Rescue Poems

A collection of Rescue Poems from the website at Westie Rescue of Northern California. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.....




The Prayer of a Stray

Dear God please send me somebody who will care!
I'm tired of running, I'm sick with despair.

My body is aching, it is so racked with pain,
And dear God I pray as I run in the rain.

That someone will love me and give me a home
A warm cozy bed and a big juicy bone

My last owner tied me all day in the yard
Sometimes with no water and God that was hard!

So I chewed my leash God and I ran away
To rummage in garbage and live as a stray.

But now God I'm tired and hungry and cold,
Ant I'm so afraid that I'll never grow old.

They've chased me with sticks and hit me with stones
While I run the streets just looking for bones!

I'm not really bad God, please help if you can,
For I have become just a "victim of man."

I'm wormy dear God and I'm ridden with fleas and
All that I want is an owner to please!

If you find one for me God, I'll try to be good
And I won't chew their shoes, but I'll do as I should.

I'll love them, protect them and try to obey
Wehn they tell me to sit, to lie down or to stay!

I don't think I'll make it too long on my own,
Cause I'm getting so weak and I'm so all alone.

Each night as I sleep in the bushes I cry,
Cause I'm so afraid God, that I'm gonna die!

And I've got so much love and devotion to give,
That I should be given a new chance to live.

Se dear God, please, please answer my prayer and
Send me somebody who will really care.


Author Unknown

My two girls. Frisbee is the Westie and Pickie is the Kelpie/McNabb, (brown one). You know it truly hurts my heart, I start crying and have to turn the channel when there is a Commercial on that involves the poor abandoned and abused Dogs waiting for a furever home that may never come their way. God this has to stop, I can't do it all by myself and I do what I can to help out with what little money I can afford. Will it ever stop God? I don't think so because like the above Poem says I've become a "victim of man." Man who is suppose to take care of these dogs, and it's not only dogs it's all creatures put on this earth by God! I wish I had Millions of dollars so that I could rescue all of the creatures God gave us to care for so they would all know what it's like to have a furever home like Pickie and Frisbee do. People are sick, sick, sick and screwed up very badly in the head, (they have to be), why else would a human treat such beautiful animals so very terribly when all the animal wants to do is love and obey his human to the best of their abilities! No man starves, beats, burns, shoots, drags by car, stabs, hangs, ties up in deplorable conditions, (no dog house to get in out of the weather, no food or water), abandons, (their own pets they've had for years, sick!), trains for dog fights, hits and beats with anything they can get in their hands, sets on fire, drowns, etc., etc. and we call ourselves Civilized?? I pray for all of the abandoned, sheltered and strays out there every night that God watches over them, takes care of them, gives them shelter from the weather, gives them water but most of all I pray that God will find them someone to love them right and that they find a furever home! This Poem made me cry as I read it. I needed to share it with you...

Once I was a lonely Dog



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.
I 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 will be dry, you will be warm, you'll have enought 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.

And as tended to my woulds 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."


"And all around you are the ones that check the 
pounds,
and those that share their home after you've been found."


"And all the other folk we're 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 heart beat, I could tell they felt it too.
They said, "We have 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 dogs in the pound and on the street.
And send a Rescue Person to lift them off their feet."


No listing for Author

 

TO MY RESCUE ANGEL

 

I wonder if you will remember
Finding me a home
After I wandered through the streets
Feeling so lost and alone.

 

It was January when you found me,
I was waiting at the pound,
How could I ever know
That by an angel I'd been found?

 

And in the year that's past since then,
I've often said a prayer
To thank the Lord for sending you
To place me with folks who'd care.

 

The year has been just splendid,
I've had all kinds of fun.
I even passed obedience class~
Although I'm not so good at come.

 

I know my family loves me,
You should see my basket of toys!
Treats and walks, and rides in the car,
Are some of my special joys.

 

I sometimes get into mischief,
By finding the wrong things to chew,
My family knows it's just for attention
When I take off with a favorite shoe!

 

Their love is unconditional,
I've discovered that of late,
You see I tested them at first,
But they turned out great!

 

So this is my special "birthday"
Of that day one year ago
And I will never forget my rescue angel
And wanted you to know.

 

Thank you for giving me my life!

 

All my love,
Bailie... XOXOX

Author Jean Delwiche 2001

This poem was lovingly sent by rescued Westie Bailie Delwiche to his

Rescue Angel, Pamela Evans, on the first anniversary of his adoption.

 

THE RESCUE DOG

 

I took a little dog home that day,
He was ugly and bad, it's true,
Only I could see
His true beauty shining through.

 

I put him down at my front door,
So he could walk inside,
And when I opened up for him,
He just stood there, eyes open wide.

 

A big soft bed was there for him,
A fluffy blanket blue,
A heap of toys was nearby,
All bright and shiny and new.

 

All this for me he seemed to say,
His little eyes they shone,
No more need to bite, or cower, or cringe
All fear and anger gone.

 

He paid me back a thousand times
My furry faithful friend,
A better friend I never had
Right up until the end.

 

We walked a long and rocky road,
Through trouble, grief and strife,
And in the dark and stormy days
He gave meaning to my life.

 

I thought my heart would break,
When the time came for him to go,
I buried him in his blanket blue
Beneath the cold white snow.

 

Sometimes I still hear his little bark,
Feel the touch of a velvet paw,
And I still stoop down to greet him
When I open my front door.

 

~ Author Unknown ~

 

 

 

BAGGAGE

 

 

Now that I'm home, bathed, settled and fed, All nicely tucked in my warm new bed. I'd like to open my baggage lest I forget There is so much to carry - So much to regret. Hmm . . . Yes there it is, right on the top. Let's unpack Loneliness, Heartache and Loss; And there by my leash hides Fear and Shame. As I look on these things I tried so hard to leave – I still have to unpack my baggage called Pain. I loved them, the others, the ones who left me, But I wasn't good enough - for they didn't want me. Will you add to my baggage? Will you help me unpack? Or will you just look at my things - And take me right back? Do you have the time to help me unpack? To put away my baggage, to never repack? I pray that you do - I'm so tired you see, But I do come with baggage – Will YOU still want ME? ~ © Evelyn Colbath, 1995 ~     My little precious girl Westie Frisbee. We both love her so very much and would never leave her if we left our home. If they don't take Frisbee and Pickie then they don't take me. I can't imagine the terrified, "what's going on, where are they going" look she would have on her face and this is something that will never happen to both my girls as long as I'm alive! There's always a way to solve the problem. I pray no dog has to feel like baggage! God please watch out over them all! Find them furever homes soon!

 

HOW COULD YOU?

 

When I was a puppy, I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child, and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend.  Whenever I was "bad," you'd shake your finger at me and ask "How could you?" - but then you'd relent, and roll me over for a belly rub. My housebreaking took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed and listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect. We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because "ice cream is bad for dogs," you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day.
Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love.
She, now your wife, is not a "dog person" - still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy. Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that  might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a "prisoner of love."
As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears, and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them and their touch - because your touch was now so infrequent - and I would have defended them with my life if need be.
I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams, and together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway. There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few years, you just answered "yes" and changed the subject. I had gone from being "your dog" to "just a dog" and you resented every expenditure on my behalf.
Now, you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You've made the right decision for your "family," but there was a time when I was your only family.
I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the paperwork and said "I know you will find a good home for her." They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog, even one with "papers." You had to pry your son's fingers loose from my collar as he screamed "No, Daddy!  Please don't let them take my dog!" And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life. You gave me a goodbye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet and now I have one, too.
After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked "How could you?"
They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago. At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you - that you had changed your mind - that this was all a bad dream...or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me. When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited.

I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day, and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room. She placed me on the table and rubbed my ears, and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days. As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her, and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood.

She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago. She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured "How could you?"

Perhaps because she understood my dog-speak, she said "I'm so sorry." She hugged me, and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself - a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place. And with my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my "How could you?" was not directed at her. It was you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of. I will think of you and wait for you forever. May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty.

~ © Jim Willis, 2001 ~

How could you is right! Happens all the time! Don't get a dog if you can't feed it, give it water, give it shelter from the storms and heat, take care of health problems etc. Don't get a dog if you can't take care of yourself. Make sure you can give this God created creature lots of caring, love, hugs and kisses and make sure you treat him right! A dog only wants to please, take care of, protect and love their owner(s) and their love is unconditional! Is this so much to ask for? Make sure you can give your dog a furever home! One that will not be ripped away from him because your life is changing! Let him make the changes with you, there's always a way to keep your pet and not give it to the pound or shelter! It's disgusting that people do this to their pets that have been faithful and loving towards them!

 

 

ANIMAL RESCUER'S CREED

I'll never bring about world peace. I won't single handedly save the rain forest. I'm not a brain surgeon and I'll never transplant an organ to save a life. I don't have the ear of a powerful politician or world power. I can't end world hunger. I'm not a celebrity, and God knows I'm not glamorous!  I'm not looked up to by millions around the world. Very few people even recognize my name. I'll never win the Nobel prize or end global warming. There are a lot of things that I'll never do or become. 

 

But today I helped place an animal! 

 

It was a small, scared, bundle of flesh and fur that was dumped at a shelter, or on the streets by unfeeling people who didn't care what happened to it, but yet who were responsible for it having existence in the first place.

 

I helped find it a loving home. 

 

It now has contentment and an abundance of love. A warm place to sleep and plenty to eat. Two little girls have a warm and playful new friend who will give them unending affection and teach them about responsibility and love. A wife and mother has a new free spirit to cuddle, nurture and care for.  A husband and father has a furry friend to sit in his lap at the end of a hard day of work and help him relax and enjoy life.  And a sense of satisfaction, that when he is gone all day at work, there there is a gentle spirit in his home keeping watch over his family.

 

No, I'm not a rocket scientist. But today, I made a difference!  And I'll do it tomorrow, too, if given a chance. 

 

Author Unknown