom they love are in torment? So it happens that very few souls are shut out of Heaven; when the blackest of sinners is kneeling before Peter, there will come a cry of welcome from beyond the gate - and Peter will turn his great key.
Like every other soul, the soul of the drunken thief came to kneel at the judgment seat of Peter. And when Peter saw its blackness he raised his hand for silence in Heaven; for he knew that so foul and begrimed a sinner could enter only if another soul loved and had need of him. Then the Hosts of Heaven stilled their praises and were silent - listening for the call that did not come.
And, as it did not come, the Holiest of all the Angels veiled his face for pity; and Peter, when he had waited in vain said: "You cannot enter - since no one in Heaven has need of you."
But, even as he said it, the Holiest of all the Angels raised his head and called, "Listen!" and when Peter listened, lo, he heard a very tiny little cry! Then, as the Black Soul looked up from its uttermost despair, the key was turned and the gate was opened - and there stood on the threshold a kitten...for to the kitten, the Black Soul, befouled with many sins, was more glorious than the Shining Ones who looked upon the Face of their Father. It loved the little Angels, its playfellows in Paradise, but the Black Soul had saved it in the night of its hunger and despair. So, when it heard the little Angels talking of the Infinite Mercy of God, its eyes would grow very round and wise, as it thought, "I know all about that," and it pictured the Lord of Infinite Mercy in the likeness of a drunken thief.
Then Peter said; "You may enter, since one of the blessed has need of you."
But the Black Soul shrank from the open gateway and covered his face with shame: remembering how, when he sat in his cell, he had planned to drown the kitten with a stone round its little neck. So he cried, "No, no - I am not worthy!" and turned towards the place of Outer Darkness.
Then the Holiest of all the Angels, whose eyes are so pure that they cannot see sin, barred the way to Outer Darkness with his wings; and he spoke the will of Infinite Mercy to the soul that knew itself unworthy.
"Until you came, Heaven was not Heaven to a child of God. Without you, it cannot know the fullness of joy; the Lord has need of you, to make glad the heart of His kitten."
And once again, Peter said, "Enter," and this time the Black Soul drew nearer.
Then the kitten rejoiced and was exceeding glad; and it marched in front of Peter and purred, with its tail straight up. And it called to the Angels, "See who comes here, see who comes here!" very proudly, while the Angels bent low to the kitten as it passed, because it had saved a soul alive. But the kitten thought that they bowed in reverence to the man who was like unto God...and the Black Soul followed through the gate of Heaven on his knees.
And the Hosts of Heaven - like the kitten, rejoiced and were exceeding glad.
~ Cicely Hamilton ~ British Suffragist, Writer, and Actress
Dogs In Heaven
As old man and his dog were walking down a dirt road with fences on both sides, they came to a gate in the fence and looked in. It was nice - grassy, woody areas, just what a 'huntin' dog and man would like, but, it had a sign saying "No Trespassing," so they walked on.
They came to a beautiful gate with a person in white robes standing there. "Welcome to Heaven," he said.
The old man was happy and started in with his dog following him. The gatekeeper stopped him. "Dogs aren't allowed. I'm sorry, but he can't come with you."
"What kind of Heaven won't allow dogs? If he can't come in, then I will stay out with him. He's been my faithful companion all his life. I can't desert him now."
"Suit yourself, but I have to warn you, the Devil's on this road and he'll try to sweet talk you into his area. He'll promise you anything, but the dog can't go there either. If you won't leave the dog, you'll spend Eternity on this road."
So the old man and dog went on. They came to a rundown fence with a gap in it - no gate, just a hole. Another old man was inside.
"'Scuse me, Sir. My dog and I are getting mighty tired. Mind if we come in and sit in the shade for awhile?"
"Of course, there's some cold water under that tree over there. Make yourselves comfortable."
"You're sure my dog can come in? The man down the road said dogs weren't allowed anywhere."
"Would you come in if you had to leave the dog?"
"No Sir, that's why I didn't go to Heaven. He said the dog couldn't come in. We'll be spending Eternity on this road, and a glass of cold water and some shade would be mighty fine right about now. But, I won't come in if my buddy here can't come too, and that's final."
The man smiled a big smile and said, "Welcome to Heaven."
"You mean this is Heaven? Dogs are allowed? How come that fellow down the road said they weren't?"
"That was the Devil and he gets all the people who are willing to give up a life-long companion for a comfortable place to stay. They soon find out their mistake, but then it's too late. The dogs come here, the fickle people stay there. God wouldn't allow dogs to be banned from Heaven. After all, He created them to be man's companions in life - why would he separate them in death?"
~ Author Unknown ~
Solace
From the silence of your pain I heard my name
and on the wings of light I have come
to see the sadness in your eyes
that cry without tears
Can you see me, I am here
I will always be near you
to calm your shattered heart
and to make you smile at the memories
Do you feel me, perhaps a soft brush of fur
You ache to believe it's real
but you are afraid to hope
You brush away a strand of hair
But it was I, whispering...
I am only here for but a moment
The silver thread gently quivers
I will leave behind my love in a dream
When you awaken, and without really knowing why
Your heart will know at last
That it is all right, for now
to say good-bye
~ Lisa Carmel Singer ~
A Shelter Dog asks God...
Dear God,
What is "Time"?
I hear the sadness in the voices of workers here. They say my &qupt;Time is up," that they have to make room for yet another dog. My "Time" is up. I don't know what that means, God. I only know that my new friends are so sad, and the more I wag my tail -- the harder I try to make them feel better -- the sadder they become. I know I have heard that word "Time" before, but I don't understand. When I was younger, my people would say "Time to play!" They would throw the ball, and I would run fast. Sometimes I brought it back to them, but other times we'd end up chasing each other having fun. I remember "Time to eat." My people would put down a bowl of food, and I would enjoy dinner, wagging my tail in joy. There was also "Time for your walk." My boy would put my leash on, and we would go walking together, visiting the neighborhood and enjoying each other's company. When I was younger I thought "Time" meant fun. Or maybe Love?
I don't understand. "Time" must mean something else, but how can it change, God? Before I came here, I heard my people say, "No time to feed you now, boy. Later, when I get home." Sometimes my family would forget, and there was no food in my bowl. Does "Time" mean when my belly hurts? My people said there was no time for walks. I tried to hold it all day long -- but God, I just couldn't anymore. When I finally had to go, it made my family very angry. Does "Time" means anger? Or maybe Loneliness? My family said they didn't have "Time." They didn't have time to play, or time to take me to the vet, or time to go for walks. They didn't have "Time," so they brought me here.
Maybe I was right... They said they didn't have time, and if "Time" means Love, how did they lose it? Did I do something wrong? God, I think my new friends are sending me to you. Do you have "Time"? May I sit on the couch?
Am I a good Dog, God?
Is it "Time"?
One of the most important things we can give our Pets is "Time." The time to love them, care for them, and train them. Animal Shelters and Humane Societies across the country are filled with Pets whose families didn't have "Time." Every year, the "Time is up" for 12 million Companion Pets. Do you have the "Time" to make a difference?
~ Joan C. Fremo ~
Now We Lay Them Down to Sleep
In a special part of heaven, where teardrops wet the clay
God makes those special people, who have to deal with strays.
A large handful of chosen soil, taken from this special place
With special care, he molds their soul, and fills it up with grace.
He sends them down from heaven above, to a world of toil and strife,
Knowing that they will be the ones to care for that pitiful, lonely life.
They'll feed and care for the animals, that others throw away
They'll wash them, and comb them, and teach them how to play.
When the time comes, and come it must, for lack of a good home
To this brave and lonely animal soul, who must not be left to roam
Comes this special person, who upon this earth must trod
And must take this lonely soul in hand, and send it home to God.
This person must love this soul, to send it from this place
And care enough to do the job, with dignity and grace.
It takes a special person, to take away the animals' fears
Bless them, for it's them that wet God's clay with their human tears.
~ T. McHam ~
Daisy Prints
One day when I was feeling down
I thought it might be wise
To view the puppies at the pound
And look them in the eyes.
The city pound shared space with the
Humane Society.
I carried in that place with me
A sense of piety.
I thought the "savior" would be me
When I went to the pound.
I didn't know that it would be
The other way around.
So many dogs there on display --
My mind was so befuddled,
And then I glanced to where you lay
In one small corner huddled.
I stopped before your cage and knelt
To take a closer look.
Your melancholy made me melt . . .
You shivered and you shook.
I thought you surely must be sick.
My head said, "Don't be fooled."
You gently gave my hand a lick . . .
My head was overruled!
Yes, love works in mysterious ways
Completely unexpected.
The moment you returned my gaze
We instantly connected.
I got you home and cleaned you up
And, for a solid week,
You didn't make a sound, my pup,
But volumes did you speak.
I'll never know the full extent
That you had loved and lost,
But in your new environment
You didn't count the cost.
For whether I was sitting, standing,
Kneeling on the floor --
You stuck to me like glue, demanding
Love and nothing more.
Your spirit soared, you soon became
A playful streak of white.
With total confidence you reign
(As long as I'm in sight.)
They say a dog defines a spot
One didn't know was void
And, for the wonder you have wrought,
The word is "overjoyed!"
Oh, I'd had other dogs before
But never one like you.
I couldn't know what lay in store
The day of your "rescue."
Now from that day and ever since,
My canine counterpart,
You've left a trail of Daisy Prints
Emblazoned on my heart!
~ Mary Sullivan ~
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