I had a hard time forwarding this to others who don't understand about the homeless population of dogs, well.. not only dogs, but all pets out there past the clouded stream of tears flowing down my face! I will post this on our craigs list here in the bay area of CA. People just don't know - and it breaks my heart! Gloria C I will say of the Lord, HE is myRefuge and my Fortress, my God; on HIM ...I lean, rely and (confidently) trust! Psalm 91:2
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]: [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Wed, 5 Nov 2008 19:57:16 +0000Subject: [Chihuahuas] I had to share... I saw this listed on my local craigslist... and I had to share. I havetears down my face right now but I feel it is worth every tear if ishelps just one person in the world rethink about finding their littleones new homes. I hope you enjoy.VenusHow Could You?By Jim WillisWhen I was a puppy I entertained you with my antics and made youlaugh. You called me your child and despite a number of chewed shoesand 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 couldyou?" -- but then you'd relent and roll me over for a bellyrub.My housetraining took a little longer than expected, because you wereterribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nightsof nuzzling you in bed, listening to your confidences and secretdreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect. Wewent for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for icecream (I only got the cone because "ice cream is bad for dogs," yousaid), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home atthe 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 chidedyou about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, andwhen you fell in love.She, now your wife, is not a "dog person" - still I welcomed her intoour home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happybecause you were happy. Then the human babies came along and I sharedyour excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled,and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that Imight 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 andpulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes,investigated my ears and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everythingabout them, especially their touch - because your touch was now soinfrequent - and I would have defended them with my life if need be.I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secretdreams. 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, thatyou produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them storiesabout me. These past few years, you just answered "yes" and changedthe subject. I had gone from being your dog to "just a dog," and youresented every expenditure on my behalf.Now you have a new career opportunity in another city and you and theywill be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You've madethe right decision for your "family," but there was a time when I wasyour only family.I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animalshelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. Youfilled out the paperwork and said "I know you will find a good homefor her." They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understandthe realities facing a middle-aged dog or cat, 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 himand what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty,about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life. Yougave me a goodbye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politelyrefused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline tomeet and now I have one, too.After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about yourupcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another goodhome. They shook their heads and asked "How could you?"They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busyschedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite daysago. 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 alla 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 thefrolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their ownfate, I retreated to a far corner and waited.I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day and Ipadded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfullyquiet room. She placed me on the table, rubbed my ears and told me notto worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, butthere was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out ofdays. As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burdenwhich she bears weighs heavily on her and I know that, the same way Iknew your every mood.She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran downher cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you somany years ago. She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein.As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, Ilay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured "How could you?"Perhaps because she understood my dogspeak, she said "I'm so sorry."She hugged me and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure Iwent to a better place, where I wouldn't be ignored or abused orabandoned, or have to fend for myself - a place of love and light sovery different from this earthly place. With my last bit of energy, Itried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my "How couldyou?" was not meant for her. It was you, My Beloved Master, I wasthinking of. I will think of you and wait for you forever.May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty.For more about Jim Willis and his Book "Pieces Of My Heart"Visit: http://www.crean.com/jimwillis/
