Friday, February 12, 2016

Doggy Dates To Celebrate!

When we think about holidays that evoke feelings of love and remind us to focus on our family relationships, we generally think of the major holidays like Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, and even Grandparents Day.  But what about the unique bond between humans and their pets?  Yep, there's a special day of recognition  for that too, and it's just around the corner.

 
Love Your Pet Day is observed worldwide on February 20th each year.  There is no record as to the origin or history of this fun day, but its purpose is to remind us to show our appreciation through a day dedicated to our cuddly companions.  This special day gives us the purfect excuse to take a break from our hectic daily routine and focus our time and attention on our pets' needs.  In return for their loyalty and unconditional love, we might choose this day to give our furry friends gifts such as a special yummy cookie or a new toy.  Another idea is to take them for a professional grooming.  Taking a long walk or spending the day at a dog park would be fun too.  Taking our pets for their vaccinations or a check-up at the local vet clinic is another way to honor the day...although our pets might not get too excited about that one!   

 
For those who have no pets, don't feel left out...there are still many ways you can celebrate Love Your Pet Day.  This might be the purfect time to adopt a pet of your own from a local animal shelter or rescue group.  If you're not quite ready for that commitment, making donations to animal shelters and/or rescues would also be appropriate.  Another idea is to help spread the awareness for this special day by sharing it on social media or sending friends E-cards. 

 
Now here's a little food for thought.  Did you know that there's also a day that recognizes our dogs' favorite treats?  Yep, it's true...National Dog Biscuit Day is on February 23rd.  So here's a simple recipe for a peanut butter cookie you can make for your pampered pooch.  And with only four ingredients, one of which is water, you're likely to have everything you need already on hand.

 
Ingredients

*  2 cups whole wheat flour (you can use another type of flour if your dog is sensitive to wheat)

*  1 cup rolled oats

*  1/3 cup peanut butter (chunky or smooth)

*  1 1/4 cups hot water

 
Instructions

1.  Preheat oven to 350° F.

2.  Mix dry ingredients together.

3.  Mix in the peanut butter and hot water (you may need to add more flour if the dough is too sticky).

4.  Knead the dough well.

5.  Roll out the dough into 1/4" thickness and cut into fun shapes with doggy cookie cutters.

6.  Bake on a lightly greased cookie sheet for 40 minutes. Turn off the oven and let them cool overnight.  If your dog can't wait that long, cool them completely on a wire rack before serving.  The cookies get very hard, just the way dogs like them! 

 
TIPS: 

*  Instead of cutting out more shapes with the left over peanut butter and oatmeal dough, you can roll it into balls.  Then make a cross hatch fork mark on the dog cookies.  This is the same way you would do for human peanut butter cookies. 

*  This peanut butter dog biscuit recipe makes biscuits that will last in a sealed air tight container at room temperature for 1 week. You can store them in the refrigerator for 3 weeks and in the freezer for up to 6 months. 

*  The dough for these dog treats can be sticky to work with.  If your dough is very sticky you will need to do one, or both, of the following steps.  First, continue kneading the dough as this will help it to become less sticky.  Second, add more flour to the dough and continue to knead.

 
I hope this post has inspired you to do something extraordinary to celebrate the extraordinary relationship between you and your pet.  Show how much you love your pet because they are your true, one of a kind valentine every day of the year! 

 
Happy Tails to you until we meet again!

Thursday, February 4, 2016

Starting Off On The Right Paw

One of the many things I've learned in my time volunteering at Pet Pal Animal Shelter is that EVERYONE goes crazy when word gets out that there are puppies available for adoption.  I guess this is because puppies are so irresistibly cute!  The other thing I've learned is that these innocent bundles of cuteness sometimes wind up back at the shelter because their families don't fully realize what they're getting into when they adopt a youngster.  

 
Bringing home a new puppy might seem like a dream come true, especially for young children, but it can quickly turn into a nightmare if not carefully planned and prepared for in advance. .  Just think about it for a moment...would you bring your newborn child home without making all sorts of preparations; setting up a room for the nursery, filling the pantry with a supply of formula, purchasing baby bottles and diapers in huge quantities, picking out toys and pacifiers, selecting the baby's doctor, etc.? You need to make similar preparations for your new puppy and think about the supplies you will need, the car ride home, and the puppy's activities, feeding, and veterinary check-up.  February is "Responsible Pet Owner Month" so I thought this would be a good time to review some of the things you can and should expect when adopting a puppy.   

 
First and foremost, you and your family should have extensive discussions regarding EVERYTHING involved in raising a puppy and be sure EVERYONE is in agreement to proceed.  Next, you will need to write a list and get your supplies ahead of time.  Pre-puppy shopping allows you to take your time without the pressure of the pup needing it right now.  The puppy is going to need a room or at least a place he/she can call his/her own, and a cage or crate will work great.  You are better off getting one that is big enough for him/her to use as an adult.  The pup will need food and water bowls, toys to chew on and play with, a collar and leash, a bag of a good quality dry puppy food, and plenty of newspapers or training pads if you are going to house-train inside.

 
You'll need to puppy-proof the area where the youngster will spend most of his/her time in the beginning.  This may mean taping loose electrical cords to baseboards, storing household chemicals on high shelves, removing plants and breakables, setting up the crate, and installing gates.  Once you think you've completely puppy-proofed, lie on the floor and look around once more to get a puppy's-eye view.  If you have children, hold a family meeting to lay down the rules.  Don't overwhelm the new pup the first day, and don't fight over him/her or create mob scenes showing him/her to the neighborhood.  

 
When you adopt your puppy, be sure to find out what and when he/she was fed and stick to that schedule at home for at least the first few days to avoid a puppy with an upset tummy.  If you want to switch to a different brand, do so gradually over a period of about a week by mixing the old food and the new food.  Consistency is important right from the start.

 
Coming home will start out with a car ride from the shelter.  Try to keep this from being an overly stressful experience for the pup.  The main problem dogs can have with car rides is usually not what we humans refer to as motion sickness, but simple anxiety about the vibrations and sounds as well as the movement.  Many dogs that have developed problems with car rides get nervous or even nauseated before the engine is even started.  It is important that this first trip not be a bad experience that becomes a repetitious behavioral pattern.  Before you leave the shelter, try to get the pup to go to the bathroom so there are no floods or surprises caused by all the excitement of the ride.

 
Leaving the familiar people and surroundings of the shelter will probably bring about some puppy anxiety; however, this can be greatly diminished if you plan your schedules so that there's someone home with the puppy the first few days.  Plan for this introductory period by keeping the puppy involved with plenty of attention from children and other family members.  If the children are young or are not familiar with how to handle puppies, you should spend some time with them during these first few days explaining common sense rules on how to play with the puppy.

 
Once home, folks who plop the excited newcomer on the sofa and let the kids smother it with hugs and kisses will be mopping up in no time-and regretting the lesson they taught their new pup.  Instead, take him/her to his toileting area immediately.  From there, carry out your schedule for feeding, toileting, napping, and play/exercise.  From Day One, your pup will need lots of family time but also brief periods of alone time.  Solitude may be new to the pup, so he/she may vocalize concern.  Don't give in and comfort him/her or you may end up creating a monster!  "Gee, if making noise brought them running once, maybe more whimpering is needed to get their attention again," reasons the puppy.  Give him/her lots of positive attention for good behaviors such as chewing on a toy or resting quietly.


Of course one of the most important things you need to do for your new puppy is get him/her to a veterinarian for an initial exam.  You will want to make sure the puppy is free of any congenital traits or other medical conditions.  Of course all animals adopted from Pet Pal leave the shelter in good health, but it's crucial that all vaccinations are kept current and heartworm preventative is maintained regularly. 

 
Being a responsible pet owner and doing things correctly from the start prevents a lot of confusion for both you and the puppy.  With a little puppy preparedness, you will be one step closer to your dream dog!

 
Happy tails to you until we meet again! 

Sunday, January 17, 2016

From A Dog's Perspective

Ever wonder what our dogs think of our busy, stress-filled lives?  Do they understand why we sometimes don't have time to take them on a long walk or that we're too tired to play ball with them?  They're always so excited to see us after a long day and yet all we do is yell at them for tearing up the house in our absence.  Do we stop to think about how that makes them feel?  Here's a little story about the life of a human as seen through a dog's eyes.  Don't be surprised if you find yourself reaching for your favorite pup with one hand and a tissue with the other! 

 
"It must be morning...I'm hungry.  Then again, I’m always hungry so it could really be any time!  I can hear the shower, so I’m guessing my human is awake.  I lift my head off my bed and look down the passage .  I want a shower too.  Sometimes I try and get in but he won’t let me.  Boring!  He’s not very happy in the mornings anymore.  He used to be, but things have changed.  I think it’s stress.  Not really sure what that is, but I know it’s not good.  It’s a human thing.  I’ve heard him talk about it on the phone.  Don’t really know what a phone is either, but I know they’re good to chew!  Chewing is one of my favorite things!" 

 
"In the good old days, we wrestled and played every morning.  These days though, not so much.  We would play ball before he went to work and again after work too.  He’d throw, I’d fetch...he’d throw, I’d fetch...forever!  What a game!  So much fun!  He’d laugh and talk human. I’d growl.  I’d laugh if I could but mostly I’d just wag my tail!  I think it’s sad that humans don’t have tails!  Sometimes he’d lose focus, so I would nudge him.  Maybe a little nip on the hand just to keep his head in the game!  How much fun can one dog and one human have?  But lately he seems grumpy.  Sometimes, I wonder if he still loves me.  I lick him anyway because he’s my favorite human in the world!  I get so excited to see him!  When he hugs me, my tail wags all by itself!  I wonder why my kisses don’t make him happy like they used to." 

 
"I liked it more when we lived in the first house...the little one.  That was 3 houses ago.  He played with me the most in that house.  He was happier and he didn’t yell at me for getting on the couch or chewing his expensive shoes.  We used to watch TV together on the couch every night.  Well, I slept...he watched!  He would rest his hand on my head.  I love that!  Now we live in a big house with a big dumb couch.  A dumb couch for humans only...not dogs!  I don’t like the big house or the dumb couch!  He makes me stay down on the stupid slippery polished floor.  The other day I slid into the table and hurt my nose.  Stupid floor!" 

 
"When I was a puppy, we went everywhere together.  We used to walk to the park every day.  We’d hang out with other dogs and their humans.  We don’t walk together much these days and, when we do, he talks on the phone.  I hate that stupid phone!  I’m gonna eat it when he’s not looking!  We would also go for long drives in the old station wagon and I would put my head out the window or on his lap.  It was the most fun ever!  No more head out the window action for me these days though.  Mr Serious has a new fancy schmancy car.  Apparently, it’s a dog-free zone too.  On the rare occasion that I do get a ride, I have to lie on 3 blankets with no wind in my face.  What’s the point of that?  Like having a bone you can’t chew!  Stupid!"

 
"We used to go to the beach every weekend in that old station wagon too.  We surfed together.  Well, he surfed and I chased seagulls, played in the waves and rolled in the sand!  He liked talking to the lady humans who wanted to play with me.  They only talked to him because I was there!  Sometimes he got kisses but I always got more!  On the way home I would put my wet, sandy, hairy body on the front seat and he was happy I was next to him.  I loved that car too!  Those were the days!" 

 
"We haven’t done anything like that in years.  He's just too busy now.  Too busy being successful and important to have fun with me.  Glad I’m not successful...it doesn’t look like much fun!  I’m so adorable...I don’t understand why he doesn’t miss me!  In fact, I don’t really understand him much at all anymore!  He’s supposed to be smarter than me but I’m not so sure about that these days!" 

 
"I used to sleep along side him in his big comfy bed.  Used to (heavy sigh) but now he has a new dog-free bed too.  Of course!  I hate that bed!  I chew the legs when he’s not around!  Next year we’re moving to yet another house...an even bigger one.  Maybe that will make him happy.  Hope so but I doubt it.  If I could speak, I’d tell him that too!  I don’t get the big house thing...us dogs don’t really care how big our kennel is, we just want to be near our human!" 

 
"I know I’m just a dog and I don’t really understand a lot of human stuff, but I do
know about fun and happiness!  He’s rarely happy these days and he’s always too tired to do anything fun...even when I pull his sleeve or lick his face!  If he got rid of the stupid slippery floor, the dumb couch, the fancy car and just played with me more, then perhaps he would be happy!  Me too!"


 
I hope this serves as a reminder to us all that our pets have feelings too, and they deserve to be treated in the same way we would treat our closest human companions.  So the next time  you're not really feeling the puppy love, take a moment to put yourself in your dog's paws and think about this touching "tail"!  Wag-wag!   

 
Happy tails to you until we meet again!

Sunday, January 3, 2016

Lesson Learned From A Lost Dog

Happy New Year!  I hope you and your furry friends all had a nice holiday filled with fun times and great memories that will last throughout the year.  I know my family and I will probably never forget this Christmas and our unexpected four-legged visitor. 

 
It was early Christmas Eve morning when an unknown  dog showed up in my parents' yard.  Because they have a yellow lab of their own, my mom initially tried yelling at the stray animal until it wandered on down the road.  A few hours later, however, we looked outside and the dog was back, just hanging around the fenced-in backyard and looking like all it wanted was to play with their yellow lab.  Eventually, the lost dog took up residency right outside the front door as if to say, "please, please, please let me in". 

 
The dog appeared to be healthy and well cared for but didn't have a collar to help us find it's owner.  Not knowing what else to do, we called the local animal control but, because of the holiday, they were short-staffed and could only send someone out if it was an emergency.  We then placed an ad on Craigslist as well as Facebook for anyone looking for their lost dog.  Realizing that there wasn't much more we could do and that the dog was obviously not leaving on it's own, my husband and I decided to give it some food and water late that evening as it hadn't had anything all day.  Up to this point, no one had been able to get close enough to pet the dog but after some food and water, it came right up to us and was quite friendly and sweet.  We eventually figured out that it was a female and she appeared to be a pit bull and/or boxer mix.

 
The next day was Christmas and we awoke to the sound of a howling dog...yep, she was still there at the front door.  My husband and I continued feeding her, giving her treats, and I even started calling her Eve since she had come to us on Christmas Eve.  Kind of silly, right?  Anyway, we gave her as much love and attention as possible because we felt soooo bad for her and her family missing each other on Christmas.  By the next day, Saturday, we managed to find a veterinary clinic that was open and took her there to see if, by chance, she had a microchip.  The good news is that she did have a chip but the bad news is that the chip was not registered so there was no way to contact her owner. 

 
At this point, we were really at a loss.  Craigslist and Facebook didn't yield any viable leads and now even the microchip seemed like a dead-end.  My husband and I toyed with the idea of keeping the dog ourselves, but this just wouldn't be feasible as we live in a very small condo.  By Saturday night, we decided to put another ad on Craigslist and Facebook to try to find a new home for the dog.  After only a couple of hours and lengthy text/phone conversations, we found a nice lady who had recently moved to the area, was missing her family, and had been looking for a "best buddy".  She came to see the dog early Sunday morning and we could tell right away that she was an animal lover as she had a paw print collar and plenty of treats already in hand.  Needless to say, they immediately hit it off.  I texted her a day or two later to see how things were going and she said, "Fabulous.  She's housebroken and spayed.  She's great!  Everybody loves her!  Thank you Santa Clause!"  She named the dog "BB" for "best buddy" and sent a picture of the dog all cuddled up next to her in bed.  I guess you could call this a Christmas miracle!   

 
It's more than a week later now and I still find myself thinking of our little Christmas visitor often and wondering how she's doing in her new home.  Hopefully it was a happy ending for this lovable doggy who got lost on Christmas Eve.  Unfortunately, there are many more lost pets roaming the streets all alone out there who may not be as lucky as this one.  The truly sad part is that this whole situation could probably have been avoided if the dog's microchip had been registered and kept up-to-date, so let this be a lesson to all of us.  Make a New Year's resolution to have your pets microchipped and, if they're already chipped, check to be sure the contact information associated with it is current.  My family never fully understood just how important this is until they went through this experience.  Protect your pets in 2016!   

 
Happy tails to you until we meet again!

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Santa's Helpers For Animal Shelters

Happy Holidays everyone!  Well, 'tis the season for spreading good will and giving to those less fortunate than ourselves and, although we may not think about it...especially during this busy time of year, this most definitely includes all the homeless and unwanted animals patiently waiting in shelters for a loving family to take them home.  With so many of us struggling financially, this might be a very good year to start holiday traditions of true meaning in our families.  When you ask adults or kids what they most like or remember about past holidays, they usually respond with fond memories of traditions or family activities rather than the gifts they received.  Helping needy pets through activities we enjoy and forming traditions we will continue for years to come could be one of the most rewarding and memorable gifts we can give.   The following are some ideas to get the whole family involved in starting their own traditions that will help the animal shelters dedicated to caring for so many homeless animals.

1.  Instead of
 giving gifts to a fellow animal lover, why not start a tradition this year of donating to that person's local shelter in his or her name.

2. 
Buy food or other items from the shelters wish list, wrap those items, and place them under the Christmas tree with a name tag such as "For the homeless pets at Pet Pal".  Then take the entire family to the shelter to deliver the gifts.

 
3.  Consider dividing the amount spent on kids between traditional gifts and donations to the local animal shelter.


4.  Take advantage of kids' computer skills.  Publish flyers to post around the community on behalf of pets in shelters.  Call the shelter first and ask about specific food or other items needed.  State on the flier what's needed and where to deliver the items.  Also print photos of a cat and dog downloaded from the shelters web site with wording such as "Help us please!  We're running out of food."  Fliers can often be placed in places such as church lobbies, library bulletin boards, school bulletin boards, etc. but be sure to ask permission from the business before hanging any fliers.   

 
5.  Kids can take flyers to school and start a school-wide project.  Classes can help pets as a holiday project and bring shelter wish list items to school.  Include several classes and have a contest for the most items collected.  Ask the local newspaper to write a story about this effort with photos of kids in the winning class.

 
6.  Set a goal to buy pet food for the homeless pets with every purchase of food for our own pets. 

7.  When drawing names for holiday gift giving, ask for volunteers to withdraw their own names and substitute pets' names from the local animal shelter.  The person who draws a pet's name can buy pet food.  Make sure the kids in the family understand that family members gave up gifts for themselves so homeless animals can be fed.  Take the kids along when the items are delivered to the shelter.

8.  Extended family can connect with younger family members with a mutual love of pets.  Aunts and uncles as well as grandparents often struggle with gift ideas and activities for the youngsters in the family.  Start a tradition with the kids to help needy pets by shopping for pet food and supplies and then going to the shelter together to deliver the goodies.  This activity, together with maybe a nice lunch at a favorite restaurant, will create memories for everyone and help teach kids about the needs of our homeless friends.

9.  Volunteer to foster a pet.  This would literally mean the gift of life for so many abandoned animals.  This is a serious commitment, so be sure it would work for the whole family .  Use this experience to teach kids that their contribution will help save a pet's life.

10.  Have
a holiday party for kids on behalf of shelter pets.  Each child can bring pet food and/or supplies from the shelter's wish list and each donation will then be matched by the party host.  Ask others to do the same with their kids and make it a competition between families, neighborhoods, co-workers, etc.


So let's get started with some new holiday traditions this year.  Be Santa's helpers and show kids (and even some adults) they can have a meaningful and joyous holiday by giving to the shelters that give so much to these precious animals all year long.  It doesn't cost much and will be the best gift they can give AND receive.  It will also create memories we'll carry in our hearts forever...and the shelter animals will be very grateful too!

 
Seasons greetings to all!

 
And as always, happy tails to you until we meet again!

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Giving Thanks For Our Pets

Thanksgiving is upon us once again – time for family, food, football, and the day set aside to give thanks for our blessings.  Although life happens and often interferes with our feelings of gratitude, it's important that we focus on all things good and, of course, what our pets add to our lives is all good.  During this season of giving thanks, let us all remember to be especially thankful for our pets and show them the kind of love and appreciation they show us every day.  Here are just a few reasons why we should be thankful for our pets:

LOVE.  If there's one thing we know for sure about our pets, it's that they love us unconditionally and that love comes back to us tenfold.  Almost all pets show happiness when we arrive home.  A dog's most enthusiastic tail-wagging, face-licking moment of the day is when we walk through the front door – even if we've just gone to the mailbox and back.  A cat's enthusiasm may be more subtle, but even the fact that he or she is in the same room with us for a change really says a lot.



COMPANIONSHIP.  Our pets keep us company and that company helps us to feel less lonely and isolated, especially for those of us who live alone.  Coming home to a pet gives us something to look forward to at the end of a long grueling day.


PHYSICAL CONTACT.  When a purring cat sits cuddled in our lap or a puppy is licking our face, all is right with the world.  Studies have shown that cuddling and stroking our pets is good for us; it makes us calmer and can even lower our heart rate and blood pressure.

SOMEONE TO TALK TO.  Talking things out relieves a lot of internal pressure.  Having someone to talk to can really make a difference.  It makes us feel less lonely.  Talk about anything – our pets will listen. Even better, they won't disagree, interrupt or tell anyone our secrets.


MOTIVATION TO EXERCISE.  Most pets need exercise every day.  Whether it's walking the dog or playing with the cat, we'll be getting some exercise too.  Physical exercise helps us to deal with stress and also gives us the opportunity to get outside and breathe a little fresh air.

SECURITY.  Some pets promote a feeling of safety.  A dog might bark when he hears or smells something out of the ordinary and a cat may wake us if there is smoke in the house.  Sometimes just having a pet nearby is enough to make us feel less anxious and more secure.

As we gather together to give thanks for our blessings this holiday season, lets not forget our pets; those faithful companions that fill our hearts and lives with so much joy and love!

 
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your beloved furry friends!

 
And as always, happy tails to you until we meet again!  (?)
(?)



(?)



 

Monday, November 2, 2015

Paws To Praise Pet Pal

Happy November!  OMG, can you believe Halloween is over and stores are already gearing up for "Black Friday"?  Well, before all the holiday craziness really gets going, let's take a moment to show our sincere appreciation to some incredibly selfless people and their commitment to the innocent and helpless animals in our communities.   

 
Local animal rescue groups and shelters like Pet Pal Animal Shelter are a saving grace for hundreds of homeless animals as well as a resource for information and care.  So what better time to think about the PAWSitive  impact of these animal shelters on the community than during National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, November 1st through 7th.  Since 1996, the first full week of November has been deemed National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week.  Launched by the Humane Society of the United States, this campaign was designed to acknowledge and promote the invaluable role shelters and other animal welfare organizations play in their communities.  In addition to the community role, this campaign is also meant to help increase public awareness of important animal welfare issues and shelter services.

 
Bringing together hopeful critters and loving homes is one of the things that shelters and rescues do best, but it’s certainly not the only thing.  From taking in unwanted animals and giving them food, water and shelter to rescuing injured or abused animals to helping reunite lost pets with their families, animal shelters spend 365 days a year saving animals.  For one week out of that year, community members, animal lovers and grateful pet parents come together to celebrate these organizations.  National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week is the perfect time to recognize shelters like Pet Pal and show our appreciation by getting involved.  Volunteering a few hours a week working at the shelter or helping out at events, becoming a foster for those animals needing a little extra TLC in a quiet home setting, purchasing a few items from the shelter's "wish list" on your next shopping trip, or just spreading the word about  Pet Pal Animal Shelter to anyone and everyone you meet are all excellent ways to show you care and become a part of this PAWesome family!  For more information on how you can show your appreciation this week and throughout the year, visit petpalanimalshelter.com or stop by in person and say hello to the cuddly kitties and playful pups while you're there. 

 
Since the animals in shelters can't speak for themselves, I wanted to give a voice to all of the dogs, cats, and other critters to express their true gratitude to the hard-working, dedicated staff and volunteers who care for them every single day.  I think this poem pretty much says it all! 

 
Once I was a lonely dog, Just looking for a home.
I had no place to go, No one to call my own.
I wandered up and down the streets, in rain in heat and snow.
Ate whatever I could find, I was always on the go.
My skin would itch, my feet were sore, My body ached with pain.
And no one stopped to give a pat, Or to gently say my name.
I never saw a loving glance, I was always on the run.
For people thought that hurting me was really lots of fun.
And then one day I heard a voice, So gentle, kind and sweet,
And arms so soft reached down to me, And took me off my feet.
"No one again will hurt you", Was whispered in my ear."
"You'll have a home to call your own, where you will know no fear.
You'll be dry, you'll be warm, you'll have enough to eat.
And rest assured that when you sleep, your dreams will all be sweet."
I was afraid, I must admit, I've lived so long in fear.
I can't remember when I let A human come so near.
As she tended to my wounds, And bathed and brushed my fur
She told me about the rescue group, And what it meant to her.
She said, "We are a circle, A line that never ends.
and in the center there is you, protected by new friends.
All around you are the ones who check the pounds,
and those who share their homes after you've been found.
And all the other folks are searching near and far.
to find the perfect home for you, where you can be a star."
She said, "There is a family that's waiting patiently,
and pretty soon we'll find them, just you wait and see.
And then they'll join our circle, they'll help to make it grow,
so there'll be room for more like you, who have no place to go."
I waited very patiently, The days they came and went.
Today's the day, I thought, my family will be sent.
Then just when I began to think it wasn't meant to be,
there were people standing there, just gazing down at me.
I knew them in a heartbeat, I could tell they felt it too.
They said, "We've been waiting for a special dog like you."
Now every night I say a prayer to all the gods that be.
"Thank you for the life I live and all you've given me.
But most of all, protect the animals in the pounds and on the streets.
And send a rescue person to lift them off their feet."


 
Thank you Pet Pal Animal Shelter for all the furry lives you've saved and for all those you will save in the future!

 
Happy tails to you until we meet again!!!