Posted on 03/07/2014 8:36:57 AM PST by edcoil
Not sure where this comes from but nice on an old dogs thoughts.
One by One, they pass by my cage, Too old, too worn, too broken, no way. Way past his time, he can't run and play. Then they shake their heads slowly and go on their way.
A little old man, arthritic and sore, It seems I am not wanted anymore. I once had a home, I once had a bed, A place that was warm, and where I was fed. Now my muzzle is gray, and my eyes slowly fail. Who wants a dog so old and so frail?
My family decided I didn't belong, I got in their way, my attitude was wrong. Whatever excuse they made in their head, Can't justify how they left me for dead. Now I sit in this cage, where day after day, The younger dogs get adopted away.
When I had almost come to the end of my rope, You saw my face, and I finally had hope. You saw thru the gray, and the legs bent with age, And felt I still had life beyond this cage. You took me home, gave me food and a bed, And shared your own pillow with my poor tired head.
We snuggle and play, and you talk to me low, You love me so dearly, you want me to know. I may have lived most of my life with another, But you outshine them with a love so much stronger. And I promise to return all the love I can give, To you, my dear person, as long as I live.
I may be with you for a week, or for years, We will share many smiles, you will no doubt shed tears. And when the time comes that God deems I must leave, I know you will cry and your heart, it will grieve. And when I arrive at the Bridge, all brand new, My thoughts and my heart will still be with you. And I will brag to all who will hear, Of the person who made my last days so dear.
The only dogs I adopt are old dogs. I feel so sorry for them and I think, “If I don’t, who will?”
People don’t realize what great dogs these old guys and girls are. I never have regretted my decisions.
The downside for some people is the medical expense inevitable in caring for them, but I am fortunate in that I can afford to pay those costs.
I got an old Airedale out of the dog pound and took her coyote hunting. We hunkered in the bushes and I started blowing the howler. She came over and stuck her face almost against mine, made her mouth into a tiny O, and started howling along. Got me laughing and when the coyote arrived the bushes were shaking. She was a great dog for a year then died of old age.
God bless you. Rescues are the best!
Indeed. My county actually has a great shelter. A big new building, lots of volunteers & other good stuff - but it's still a shelter.
Dogs need that constant human companionship, to play, go for walks, etc.
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
Beautiful!
Thanks and blessings to both of you and the dog.
You're right, it does. It still ripped my guts, though, lol.
Best dog we ever had was a McNabb that wandered into our camp at Pyramid Lake. The dog was about a year old, and was in pretty bad shape. It had worms, still had 2 sets of teeth, and a variety of other physical, and other psychological issues. Once we got her all healthy she turned into one of the happiest and most well behaved dogs we have ever had. It is a joy to take her desert camping, as I know for absolute certainty that she will not wander off (like the male huskies traditionally do), she is free to range and sniff whatever she wants, as she never leaves earshot.
I’m trying to get hired.
I can relate to the old dog.
My life in the past nine months has been crazy. Wife left, adopted daughter now living with her natural mom. Financial issues, divorce issues.
Now it’s just me and the dog. Lady is a 14 year old Lab mix, we got her from the SPCA when she was five. About all she does anymore is eat, sleep, pee and poop.
But I have a throw pillow I put on the floor to sit on. When I do that, Lady comes over and lays her head in my lap.
My best friend.
We have 4 adorable chihuahuas. Bobble was a 5 yr old with balance problems, he wobbles when he walks. Had him for 4 years now, in that whole time he has only had one indoor accident, the first night, and I think he was just nervous and scared. Darla was 10 and Dru was 7, they were a bonded pair we got at the local rescue. They had been starved and their little ribs were sticking out. They had also never been fixed, obviously from a breeding operation. Imagine our surprise when I was so happy they were gaining weight after 3 weeks, imagine my surprise when both had litters! The moms were purebred chis, the pups, not so much. And if I ever find out who bred and dumped my girls, one of whom was 10, well, there is a reason I always have bail money on me.
Our 4th is almost a rescue. We got all the surprise pups adopted to good homes, but we kept Tiggles. He was the runt and a total sweetheart, kinda stupid, but adorable. Darla is a total love sponge, she just wants snuggled on a lap. Dru is more reserved, she’s a little lady, and she makes you work for it, she’s very skittish around men, but once she knows you, the kisses never stop. Old dogs are great, and I wouldn’t trade my babies for anything!
Here's a little advice a vet gave me about taking in an older dog or one of unknown background or age. Make a list of what you are and are not willing to tend to with veternary care. If you do that, giving an unwanted older dog a place in your life and heart has uncountable rewards.
I've had my "orphan" for over two years now. He's fantastic, and always a bit of a challenge. Because of his years on his own, he has a mind of his own about speed and length of walks, about valuing friendship, about being a wonderful house mate. He couldn't be more devoted and loving.
My son was recently married and moved out taking his shepherd. My rat dog is about 5 and lonely and being older myself I was just thinking this morning that we should invite an older dog into the family. Would it be unjust to take my rat dog and let her decide? she is about 12” tall and kept the young male shepherd (very tall) at bay when she wanted. Knowing how dogs have to establish alpha hierarchy, I am concerned a bit.
LOL, the rat terrier on their fb page is just like mine only older!
My wife brought him home and he slept on the floor by her side of the bed. The next morning I went to let him out and he growled at me.I reminded him that I had final say in hi staying or going. He went out side and to my chagrin he did not run away. He did his business and came right back in.
The wife went to work and we took him for a walk when she got home. we got half way around the block and there was this Pomeranian on the porch. It came off the porch and tried to get my wife. Cody got between the other dog and my wife and would not let him near her. I decided that no matter what we were keeping this dog. If he was that willing to protect my wife after that short a period of time that was all I needed to know.
It took almost a year for him to get his confidence back but when he did watch out.
There was this husky that used to run the streets and Cody was always terrified of him. One day the husky made the mistake of coming on our property. He had chased Cody's little sister into my wife's arms. Cody went right after him. I don't know if he was protecting my wife or his little sister Noiree more. Either way the husky took off like a shot never to return. The next morning I took Cody for his walk. Instead of hiding behind me when he saw the husky Cody kept on walking. When the husky saw him he crossed the street until he was well past.
Sadly we only got to have him for seven more years but he really enriched out lives.
I picked our Beagle Buddy up out of the yard at about 5 and a half years. Permanently busted up leg and all. I knew if animal control got him he would be euthanized in 48 hours. He is now 17 and half or so and laying on my foot as I write this comment. I cannot imagine him in a cage at the humane society at his age. I don’t think he’s going to be with us next year this time but I know he’s had a great life with us. The best friend a girl could ever have.
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