"Evergreen"

SOME OF MY FAVOURITE POEMS

Do I Go Home Today

~ by Sandi Thompson ~

My family brought me home cradled in their arms
They cuddled me and smiled at me, and said I was full of charm.
They played with me and laughed with me they showered me with toys.
I sure do love my family especially the girls and boys.

The children loved to feed me, they gave me special treats.
They even let me sleep with them--all snuggled in the sheets.
I used to go for walks, often several times a day.
They even fought to hold the leash, I'm very proud to say.

They used to laugh and praise me, when I played with that old shoe.
But I didn't know the difference between the old ones and the new.
The kids and I would grab a rag, for hours we would tug.
So I thought I did the right thing when I chewed the bedroom rug.

They said that I was out of control, and would have to live outside.
This I did not understand, although I tried and tried.
The walks stopped, one by one they said they hadn't time.
I wish that I could change things, I wish I knew my crime.

My life became so lonely, in the backyard, on a chain.
I barked and barked all day long, to keep from going insane.
So they brought me to the shelter, but were embarrassed to say why.
They said I caused an allergy, and then kissed me goodbye.

If I'd only had some classes, as a little pup.
I wouldn't have been so hard to handle when I was all grown up.
You only have one day left, I heard the worker say.
Does this mean a second chance? Do I go home today?

I Am Famous Now?

~ Author Unknown ~

I was born today.
One of 10.
My daddy was very famous.
I have lots of half brothers and sisters.

My mother is very famous.
Since she got famous, She has only had puppies.
No more loving hands, No more fun trips, just puppies.
She is always sad when they leave her.

I left home today.
I didn't want to go.
So I hid behind my mama
And my three littermates that were left.

I didn't like You.
But one day, they said, I would be famous.
I wonder, is famous the same.
As fun and good times?

So You picked me up and carried me away,
Even though You were concerned
About me hiding from You.
I don't think You liked me.

My new home is far away.
My heart says: BE BRAVE.
My ancestors were.
Did they go to good homes like mine?

I'm hungry because I can't eat too much,
Because it will be bad for my bones.
I can't bite or snap when the children are mean to me.
I just run and play and pretend
That I'm in a big green field
With butterflies and robins and frogs.

I can't understand why they kick me.
I am quiet, but the man hits me and says loud things.
The lady doesn't feed me good things like I had with my mother.
She just throws dry food on the ground,
Then goes away before I can get too close for touching and petting.
Sometimes my food smells bad, but I eat it anyway.

Today I had 10 puppies.
They are so wonderful and warm.
Am I famous now?

I wish I could play with them, but they are so tiny.
I am so young and playful
That it's hard to lay here in this hole under the house
Nursing my puppies.
They are crying now.

I am so hungry.
I scratch and worry my fur.
I wish somebody would throw me some food.
I am also very thirsty.
Two got cold during the night
And I couldn't make them warm again.

They are gone.
We all are very weak.
Maybe if I take them out on the porch,
We can get some food.

Today they took us away.
It was too much trouble to feed us,
And someone came to take us away.
Someone grabbed my puppies.

They were crying and whimpering.
We were put in a truck with boxes in it.
Are my babies famous now?
I hope so, because I miss them.
They are gone.

The place smelled of urine, fear and sickness.
Why was I here?
I was beautiful, like my ancestors.
Now I am hungry, dirty, in pain and unwanted.
No one came though I tried to be good.

Today someone came.
They put a rope on my neck, and led me to a room
That was very clean and had a shiny table.
They put me on the table.

Someone held me and hugged me.
It felt so good!
Then I felt tired and laid over the last one who cared.

I am famous now.
Today someone cared.

First Time At A Dog Show

~ Dawn Massey ~

First time at a dog show,
I'll tell you quite plain,
I'll never, no never, go near one again.
The breeder said 'show him' when I bought the dog,
I showed him alright - the whole place was agog.

They gave me a number, they gave me a pin
But I couldn't bear to stick the thing in,
So I rushed to a shop and bought some clear glue
And stuck the card on his back in the loo.

We arrived at the ringside to find we were first
In the dog pup class (this part was the worst)
We marched in together as fast as was able -
Arrived at the judge, who said 'up on the table'.

This really surprised me, my skirt was quite tight
And I just couldn't make it, try as hard as I might.
The judge looked quite worried, he said listen here -
Put your dog on the table, not you my dear!

But now I was trembling, I felt such a fool
But I said to myself 'play it cool, play it cool'
'How old?' said the judge, and I heard it quite clear
Well really! I thought and said 'thirty next year!'

The steward, poor fellow, threw some kind of fit
He sputtered, he coughed, and his eyes ran a bit
'I'd have that cough seen to' I said to him when
He'd finally stopped....then he started again.

'Once round the ring, dear, as quick as you can'
Said the judge, so I did, I just ran and ran
But when I arrived (out of breath I admit)
The judge said 'Your dog, dear' - I felt such a twit!

Off round once again, I kept my head bent
Oh the shame, my pup crouched, he just went and he went!
The lady came running with bucket and spade
With manure so pricey, had she got it made!

We came back to the judge who said with a frown
'Stand your dog' I said 'Please sir, he's not laying down'
'You can take the first prize stand' he said - I said 'Ta!'
What a job I had getting the stand in the car!!!

Only A Dog

~ Author Unknown ~

Do you remember thinking it was time that the kids learned some responsibility
And scanning the newspaper ads for a cheap dog for sale?
Do you remember bringing home this little ball of shivering fur
And putting her out in the yard on a chain
That was too heavy on a night that was too cold?
Of course you don't remember this.
After all, she is only a dog.

Do you remember this baby crying because she was afraid and alone?
Do you remember screaming at her to be quiet
And finally going out there to kick her to drive the lesson home?
Of course you don't remember this.
After all, she is only a dog.

Do you remember the many times you noticed her water bowl was empty
And her food bowl was covered with mold
And thinking that it was the kids' job to take care of her?
Do you remember seeing that her coat was dull and lifeless
And, in many places, chewed away down to the skin
Because of the parasites no one took the time to rid her of?
Of course you don't remember this.
After all, she is only a dog.

Do you remember her first heat
And the neighbour's male visiting her night after night?
Do you remember thinking that letting her have the puppies
Would be a good experience for the kids?
Do you remember that every one of those pups died
Because their mother was no more than a puppy herself?
Of course you don't remember this.
After all, she is only a dog.

I know you remember the animal control officer coming to the house,
Accusing you of animal cruelty and taking her away
Because you couldn't understand what all the fuss was about.
After all, she is only a dog.

I thought you might be interested in how this girl is doing today.
You see, once she found a home that gave her love, attention and proper care,
She blossomed into a beautiful, loyal companion.
To these people, she is much more
Than only a dog.

She became a therapy dog and now goes to nursing homes and hospices
Where she brightens the lives of the infirm and dying.
To some of these people, she has given hope.
To others, she's given them a reason to keep living.
To even others, she's given them the will to die peacefully,
With a smile on their lips.
To these people, she is much more
Than only a dog.

Just last week, she helped find a little boy
Who was lost in the woods.
She spent a long, cold winter's night, lying over him to keep him warm
And risked her own life to protect his.
To this little boy and his family,
She is much more than only a dog.

What is the difference?
Why did that filthy, flea ridden animal chained in your backyard
Suddenly become so important to so many?
Because she never gave up her trust in people
And she never once thought,
After all, he is only a human.

Pet Store Puppy

~ Amy Butcher ~

I'm a little puppy, so cuddly, sweet and small
I live inside a cage, you see at Pet Store in the mall.
I'm not an only puppy, my sisters are all here.
My brothers, too, except for Ralph who died coz he was scared.

It's lonely here at night time when all the lights go dark,
We tremble in our cages and we whimper and we bark.
But no one comes to hold us or pet our fears away
We sit all night in terror till the store opens next day.

We don't remember mama left so far behind
She did the best she could for us till Man said "It is time."
He crammed us all in cages too small for us you see
We rode for hours; we could not help but lay in poop and pee

And now we sit in Pet Store where kids come taunt and squeeze
They do not hear our whimpers or understand our pleas
We're miserable and it's scary here,  we all would rather die
But since we don't, we do our best to run away and hide

I know you think my story too sad to leave me be,
You want to take me home with you, a happy little puppy.
But please, though it is fearful to live here against our will
If you take me that leaves a spot another pup will fill.

You can stop our suffering but not by taking us home
You must be strong and leave us here, unsold and all alone
For if you do not take me, then another pup won't come
And maybe he will not be shipped so far away from home

Tho some of us may not survive the cycle 'ere it falls
If we don't sell they will not need more puppies in these halls
And if they need no puppies then the Man will not bring more
Eventually it can all stop! You CAN close the door.

So when you see a puppy face so sad and sweet and small
In a cage at Pet Store at your neighbourhood shopping mall
The best thing you can do for him is leave him sitting there
That is the best way you can tell all dogs how much you care.

Forever Children

~ Guy Pardee ~
Dedicated to Hobbes and all our forgotten friends.

When we cry, look in on us.
When we're hungry, feed us.
When we make a mistake, teach us.
When we're ill, mend us.

When you come home, greet us.
When we're lost, you must find us.
If you need love, love us.

When we're pained and suffering, free us.
When we're gone, remember us.
Be responsible, responsible for us.
Forever children.

Permission to publish received from author.

I'm Here

~ Author unknown ~

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.

Ascension

~ Colleen Corah Hitchcock '89 ~

And if I go,
Know that I live on,
Vibrating to a different measure
- behind a thin veil you cannot see through.
You will not see me,
So you must have faith.

I wait for the time when we can soar together again,
- both aware of each other.
Until then, live your life to its fullest,
And when you need me,
Just whisper my name in your heart,
...I will be there.

I Said Goodbye

~ Brandi Gray ~
Dedicated to my beloved Sheba, November 1985-September 2000.

I said goodbye to you today,
I held you in my arms as your spirit slipped away.
I had a choice, so hard to make,
but I gave your soul to God, to take.

I didn’t expect such guilt and pain,
The consuming need to hold you again.
I know in my heart, my decision was right.
But it’s dark without you,
you were my light

I hear people say "she was only a pet"
But you were my friend, so much more than that.
It’s hard to say goodbye, to know we’ll be apart,
But until we meet again,
You’re forever in my heart.

Permission to publish received from author.

The Retired Show Dog

~ Author unknown ~

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 and strong,
His gait and topline, never went wrong.

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

He loves to be brushed, when you have the time,
He waits 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 and such.

So he sits and he waits, till you have 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!!

The Life Of A Husky Puppy

~ Author Unknown ~

This morning, I woke up & kissed my dad's head.
I peed on the carpet, and 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 and we walked for a while.
This never fails to make Mama smile.
I sniffed of everything that we did pass,
I ate something weird and it gave me gas.

I'm sure that 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, it 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 full speed.
Mom is pretty quick -- but I was still in the lead.
I flew under the bed, and Mom flew right past,
She stopped, 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'd sat at the computer, while I chewed the cord,
She thought I was mad, but I was just bored.

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

That didn't last long, 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 neighbour, 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, then turned on my charms,
I woo-wooed "Hello," then jumped in his arms.

Sitting under the table -- it's sooo 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 abused.
Daddy let loose a chuckle. Mom asked, "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, "Time for bed."
Dad said, "Let's go boy," and patted my head.
I got in my spot, between Mom and Dad,
I thought 'bout my day and what fun 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 goodnight'.

The Creation Story

~ as told by Snoopy ~

On the First day of creation, God created the dog.
On the second day, God created man to serve the dog.
On the third day, God created all the animals of the earth
(especially the horse) to serve as potential food for the dog.
On the fourth day, God created honest toil
so that man could labour for the good of the dog.
On the fifth day, God created the tennis ball
so that the dog might or might not retrieve it.
On the sixth day, God created veterinary science
to keep the dog healthy and the man broke.
On the seventh day, God tried to rest,
but He had to walk the dog.

Heaven's Doggy-Door

~ jan cooper '95 ~

My best friend closed his eyes last night,
As his head was in my hand.
The Doctors said he was in pain,
And it was hard for him to stand.

The thoughts that scurried through my head,
As I cradled him in my arms,
Were of his younger, puppy years,
And OH . . . his many charms.

Today, there was no gentle nudge
With an intense "I love you gaze",
Only a heart that's filled with tears
Remembering our joy filled days.

But an Angel just appeared to me,
And he said "You should cry no more,
GOD also loves our canine friends,
He's installed a "doggy-door"!

The above MAY be reproduced WITHOUT permission

Heaven's Gate

~ Author unknown ~

I got to the gate of heaven yesterday after we said goodbye.
I began to miss you terribly, because I heard you cry.
Suddenly there was an angel and she asked me to enter heaven's gate.
I asked her if I could stay outside for someone who'd be late.

I wouldn't make much noise you see,
I wouldn't bark or howl,
I'll only wait here patiently
and play with my tennis ball.

The angel said I could stay right here and wait for you to come
Because heaven just wouldn't be heaven, if I went in alone.
So I'll wait here, You take your time, but keep me in your heart.
Because heaven just wouldn't be heaven without you to warm my heart.

Dog

~ Title and Author unknown ~

When the first great cause of all things (God)
Left man to evolve in time-
He built in a lesser body
A fragment of love divine

To give to the poorest beggar
A love that made him a King
And kiss the hand which is empty
When fortune and friend take wing.

As a name for this rare being
Reflecting the love of God
Man spelt his creator backwards
And called his small likeness dog.

Ten Commandments Of Dog Ownership

~ Author unknown ~

My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years.
Any separation from you will be painful for me.
Give me time to understand what you want of me.
Place your trust in me - its crucial to my well-being.

Don't be angry at me for long, and don't lock me up as punishment.
You have your work, your entertainment, and your friends. I have only you.
Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don't understand your words,
I do understand your voice when it's speaking to me.

Be aware that however you treat me I'll never forget it.
Remember before you hit me that I have teeth 
that could easily crush the bones of your hand,
but that I choose not to bite you

Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate, or lazy,
ask yourself if something might be bothering me.
Perhaps I'm not getting the right food or
I've been out in the sun too long.

Take care of me when I get old, you too will grow old.
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...........

Puppy Wings

~ Author unknown ~

There is a Doggie Heaven,
Way up there in the sky,
Where my puppy is an angel,
Who is learning how to fly,

He sleeps beside my Father,
And plays in pastures green,
He lives with happy children,
The way it should have been,

My tears are all dried now, 
And my sadness laid to rest,
For the time we had together,
I know I had been blessed,

In dreams we play together,
As he licks my face with glee,
My bed is our bridge united,
Where fantasies are set free,

I feel him close beside me now,
It's not just my imaginings,
The softness I feel inside,
Is the whisper of puppy wings.

T'was the night before Christmas

~ Author unknown ~

T'was the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
With no thought of the dog filling their head.
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Knew he was cold, but didn't care about that.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Figuring the dog was free of his chain and into the trash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the luster of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But Santa Claus - with eyes full of tears.

He unchained the dog, once so lively and quick,
Last years Christmas present, now painfully thin and sick..
More rapid than eagles he called the dogs name.
And the dog ran to him, despite all his pain;

"Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN!
On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONDER and BLITZEN!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Let's find this dog a home where he'll be loved by all".

I knew in an instant there would be no gifts this year,
For Santa Claus had made one thing quite clear,
The gift of a dog is not just for the season,
We had gotten the pup for all the wrong reasons.

In our haste to think of the kids a gift
There was one important thing that we missed.
A dog should be family, and cared for the same
You don't give a gift, then put it on a chain.

And I heard him exclaim as he rode out of sight,
"You weren't giving a gift! You were giving a life!"

Christmas at the Rainbow Bridge

~ Author unknown ~

As the midnight hour approaches on Christmas Eve, a tremendous celebration begins. 
If you listen closely you will hear the exuberant sound of Bridgekids 
preparing for the remarkable moment that comes but once a year. 
Puppies romp through the tall green grass, chasing butterflies and 
rolling over and over until fits of giggles bring them to a tumbling stop. 
The volume increases as kittens, cats, tigers and lions purr in pure delight 
while the wings of snow white doves gently caress the air. 

The babbling brook that runs beneath Rainbow Bridge overflows onto the edge of mossy banks 
and fins of treasured aquatic life quiver in anticipation of this most joyous event. 
Nestled in the midst of this happy choir of Bridgekids are the littlest angel tots
staring in awe at the majestic Christmas tree adorned with flowing strands of angel hair.
Effervescent, twinkling stars seesaw elegantly from the sky and land in glorious harmony 
upon the stoic limbs of Heaven's most perfect Christmas tree. 

Swaying to and fro in nearby rocking chairs are grandmothers, 
grandfathers, parents, aunts, uncles and loved ones. 
The sound of their whispered lullabies permeate the air
as they sing to tiny angel babies resting quietly in their arms. 

Like magic the clock approaches midnight and a great stirring is heard in the distance. 
Each Bridge kid stops and listens, knowing the time is near, 
and they choose a fleecy cloud on which to snuggle. 
The roar of purrs drops to barely an audible hum, the babbling brook ripples 
hypnotically and the flutter of downy feathered wings fall silent.
Heaven's spirited toddlers climb expectantly upon the laps of angels
while babies coo in tranquil unison. 

Amidst the warm glow of candle light which rises from the earth below,
the arms of the Bridge Keeper envelop the heavens and into the precious hands 
of each child and in front of each animal a holy gift is placed.
With grand exuberance the ribbons are removed and left to fly on a tender breeze 
where they dissolve into showers of angel dust. 
As the golden lids of these heavenly gifts are raised, 
an amazing aura fills the sky, reaching down to the very core of the earth. 

Ascending from each and every box is the greatest gift of all,
unending, unconditional, all-encompassing love. 
This blessed love gently wraps itself around the cherished souls of heaven, 
warming their hearts with beacons of radiant light 
and bringing forth from angels an exquisite chorus. 

As the clock strikes midnight the distance between heaven and earth is vanished.
It is at this very moment on Christmas Eve that the Bridge Keeper, 
His children, angels and Bridge kids send a message to their
earthly loved ones on the wings of this unbridled love. 
Listening carefully with an open heart we will hear the familiar voice
of our own angel whisper softly into our ear their Christmas
message..."Let me share with you this love of mine, always and forever.

When you need me know that I am here. 
I have not left you for I am in your heart where I belong. 
Our love is eternal as is the brilliant glow of candlelight 
which illuminates the path to the heavens and Rainbow Bridge. 
I wait patiently as do you for our inevitable and glorious reunion. 
I love you, I love you, I love you."