Rheged Springer Spaniels

RHEGED | Canine inspired poems

~ HE LOVED YOU MORE ~

What do you do when your dog grows old?
When his feet are tired and the pads worn?
When your words of praise are muffled in his ears
and his eyes are milky white from their years of use?
When his face is grizzled and his colour is not as vibrant?

You love him

You rub the feet that dutifully carried him by your side.
You speak your praises more loudly, so everybod else can hear the words he can't.
You guide him the way he has guided you,
and prevent him from getting lost as you were before he came along.
You kiss his muzzle and admire the wisdom that has beset him in his later years.

And when it comes time to put him to his final rest,
knowing that an irreplaceable part of your heart will follow him,
You will do so knowing that you loved him.

And he loved you more.

~ Jackie Short-Nguyen ~

~ LEND ME A PUP ~

I will lend to you for awhile a puppy, God said,
For you to love him while he lives
and to mourn for him when he is gone.

Maybe for twelve or fourteen years,
or maybe for 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 always have his memories as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise that 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 crowd life's land I have chosen you.

Now will you give him all your love
Nor think the labour vain
Nor hate me when I come to take my pup back again.

I fancied that I heard them say
"Dear Lord Thy Will Be Done,"
For all the joys this pup will bring, the risk of grief you'll run.

Will you shelter him with tenderness
Will you love him while you may
And for the happiness you'll know forever grateful stay.

But should I call him back
much sooner than you've planned
Please brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand.

If, by your love, you've managed my wishes to achieve,
In memory of him that you've loved,
cherish every moment with your faithful bundle,
and know he loved you too.

~ Author Unknown ~

~ GODS PROMISE ~

God promised at the birth of time,
a special friend to give,
his time on earth is short, He said,
so love him while he lives.
It may be for eight years or ten,
or only two or three,
but will you, till I call him back,
take care of him for me?

A wagging tail and cold wet nose,
and silken velvet ears,
a heart as big as all outdoors,
to love you through the years.
His puppy ways will gladden you,
and antics bring a smile,
as guardian or friend he will,
be loyal all the while.

He'll bring his charms to grace your life,
and though his stay be brief,
when he's gone the memories,
are solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay,
since all from earth return,
but lessons only dogs can teach,
I want you each to learn.

I've looked the whole world over,
in search of guardians true,
and from the folk that crowd life's land,
I have chosen you.
Whatever love you give to him,
returns in triple measure,
follow his lead and gain a life,
brim full of simple pleasures.

Enjoy each day as it comes,
allow your heart to guide,
be loyal and steadfast in love,
as the dog there by your side.
Now will you give him all your love,
nor think the labor vain,
nor hate me when I come to call,
to take him back again?

I fancy each of us would say,
dear Lord, thy will be done,
for all the joys this dog shall bring,
the risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter him with tenderness,
we'll love him while we may,
and for the happiness we've known,
forever grateful stay.

But should the angels call for him,
much sooner than we've planned,
we'll brave the bitter grief that comes,
and try to understand.
If by our love we've managed,
God's wishes to achieve.

~ Author Unknown ~

~ THINGS I NEED YOU TO KNOW ~

Don’t be upset when I jump for joy when you come through the door. I will only live for ten or fifteen years. You are what makes that time enjoyable. It’s hard on me when you go away.
Give me time to understand what you want from me. I don’t always get it right on the first try, but I promise I am trying as hard as I can.
Give me your trust. Just like I trust you, I need you to trust me too.
Don’t be angry with me for too long. Please don’t lock me up to punish me. You have your friends and family to keep you happy and entertained. I just have you.
Take me inside when the weather gets bad. The backyard does not have air conditioning or a heater. You do not have to let me on the couch but a small part of the kitchen is better than sleeping in the snow.
Talk to me. We do not speak the same language, but the sound of your voice brightens my whole day.
Remember that I will never forget how you treat me. Teach me that humans are made of love, not pain. And do not ever let me forget it.
Come outside with me. The sights, sounds and scents of nature are some of my greatest pleasures in life. I do not care if we play, go for a walk or just sit under a tree together - I just want you to experience them with me.
Let me make new friends. Introduce me to other dogs, cats or even bigger animals. We might not get along in the end, but having some more friends that look and smell like me makes my life that little bit brighter.
Give me a treat ever once in a while. Food is one of my greatest pleasures in life. I know you want me to be healthy, but giving me a dog biscuit when I have been good or mixing tasty vegetables mixed in with my dinner is guaranteed to make me wag my tail extra hard.
Please don’t hit me. I have teeth that can crush bone. Instead, I cover you in sloppy, wet kisses. Just as I choose not to hurt you, please make the choice to not hurt me.
Understand when I need my alone time. I love you more than anything, but even though it’s rare, I don’t always want to play or cuddle. Don’t be sad if I would rather sleep on the cold tile floor instead of in your bed on hot summer nights, and be understanding if I do not want to play as much as the years go on & I age.
Show me your world. The house and yard might be the only places I ever see unless you let me come with you. A trip to the pet store, the park, or even just a ride in the car is exhilarating for me. I can not wait to see what you want to show me.
Teach me new things. Learning new tricks keeps my mind active.
Let me get dirty once in a while. Your world is inside, but I thrive outdoors. Sometimes I find a lot of mud or a lake that smells like all of its fishy inhabitants. I understand if you don’t want to wash all that stuff off every day, but as long as it’s safe, let me go back to my wild roots every now and then.
Pay attention if I do not seem like myself. It might seem like I am just being lazy or stubborn, but I might not be feeling well. I can’t get help for myself and I need you to look out for me.
Love me when I am old just as much as you did when I was young. I might not be the cute puppy that I once was, but I still love you just as much now as I did then. Please take care of me when my body does not work like it used to and my muzzle is tinged with grey.

~ Author Unknown ~

~ IF IT SHOULD BE ~

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 the last battle cannot be won.

You will be sad I understand,
Don't let your grief then stay you hand,
For this day more then all the rest,
Your love and friendship will stand the test.

We've had so many happy years,
What is to come can hold no fears,
You'd not want me 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,
Hold me close and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time you to will see,
It is a kindness that you do for 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

~ Author Unknown ~

~ RECIPE FOR SPRINGERS ~

Once upon a time
In Mother Nature’s kitchen,
She was whipping up some batches,
Of puppies and little kittens.

She gathered all her recipes,
Ingredients and such,
And set about creating
With her very special touch.

Each recipe was different,
So she meted out with care,
Double checking all her measurements,
To be sure she did not err.

Labradors and Shepherds,
Pomeranians, Maltese;
Alley cats and Maine Coon Cats,
Persian and Siamese.

She worked all day and
Into night;
She cooked them to perfection.
She smiled with pride, took great delight,
In each delicate confection.

Soon the sun was rising,
Her kitchen was a mess;
Still she had to make the Springers;
Before she’d finally rest.

But as she started stirring,
She felt a little hazy;
And instead of just a dash,
She added half a cup of crazy!

She realized her mistake too late,
There was no going back;
She’d have to figure out a way
To get things back on track.

She grabbed “The Joy of Cooking”,
And started flipping through;
And there she found the answer,
Of what she had to do.

To balance out the crazy,
She added lots of smarts;
And being on the safe side;
She gave them all big hearts.

Warm eyes, smooth coats,
And goofy smiles galore;
She folded in a singing voice,
For all folks to adore.

A wiggle butt that never stops,
A tail that always wags;
“Only the best ingredients”;
She simply had to brag.

And from the highest cupboard,
A little this and that;
Agility, obedience,
The ability to track.

Exhausted but contented,
She popped them in the oven;
Then pulled out Springer Spaniels,
Full of sugar, spice and lovin’.

Now her job was almost done,
Just one thing for good measure;
She labelled each and every one,
“Mother Nature’s Little Treasure”.

~ Shelby Gomez ~

~ I RESCUED A HUMAN TODAY ~

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor
peering apprehensively into the kennels.
I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her.
I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid.
As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident
I had in the back of my cage.
I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today.
Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and
I didn't want her to think poorly of them.
As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past.
I only have the future to look forward to
and want to make a difference in someone's life.
She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me.
I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her.
Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship.
A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.
Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that
I instantly jumped into her arms.
I would promise to keep her safe.
I would promise to always be by her side.
I would promise to do everything I could to see that
radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes.
I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor.
So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors.
So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.
I rescued a human today.

~ Author unknown ~

~ A GOOD DOG NEVER DIES ~

A good dog never dies, he always stays,

And walks besides you on crispy autumn days,

When frost is on the fields and when the year

Is ending and the winter is drawing near.

And when it's summer and when the bees are humming

He leaps ahead of you and awaits you coming,

And anytime you're lonely, look, you'll see

His great eyes watching you solemnly,

Just call him in your heart, he'll cease his play

His head within your hand in his old way.

~ Author unknown ~

~ I REMEMBER ~

Sunlight streams through window pane unto a spot on the floor....

Then I remember,

It's where you used to lie, but now you are no more.

Our feet walk down a hall of carpet, and muted echoes sound....

Then I remember,

It's where your paws would joyously abound.

A voice is heard along the road, and up beyond the hill,

Then I remember it can't be yours....

Your golden voice is still.

But I'll take that vacant spot of floor and empty muted hall

And lay them with the absent voice and unused dish along the wall.

I'll wrap these treasured memorials in a blanket of my love

And keep them for my best friend until we meet above.

~ Author unknown ~

~ HERE IN THIS HOUSE ~

I will never know the loneliness I hear in the barks of the other dogs 'out there'.
I can sleep soundly, assured that when I wake my world will not have changed.
I will never know hunger, or the fear of not knowing if I'll eat.
I will not shiver in the cold, or grow weary from the heat.
I will feel the sun's heat, and the rain's coolness,
and be allowed to smell all that can reach my nose.
My fur will shine, and never be dirty or matted.

Here in this house...

There will be an effort to communicate with me on my level.
I will be talked to and, even if I don't understand, I can enjoy the warmth of the words.
I will be given a name so that I may know who I am among many.
My name will be used in joy, and I will love the sound of it!

Here in this house...

I will never be a substitute for anything I am not.
I will never be used to improve peoples' images of themselves.
I will be loved because I am who I am, not someone's idea of who I should be.
I will never suffer for someone's anger, impatience, or stupidity.
I will be taught all the things I need to know to be loved by all.
If I do not learn my lessons well, they will look to my teacher for blame.

Here in this house...

I can trust arms that hold, hands that touch...
knowing that, no matter what they do, they do it for the good of me.
If I am ill, I will be doctored.
If scared, I will be calmed.
If sad, I will be cheered.
No matter what I look like, I will be considered beautiful and thought to be of value.
I will never be cast out because I am too old, too ill, too unruly, or not cute enough.
My life is a responsibility, and not an afterthought.
I will learn that humans can almost, sometimes, be as kind and as fair as dogs.

Here in this house...I will belong.
I will be home.

~ Author unknown ~

~ I STOOD BY YOUR BED LAST NIGHT ~

I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying, You found it hard to sleep.
I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,
"It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."

I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea,
You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me.
I was with you at the shops today, Your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.

I was with you at my grave today, You tend it with such care.
I want to re-assure you, that I'm not lying there.
I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.
I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said " it's me."

You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.
It's possible for me, to be so near you everyday.
To say to you with certainty, "I never went away."
You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew...
In the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.

The day is over... I smile and watch you yawning
and say "good-night, God bless, I'll see you in the morning."
And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side.
I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.

Be patient, live your journey out...then come home to be with me...

~ Author unknown ~

~ A LIVING LOVE ~

If you ever love an animal, there are three days in your life you will

always remember ~

The first is a day, blessed with happiness, when you bring home your young new friend.

You may have spent weeks deciding on a breed.

You may have asked numerous opinions of many vets,
or done long research in finding a breeder.

Or, perhaps in a fleeting moment, you may have just chosen that silly looking mutt in a shelter

simply because something in it’s eyes reached your heart.

But when you bring that chosen pet home, and watch it explore,

and claim its special place in your hall or front room,

and when you feel it brush against you for the first time,

it instils a feeling of pure love you will carry with you through the many years to come.

The second day will occur eight or nine or ten years later.

It will be a day like any other.

Routine and unexceptional.

But ~ for a surprising instant, you will look at your long time friend and

see age where you once saw youth.

You see slow deliberate steps where you once saw energy.

And you will see sleep when you once saw activity.

So you will begin to adjust your friend's diet ~ and you may add a pill or two to his food.

And you may feel a growing fear deep within yourself, which bodes of a coming emptiness.

And you will feel this uneasy feeling, on and off, until ~

the third day finally arrives.

And on this day ~ if your friend and God have not decided for you, then,

you will be faced with making a decision of your own

on behalf of your lifelong friend, and with the guidance of your own deepest Spirit.

But whichever way your friend eventually leaves you

you will feel as alone as a single star in the dark night.

If you are wise, you will let the tears flow as freely and as often as they must.

And if you are typical, you will find that not many in your

circle of family or friends will be able to understand your grief, or comfort you.

But if you are true to the love of the pet you cherished through the

many joy filled years, you may find that a soul,

a bit smaller in size than your own,

seems to walk with you, at times, during the lonely days to come.

And at moments when you least expect anything out of the ordinary to happen,

you may feel something brush against your leg ~ very very lightly.

And looking down at the place where your dear, perhaps dearest, friend used to lay,

you will remember those three significant days.

The memory will most likely to be painful, and leave an ache in your heart

As time passes the ache will come and go as if it has a life of its own.

You will both reject it and embrace it, and it may confuse you.

If you reject it, it will depress you.

If you embrace it, it will deepen you.

Either way, it will still be an ache.

But there will be, I assure you, a fourth day when;

along with the memory of your pet

and piercing through the heaviness in your heart

there will come a realization that belongs only to you.

It will be as unique and strong as our relationship with each animal we have loved, and lost.

This realization takes the form of a 'Living Love'

like the heavenly scent of a rose that remains after the petals have wilted,

this Love will remain and grow

and be there for us to remember.

It is a love we have earned.

It is the legacy our pets leave us when they go.

And it is a gift we may keep with us as long as we live.

It is a Love which is ours alone.

And until we ourselves leave,

perhaps to join our Beloved Pets

it is a Love we will always possess.

~ Martin Scot Kosins ~

~ THE BREEDERS POEM ~

I love my little puppy; she makes my house a home.
She is my very sweetest little friend; I never feel alone.
She makes me smile; She makes me laugh; She fills my heart with love . . .
Did some person breed her, or did she fall from above?

I've never been a breeder, never seen life through their eyes;
I hold my little puppy and just sit and criticize.
I've never known their anguish; I've never felt their pain,
the caring of their charges, through snow or wind or rain.

I've never waited the whole night through for babies to be born,
The stress and trepidation when they're still not there by morn.
The weight of responsibility for this body in my hands,
This darling little baby, who weighs but 60 grams.

Should you do that instead of this . . . or maybe that was wrong?
Alone you fight and hope, one day, he'll grow up proud and strong.
You pray he'll live to bring great joy to someone else's home.
You know it's all just up to you; you'll fight this fight alone.

Formula, bottles, heating pads, you've got to get this right,
two-hour feedings for this tiny guy, throughout the day and night.
Within your heart you dread that you will surely lose this fight,
To save this little baby, but God willing . . . you just MIGHT.

Day one; he's in there fighting; you say a silent prayer.
Day two & three, he's doing well, with lots of love and care.
Day four & five . . . he is still alive; your hopes soar to the heavens.
Day six he slips away again, dies in your hands, day seven.

You take this little angel, and bury him alone.
With aching heart and burning tears, and an exhausted groan,
You ask yourself, "Why do this? . . . Why suffer through this pain?"
Yet watch the joy your puppies bring, and everything's explained.

So, when you think of breeders and label them with "Greed,"
Think of all that they endure to fill another's need.
For when you buy your puppy, with your precious dollars part,
You only pay with money . . . while they pay with all their heart.

~ Author unknown ~

~ I'VE NOT GONE ~

I’ve not gone...not really.
I haven't gone away...I have only gotten bigger.
My eyes, so bright, now shine among the stars.
My voice sings with the wind in winter, as I leap
And dance among the tree tops.
I stalk the blown leaves in autumn, and brush the
Flowers gently in the spring.
I come to you in dreaming, on feet grown dream time soft,
And lay my cheek against yours, and whisper:
"Peace be with you".
Someday we will play again together, you and I, among the stars.
'Til then, fear not to love, for your love gave my life meaning.
And I return that love to you...a hundredfold...a thousandfold...
Forever.

~ Audrey E. Nickel ~

~ IF I DIDN'T HAVE A DOG ~

If I did not have a dog ...
I could walk around the yard barefoot in safety.
My house could be carpeted instead of tiled and laminated.
All flat surfaces, clothing, furniture, and cars would be free of hair.
When the doorbell rings, it wouldn't sound like a kennel.
When the doorbell rings, I could get to the door without wading through
fuzzy bodies who beat me there.

I could sit on the couch and my bed the way I wanted, without taking into
consideration how much space several fur bodies would need to get comfortable.
I would have money, and no guilt to go on a real vacation.
I would not be on a first name basis with 6 veterinarians,
as I put their yet unborn Grandkids through college.
The most used words in my vocabulary would not be: out, sit, down, come,
no, stay, outside and leave it ALONE.

My house would not be cordoned off into zones with baby gates or barriers.
I would not talk 'baby talk', 'Eat your din din’, Go wee wee’
My house would not look like a day care centre, toys everywhere.
My pockets would not contain things like poop bags, treats and an extra leash.
I would no longer have to spell the words B-A-L-L, W-A-L-K, D-I-N-N-E-R.

I would not have as many leaves and sticks INSIDE my house as outside.
I would not look strangely at people who think having ONE dog ties them down too much?
I'd look forward to Spring and the Winter instead of dreading 'the wet and mud' season.
I would not have to answer the question ~ 'Why do you have so many animals?' ~ from people who will never have the joy in their lives of knowing they are loved unconditionally.

But ~ OH! How EMPTY my life would be!

~ Author unknown ~

~ A DOGS SOUL ~

Every dog must have a soul, somewhere deep inside

Where all his hurts and grievances are buried with his pride.

Where he decides the good and bad, the wrong way from the right,

And where his judgement carefully is hidden from our sight.

A dog must have a secret place, where every thought abides,

A sort of close acquaintance that he trusts in and confides.

And when accused unjustly for himself, He cannot speak,

Rebuked, He finds within his soul, the comfort he must seek.

He'll love, tho' he is unloved, and he'll serve tho'badly used,

And one kind word will wipe away the times when he's abused.

Altho' his heart may break in two, his love will still be whole,

Because God gave to every dog an understanding Soul!

~ Author unknown ~

~ THE SPIRIT OF A SPANIEL ~

I was standing on a hillside in a field of blowing wheat,

And the spirit of a Spaniel was lying at my feet.

He looked at me with kind dark eyes, ancient wisdom shining through.

In the essence of his being, I saw such love there too.

His mind locked upon my heart, as I stood there on that day,

And he told me of this story about a place so far away.

As I stood upon that hillside, in a field... of blowing wheat,

In a twinkling of a second, his spirit left my feet.

His tale put my heart at ease; all my fears did fade away

About what lay ahead of me, on another distant day

"I live among God's creatures now, in the heavens of your mind

So do not grieve for me my friend, as I am with my kind

My collar is a rainbow's hue; my leash is a shooting star

My boundaries are the Milky Way, where I sparkle from afar

There are no pens or kennels here, for I am not confined

But I'm free to roam God's heavens, among the Spaniel kind

I nap the day on a snowy cloud, gentle breezes rocking me

And dream the dreams of earthlings and how it used to be

The trees are full of liver treats and tennis balls abound

And milk bones line the walkways, just waiting to be found

There is even a ring set up, the grass all lush and green

And everyone who gaits around becomes the 'Best of Breed'

For we're all winners in this place; we have no faults, you see

And God passes out those ribbons, to each one, even me

I drink from waters laced with gold, my world a beauty to behold

And wise old dogs form my pride, to amble at my very side

At night I sleep in an angel's arms, her wings protecting me

And moonbeams dance about us, just as stardust falls on thee

So when your life on earth is spent and you stand at Heaven's gate

Have no fear of loneliness ~ for here, you know, I wait”.

~ Author unknown ~

~ WHAT IS A WELSH SPRINGER SPANIEL? ~

They asked me what a Welsh Springer was,

‘It’s a working dog’ I said,

a dog with chestnut fox bright coat

with Llanharron spot on head.

A dog with trimming brilliant white

and a tail quite short and merry.

A dog to love and love me too

and bark when necessary.

With real Welsh fire in its ancient blood

and spirit in its breeding.

No slouch nor lapdog is the Welsh

nor fussy in its feeding.

So sweet and gentle they can be

or so rebellious other days,

changing like wind on the Welsh hills

but like them lovely always.

~ Raynor Jacobs ~
(reproduced from the 1973 Welsh Springer Spaniel Yearbook).

~ A MANS BEST FRIEND ~

(the true story of how this now famous saying came about).

The Phrase "Man's Best Friend" originated in a court of law.

Back on October 28^th 1869, a man's dog (named "Old Drum"), was shot to death by a neighbour. Animals had no rights back in those days, but the man wanted justice & so he hired 3 lawyers to sue the man who shot his dog. One of these lawyers, named George Graham Vest, is given credit for originally coining the phrase "Man's Best Friend" during his final summation to the jury. By the time he was finished with his speech, the jury only took 2 minutes to reach a verdict. The jury awarded the victim $5 (a very large amount of money back then). The jury also wanted the man to be sent to prison, but there were no laws governing this type of incident back then so the judge was not able to honour the jury's request for prison time.

This is a record of the actual final summation given by the lawyer.........

"Gentlemen of the Jury;

The best friend a man has in this world may turn against him & become his enemy. His son & daughter that he had reared with loving care may become ungrateful. Those who are nearest & dearest to us, those whom we trust with our happiness & our good name, may become traitors to their faith. The money that a man has, he may lose. It flies away from him when he may need it most. Man's reputation may be sacrificed in a moment of ill considered action. The people who are prone to fall on their knees & do us honour when success is with us may be the first to throw the stone of malice when failure settles its cloud upon our head.
The only absolutely unselfish friend a man may have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous is his dog.

A man's dog stands by him in prosperity & poverty, in health & sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground, when the wintry winds blow & the snow drives fiercely, if only he can be near his master's side. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer, he will lick the wounds & sores that come in encounter with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of a pauper as if he were a prince. When all other friends desert ........... he remains.

When riches take wings & reputations fall to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens. If fortune drives the master forth an outcast into the world, friendless & homeless, the faithful dog asks no higher privilege than that of accompanying him to guard him against danger, to fight against his enemies, & when the last scene of all comes, & death takes his master in its embrace & his body is laid away in the cold ground, no matter if all other friends pursue their way, there by his grave side will the noble dog be found, his head between his paws & his eyes sad, but open in alert watchfulness, faithful & true even to death".

~ JUST A DOG ~

From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a dog," or, "that's a lot of money for just a dog." They don't understand the distance travelled,
the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a Dog."
Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog."

Many hours have passed & my only company was "just a dog," but I did not once feel slighted.

Some of my saddest moments have been spent with "just a dog," & in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me comfort & reason to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably understand phases
like "just a friend", "just a sunrise" or "just a promise."

"Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, & pure unbridled joy.

"Just a dog" brings out the compassion & patience that make me a better person.

Because of "just a dog" I will rise early, take long walks & look longingly to the future.

So for me & the folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes & dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, & the pure joy of the moment.

"Just a dog" brings out what's good in me & diverts
my thoughts away from myself & the worries of the day.

I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog", but the thing that gives me humanity & keeps me from being "just a person."
So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog" just smile...
because they "just don’t understand".

~ Richard Biby ~

~ RAINBOW BRIDGE ~

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 & frolics over rolling hills & peaceful, lush meadows of green.

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

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

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

And now, you cross the Rainbow Bridge together .....

~ M. A. Preston ~

~ 10 THINGS A DOG WOULD SAY IF THEY COULD BUT TALK ~

1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be very painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
3. Place your trust in me ~ it is crucial for my well-being.
4. Don't be angry with me for long, & don't lock me up as punishment.
You have your work, your friends, your entertainment. I have only you.
5. Talk to me. I don't understand your words,
BUT I understand you voice when it's speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I'll never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, remember that I have teeth that could easily crush the bones
in your hand, but I choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might
be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I've been out in the sun too long,
or my heart may be getting old & weak.
9. Take care of me when I get old. You, too, will grow old.
10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say "I can't bear to watch it"
or "Let it happen in my absence."
Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember, I love you.

~ Author unknown ~

~ MY DOGS LIVE HERE ~

My dogs live here, they're here to stay.
you don't like pets, be on your way.
they share my home, my food, my space
this is their home, this is their place.

You will find dog hair on the floor,
they will alert you're at the door.
they may request a little pat,
a simple "NO" will settle that.

It gripes me when I hear you say
"just how is it you live this way?
they smell, they shed, they're in the way.."
WHO ASKED YOU? is all I can say..

They love me more than anyone,
my voice is like the rising sun,
they merely have to hear me say
"C'mon girls, time to go & play"

then tails wag & faces grin,
they bounce & hop & make a din.
They never say "no time for you",
they're always there, to GO & DO.

and if I'm sad? They're by my side
and if I'm mad? they circle wide
and if I laugh, they laugh with me
they understand, they always see.

so once again, I say to you
come visit me, but know this too..
My dogs live here, they're here to stay.
you don't like pets, be on your way.
they share my home, my food, my space
this is their home, this is their place..

~ Anonymous ~

~ YOU KNOW YOU ARE A DOG PERSON IF .. ~

You have a kiddie wading pool in the yard but no small children
Lint gathering wheels are on your shopping list every week.
Your freezer contains more dog bones than anything.
You hang around the dog section of your local book store way too often.
Your non dog friends won't eat food prepared in your kitchen.
Your parents refer to your pets as their "grand~dogs."
You have baby gates permanently installed at strategic places around the house but, no babies.
You open your purse & that big bunch of baggies you use for pick~up pops out .
You skip breakfast so you can walk your dog in the morning before work.
The trash basket is more or less permanently installed in the kitchen sink, to keep the dog out of it while you're at work.
You can't see out the passenger side of the windshield because there are dog nose prints all over the inside.
You don't go to happy hours with co~workers anymore because you need to go home & walk your dog.
You don't think it's the least bit strange to stand in the back yard chirping "Molly, Pee!" over & over at your dog who tends to play & forget what she's out there for.
You go to the pet supply store every Saturday because it's one of the very few places that lets you bring your dog inside, & the dog loves to go with you.
You get an extra long hose on your shower massage just so you can use it to wash the dog in the tub, without making the dog sit hip deep in water.
You & the dog come down with something flu like on the same day. The dog sees the vet while you settle for an over the counter remedy from the drug store.
You not only have dog toys strewn about, but your guests also have to be careful not to trip on the dog jumps (well we've got to exercise them in the winter somehow)?
Your weekend activities are planned around taking your dog for a hike.
You refer to yourself as "mummy" & "daddy".
Your dog sleeps with you.
You'd rather stay home on Saturday night & cuddle your doggies than go to the movies with your sweetheart.
You keep an extra water dish in your second floor bedroom, in case your dog gets thirsty at night.
You avoid vacuuming the house as long as possible because the dogs are afraid of the thing.
When your dog is getting old & arthritic, & you go buy lumber & build it a small staircase so it can climb onto the bed by itself.
You shovel a zig~zag path in the back yard snow so your dog can reach all of his favourite places.
Your have 32 different names for your dogs. Most make no sense but they understand.
Your dog eats cat poop but you still let him or her kiss you (but not immediately after of course).
You never completely finish a piece of steak or chicken so the dog gets some too.
Poop has become a source of conversation for you & your significant other.
You are the only idiot walking in the pouring rain because your dog needs his walk.
You send birthday, anniversary & Christmas cards from your dog.
You like people who like your dogs. You despise people who don't.
You lecture people on responsible dog ownership every chance you get.
You keep eating even though you find a dog hair in your pasta.
You carry dog biscuits in your pockets all the time.
You make popcorn just so you can play catch with your dog.
You talk about your dogs like other people talk about their kids.
You have your dog pictures on your office desk. (but no one else's).
Your license plate or license plate frame mentions your dogs.
You match your furniture, carpet & clothes to your dog.

~ The American Bloodhound Club Bulletin Spring 1996 ~

~ ARE YOU REALLY THE SUPER BEING? ~

If you can start the day without caffeine,
If you can get going without pep pills,
If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches & pains,
If you can resist complaining & boring people with your troubles,
If you can eat the same food everyday & be grateful for it,
If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time,
If you can overlook it when those you love take it out on you when,
through no fault of yours, something goes wrong,
If you can take criticism & blame without resentment,
If you can ignore a friend's limited education & never correct him,
If you can resist treating a rich friend better than a poor friend,
If you can face the world without lies & deceit,
If you can conquer tension without medical help,
If you can relax without liquor,
If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,
If you can say honestly that deep in your heart you have no prejudice against creed,
colour, religion or politics,
Then, my friend, you are almost as good as your dog!
Almost, but not quite,
Because besides not having any of your hang-ups & vices,
He would without hesitation, give up his life for you if need be.

~ © 1976 Virginia Trendall ~ Fur'n Feathers ~

~ THE POWER OF THE DOG ~

"There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
And when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Brothers & sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.

Buy a pup & your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie ~
Perfect passion & worship fed
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless it is hardly fair
To risk your heart to a dog to tear.

When the fourteen years which Nature permits
Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,
And the vet's unspoken prescription runs
To lethal chambers or loaded guns
Then you will find ~ it's your own affair ~
But, you've given your heart to a dog to tear.

When the body that lived at your single will,
With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still)!
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone ~ wherever it goes ~ for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart to a dog to tear.

We've sorrow enough in the natural way
When it comes to burying Christian clay.
Our loves are not given, but only lent
At compound interest of cent per cent.
Though it is not always the case, I believe,
That the longer we've kept 'em, the more do we grieve.

For when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short~term loan is as bad as a long.
So why in Heaven (before we are there)
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?"

~ Rudyard Kipling ~

~ THE RETIRED SHOW DOG ~

He sits to the side, out of the way while others beg head rubs, or force you to play.
His dark liquid eyes watch your every move hoping and waiting, his love to prove.

He was shown many times, a promising pup and he just got better as he grew up.
A picture of health, robust & strong, his gait & topline, never went wrong.

But his prime has passed, & he seems to know, that he'll never again be put in a show.
He eats, he sleeps, not much more than that, & maybe he's getting a little too fat.

He loves to be brushed, when you have the time, he waits for his turn at the end of the line.
You think of him, sure, but not nearly as much as those promising pups, that new special & such.

So he sits & he waits, til you have the time, to make the same fuss as you did in his prime.
A scrap of affection, or playful shove, to him it means everything, to him it means LOVE!

~ Author unknown ~

~ A TREASURED FRIEND ~

I lost a treasured friend today
The little dog who used to lay
His gentle head upon my knee
And share his silent thoughts with me .....
He'll come no longer to my call
Retrieve no more his favourite ball
A voice far greater than my own
Has called him to His golden throne.

Although my eyes are filled with tears,
I thank Him for the happy years
He let him spend down here with me
And for his love & loyalty.
When it is time for me to go
And join him there, this much I know .....
I shall not fear the transient dark
For he will greet me with his bark.

~ Author unknown ~

Contact Details

Nicola & Peter Jones
Berry Springs, NT, Australia
Email : [email protected]