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Poems About Dogs

JUST MY DOG

by: Gene Hill
She is my other eyes that can see above the clouds;
 my other ears that hear above the winds.
She is the part of me that reaches out into the sea.
She has told me a thousand times over that I'm
her reason for being.
by the way she rests against my leg; 
by the way she thumps her tail at my smallest smile;
by the way she shows her hurt when I leave
without taking her.
I think it makes her worry when she is not along
to care for me.
When I am wrong, she is delighted to forgive.
When I am angry, she clowns to make me smile.
When I am happy, she is joy unbounded.
When I am a fool, she ignores it.
When I succeed, she brags.
Without her, I am only another person. 
With her, I am all powerful.
She is loyalty itself.
She has taught me the meaning of devotion.
With her, I know a secret comfort and a private peace. 
She has brought me understanding where before
I was ignorant.
Her head on my knee can heal my human hurts.
Her presence by my side is protection against my fears 
of dark and unknown things.
She has promised to wait for me, whenever, wherever
in case I need her.
And I expect I will, as I always have.
She is just my dog.

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.

"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 traveled, 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 and 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,"
and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog"
gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.

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

"Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship,
trust, and pure unbridled joy.
"Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that
make me a better person. Because of "just a dog" I will rise
early, take long walks and look longingly to the future.

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

"Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my
thoughts away from myself and 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 and
keeps me from being "just a person."

Author unknown

A Dogs Prayer

Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is

more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your

hand between the blows, your patience and understanding

will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the worlds sweetest music, as

you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep

falls upon my waiting ear.

When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a

domesticated animal, no longer used to the elements. And I ask no

greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the

hearth.  Though, had you no home, I would rather follow you through

ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home

in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshipper.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not

reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.

Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do

your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able

to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.

And, beloved master, should the great Master see fit to deprive me of

my health or my sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather, hold me

gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of

eternal rest --- and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I

drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.

SOMEONE ONCE LOVED HIM

HIS HAIR WAS ALL MATTED AS HE STOOD IN THE RAIN

WITH SAD, PLEADING EYES AND A HEART FULL OF PAIN

 

SOMEONE ONCE LOVED HIM HE WASN'T ALONE

HIS BELLY WAS FULL THEN HIS RAVEN COAT SHONE

 

HE LIVED IN A BIG HOUSE WITH A WARM COZY BED

FILLED WITH LAUGHTER AND LOVE AND HIS LITTLE FRIEND, TED

 

BUT THEN HE GOT BIGGER AND BARKED WHEN ALONE

NO LONGER A PUPPY HIS "CUTENESS" OUTGROWN.

 

SO THEY MOVED HIM OUTSIDE TO A BIG LONELY YARD

AND SCOLDED HIS BARKING THOUGH HE TRIED REALLY HARD

 

HE WAITED FOR TEDDY AS HE WATCHED NIGHT AND DAY

HE THOUGHT "I'LL BE GOOD, I JUST WANT TO PLAY."

 

THEY PROMISED  HIM LOVE AND A LIFE AS THEIR FRIEND

NOT THE DARK, LONELY NIGHTS AND THE COLD, BITTER WIND

 

HE HUNGERED FOR "TOUCH" NOT THE FOOD THAT THEY BROUGHT

HE WANTED TO PLEASE THEM WITH THE TRICKS  THEY HAD TAUGHT

 

BUT THEY WERE TOO BUSY TO HEAR HIS SAD CRIES

AND DIDN'T HAVE TIME FOR THE LOVE IN HIS EYES

 

BUT, THEN THEY CAME OUT TO GET HIM TO GO FOR A RIDE

WOW A TRIP TO THE COUNTRY WITH TED BY HIS SIDE!!

 

BUT SOON IT WAS OVER AS HE REMEMBERED THAT DAY

AND THE SADNESS HE FELT WHEN THEY GAVE HIM AWAY

 

THEY PATTED HIS HEAD AND WALKED QUICKLY AWAY

WITHOUT LOOKING BACK AND WITH NOTHING TO SAY

 

"WHERE ARE YOU GOING? WHAT DID I DO?

TEDDY, DON'T LEAVE ME, I'M COMING WITH YOU!"

 

HIS HEART WAS SO HEAVY WHAT HAD HE DONE WRONG?

THIS WASN'T HIS HOME HE DIDN'T BELONG

 

NOW HE WANDERS THE STREETS CONFUSED AND ALONE

LOOKING FOR TEDDY AND THE LOVE HE HAD KNOWN

 

 Pamela (Buni) Wells

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 stopping to play.

He's sure you'll come back, and that's why he stays.

How long will he suffer? How many days?

His legs have grown weak, his throat's parched 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 Dumped Dog's Prayer

 

Don't close the door! Don't push me away.

Why are you leaving? Don't make me stay.

Slow down the car, I can't keep up.

This pavement is hot and my pads are cut.

I've got to quit running or my heart will pop.

Every muscle is aching. Why don't you stop?

I'm so hungry and thirsty. Darkness is near.

But I shouldn't leave, he will come for me here.

Several weeks have passed, I am dead on my feet.

They call me a nuisance because I eat off the streets.

Every car that passes, I chase it to see

If it's my master coming for me.

Though I approach those that come near

With trust in my eyes and no sign of fear.

With hate in their voices and a cold, heartless stare,

They threaten to kill me - they don't even care.

Batter my body with rocks that they throw,

I will not leave, he will come, don't you know?

Overtaken with weakness, my body is numb.

I'm sick and so lonely. Oh please, let him come!

I will go back where he first threw me out.

I'll wait for him there, he will come, no doubt.

My thoughts are fading. My chest feels like lead.

I'm sleepy, so sleepy - I can't lift my head.

It's so quiet, so peaceful -- all remains still.

There is my master at my home on the hill.

Yes, I can see him, he's calling my name.

His voice is so gentle, his hands are the same.

He decided he wants me. Things will be fine.

I really do love him, that master of mine.

My tail wags with pleasure. I can't catch my breath.

He came in my dreams, but so did my DEATH!!

Author unknown

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 and pains,

If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,

If you can eat the same food everyday and 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,

If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,

If you can ignore a friend's limited education and never correct him,

If you can resist treating a rich friend better than an poor friend,

If you can face the world without lies and 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, color, religion or politics,

THEN, my friend, you are almost as good as your dog.

Then, my friend, you are Almost as good as your dog,

Almost, but not quite,

Because besides not having any of your hang-ups and vices,

He would without hesitation, give up his life for you if need be.

 

Copyright 1976 by Virginia Trendall --- Fur'n Feathers

LEND ME A PUP

 

I will lend to you for awhile a pup, God said,

For you to love her while she lives and mourn for

her when she's dead. Maybe for twelve or fourteen years.

Or maybe two or three. But, will you, 'til I call her back,

take care of her for me?

She'll bring her charms to gladden you and should her

stay be brief you'll always have her memories as solace for

your grief.

I cannot promise she 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's life's land I have chosen you.

Now will you give her all your love nor think the labor 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 we'll run. We'll shelter her with tenderness

we'll love her while we may. And for the happiness we've

known, forever grateful stay. But should you call her back

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, your wishes to achieve

In memory of her we loved, to help us while we grieve,

When our faithful bundle departs this world of strife

We'll have yet another Pup and love her all her life

 

-author unknown

THE LIFE OF A PUPPY



This morning, I woke up and kissed my Dad's head
I peed on the carpet, then went back to bed
"The life of a puppy, oh my, this is great"
Then I thought about breakfast, "I hope it's not late"

Mom took me outside, we walked for a while
This never fails to make Mama smile
I sniffed at everything that we did pass
I ate something weird and it gave me gas

I'm sure God loves me, I know that is true
He gave me so many great things to chew
Rugs, plants or rocks, I really don't care
What I truly like best is Dad's underwear

That Obedience book was sort of yummy
Though it didn't sit well on my poor puppy tummy
I threw up a bit but that was all right,
When Mom found it later, I was well out of sight

I made streamers of T. P. while running at full speed
Mom is pretty quick but I was still in the lead
I flew under the bed and Mom flew past
She stopped and shook her head and breathed
"You're too fast"

Mama later phoned Daddy and said, "it was frightening!"
That afternoon she was sure I'd pooped lightning
She sat at the computer while I chewed the cord
She thought I was mad but I was just bored

When Mama had enough and couldn't take anymore
That's when my tushy got shoved out the door
I love it inside but outside is best
Lay in the cool grass and had a good rest

That didn't last long as there was too much to do
Can't quite remember where I hid Daddy's shoe
I found an old bone and scratched at a flea
I watched the dumb Squirrels as they jumped in a tree

I barked at the kids when they got off the bus
I can't figure out why this makes Mama fuss
I barked at the neighbor, I barked at the wind
I barked and barked, till Mom yelled, "Come In"

The Sun Dipped In The West, Soon Daddy Would Come!
I sure love my Daddy, we always have fun
I barked at my Daddy and then turned on my charms
I woof woofed, "hello," then jumped in his arms

Sitting under the table, it's sooooo hard to wait
Daddy slipped me a goodie right off his plate
I raced through the house and scattered my toys
Ricocheted off the furniture and made lots of noise

Mom found her purse, the one I had abused
Daddy let loose a chuckle
Mom asked "are you amused?"
I cowered down low, I must be in trouble
Dad said, "wasn't my boy, it must be his double!"

Mom turned off the TV and said, "it's time for bed"
Dad said "let's go boy" and patted my head
I got in my spot between Mom and Dad
I thought about my day and what fun that I had

Mama kicked out my bone from the covers below
Then let loose a sigh, a sigh deep and low
She gave me a kiss and snuggled me tight
And whispered so softly, "my darling, good night"

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