A DOG'S BILL OF RIGHTS
-Author Unknown

I have the right to give and receive unconditional love.
I have the right to a life that is beyond mere survival.
I have the right to be trained so that I do not become the prisoner of my misbehavior.
I have the right to adequate food and medical care.
I have the right to fresh air and green grass.
I have the right to socialize with people and dogs outside my own family.
I have the right to special time with my people.
I have the right to be bred responsibly if at all.
I have the right to be foolish and silly, and to make my person laugh.
I have the right to earn my person's trust and to be trusted in return.
I have the right to be forgiven.
I have the right to die with dignity.
 

AND HOW DO YOU MEASURE UP?
-Author Unknown

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 every 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 who love you take it out on you when something goes wrong through no fault of yours,
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 a 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.

THINGS WE CAN LEARN FROM DOGS 
-Author Unknown

Never pass up the chance for a joy ride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Take naps and stretch before rising.
Run, romp and play daily.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you are not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
When you are happy, dance around and wag your whole body.
No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing, run back and make friends.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

ONE DOG'S LIFE
-Author Unknown 

Today my life began. Although I am nothing more than a tiny being invisible to the eye, my entire body and soul are already determined. I am a girl. I am gentle and love children. I have floppy ears and dark brown eyes that show all the love I have to give. I am a rascal. My inborn urge to dig will bring me trouble. My teeth are sharp and my bark loud, but I will never use them against people, for I am born to love people. And I can hardly wait.

Today I am born. I have four brothers and five sisters. They are all warm, soft and cuddly like me. We don't do anything except nurse and sleep to prepare for our future lives.

I have opened my eyes for the first time. My mother is large and has long, beautiful black hair like I will have. My littermates and I still spend most of our time eating and sleeping.

Today I tried my legs. They are shaky, but I persevere and will succeed. I begin to play with the others and frighten myself with my bark. Our people pick us up each day and hold us closely, talking quietly. When they stroke me, my body can hardly contain my happiness. I quiver with joy and I use my tongue to show them.

We are growing quickly and have learned to eat from a pan. We move around and climb out of our box. Our people say we are little pests and put us in a larger pen, hugging us to soothe their words.

I have a name now. It is Midnight Lace. I am called Lacy by me people. My family is full of bounces, kisses and mischief. We have many toys and the children in the family romp with us making the house come alive with laughter and fun. I am beginning to learn what "No, Lacy" means.

New people have come into our world and some of my brothers and sisters have left. Everyone shows me love, and I return it.

Today I came to a new house. The people are not my people but they seem nice. I am happy as long as my tummy is full and I am loved. I eat my supper and the children take me out. I do what I am supposed to do, and they say, "Good Lacy." We have a good time playing.

Today the children forgot to take me out and I did something bad. I heard a big "NO!" and I am in disgrace. I know I did wrong and will try not to misbehave anymore.

Things are different here, and the people don't have much time for me. I spend as much time lying around and sleeping as I did when I was a little puppy. I am bored, and I find things to do. My people are not happy. They raise their voices, and I don't feel the loving touch from their hands as often.

I am much bigger, and I eat a tremendous amount. Too much, the people say. They say they did not know they would have to brush my coat so often, or that I would shed so much. They say I dug a hole in their flower bed. I say I am sorry with my eyes, but they do not see.

Today I was taken for a long ride. Usually I love to ride, but this time was different. I was taken away at night, and the man was very quiet. The lady was crying, and the children were sleeping. I felt upset. Then the car door opened, and I hopped out, ready for a romp. But the door slammed, and the car drove away. I am frightened. I am hungry. I wait.

I have waited a very long time. My tummy hurts. I am not happy. I have seen people at their houses, but they have no love for me. My eyes shine with the love I have to give, but nobody wants it.

I try to find food. I am hungry. I dig through some garbage, but there is so little food, and people come out to yell. I run across the road. It is dark, and a car hits me, throwing me into the gutter.

For some time I lie still. Finally I get up because the ache in my stomach is worse than the pain in my leg. I walk through the night searching for what I have lost. But I cannot find it. I lie down to wait - I know not for what.

Today a man came. He called me. He did not say "Here Lacy," like my people did, but he said "Here Doggy." He seemed kind. I am so afraid, but my leg hurts and his touch is gentle. He put me in his car. We went to a large place with many other dogs. I have my first full meal in a long time

Another man looks at me. My leg is very painful, and my heart is full of grief. My coat no longer shines, and my bones show through it. My eyes still glow and I lick his hand. He say "What a shame. This was a beautiful dog, but nobody will want her now."

Today my life ended.
 

DO I GO HOME TODAY?
- Author Unknown

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 and 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.
These are the things I'll not forget - a cherished memory,
because I now live in the shelter - without my family.

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 back yard, on a chain.
I barked and barked, all day long, just to keep from going insane.

So they brought me to the shelter, but were embarrassed to say why.
They said I caused an allergy, then they each kissed me goodbye.
If I'd only had some classes, when I was just a little pup,
then I would have been a better dog when I was all grown up.
"You only have one day left." I heard the worker say.
Does that mean I have a second chance?!?
DO I GO HOME TODAY?

PASS THEM ALL BY
©Shell 2002; theanimalspirit@hotmail.com

Pass them all by ...
those things in cages.
Just say "poor dear" and move down the line.
He's overweight.
She's scrawny.
He seems to have fleas.
She has FIV.
Maybe I should try a different shelter?
Well, I made the trip, so let's move down the line.

Pass them all by ...
That one is too old.
This one is the wrong shade of red.
Here, I have a photo of how it should look.
Don't get me wrong, I want to help out,
save a life and all that.
After all, that's what this is all about!
But I know exactly what I want,
so let's move down the line.

Pass them all by ...
He's not purebred.
She's not the right color.
He meows too loud.
She doesn't purr at all.
His hair is too long.
Her hair is too short.

Pass them all by ...
Just things. Only animals.
He doesn't look happy.
She looks kind of angry.
He won't let me cuddle.
She won't sit on my lap.
Any more over there?

Pass them all by ...
those things in cages.
Just say "poor dear" and move down the line.
Pass them all by,
nothing here that I want.
Pass them all by,
just leave them to die.

(Dedicated to shelter animals everywhere)