Notable Quotables
"I shall pass through this world but once. Any good thing therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again."
--Etienne DeGrellet
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"It is not enough to be compassionate, you must act."
--Amy Bartell
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"We cannot discount the lives of sensitive and intelligent creatures merely because they assume non-human form"
--G. Kowalski
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"You must be the change you wish to see in the world"
--Gandhi
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"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated"
--Gandhi
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"The average dog is a nicer person than the average person."
--Andy Rooney
Poems, Stories & Meditations
I Rescued a Human Today
I rescued a human today. Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid.
As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.
As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life.
She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship.
A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well. Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.
I rescued a human today.
10 Things a Dog Asks of Its People
1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you will be painful for me. Remember that before you adopt or buy me.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
3. Place your trust in me ... it's crucial for my well being.
4. Don't be angry at me for long, and don't lock me up as a punishment. You have your work, your entertainment and your friends. I have only you.
5. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don't understand your words, I understand your voice when it's speaking to me.
6. Be aware of how you treat me. Would you want to be treated the same way?
7. Remember before you hit me that I have teeth that could crush the bones of your hands, but I choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being 'uncooperative', 'obstinate' or 'lazy', ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not feeling well or not getting the right food, or I've been out in the sun too long, or my heart is getting old and weak.
9. Take care of me when I grow old: you too, will grow old.
10. Go with me on a difficult journey. Never say "I can't bear to watch it", or "Let it happen in my absence". Everything is easier when you are there.
It Makes A Difference
by Loren Eisley
A well-known author and poet was working and vacationing on the southern coast of Spain. One morning very early, he was walking along the beach; the sun was just rising. While enjoying the beauty about him, he glanced down the beach and saw a lone figure dancing about.
Fascinated by this other person celebrating the day that was about to dawn, he moved closer. As he came nearer, he realized that the young man was not dancing, but in one graceful movement was picking objects up from the beach and was tossing them out into the sea. As he approached the young man, he saw that the objects were starfish.
"Why in the world are you throwing starfish into the water?"
"If the starfish are still on the beach when the tide goes out and the sun rises higher in the sky, they will die," replied the young man as he continued tossing them out to the sea.
"That's ridiculous! There are thousands of miles of beach and millions of starfish. You can't believe that what you are doing could possible make a difference!"
The young man picked up another starfish, paused thoughtfully and remarked as he tossed it out into the waves,
"It makes a difference to this one."
A Dog's Hope
Treat me kindly, my beloved friend, for no heart in all the world
is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of mine.
Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between blows,
your patience and understanding will more
quickly teach me the things you would have me learn.
Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music,
as you must know, by the fierce wagging of my tail when the sound
of your foot steps fall upon my waiting ear.
Please take me inside when it is cold and wet,
for I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet.
Keep my pan filled with water, for I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.
Feed me clean food that I may stay well,
to romp and play and do your bidding to walk by your side
and stand ready, willing, and able to
protect you with my life, should your life be in danger.
And, my friend, when I am very old and no longer enjoy good health, hearing,
and sight, do not make heroic efforts to keep me going.
I shall leave this earth knowing with the last breath that I draw
that my fate was always safest in your hands...
I will always be your BEST FRIEND.
A Prayer for Animals
by Albert Schweitzer
Hear, our humble prayer, O God, for our friends, the animals. Especially for animals who are suffering; for any that are hunted or lost or deserted or frightened or hungry; for all that must be put to death. We entreat for them all thy mercy and pity, and for those who deal with them, we ask a heart of compassion and gentle hands and kindly words. Make us, ourselves, to be true friends to animals and so to share the blessings of the merciful.
Do I Go Home Today?
by S. 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 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.
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 be the dog they want 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?
Snip and Chip
Don’t wait for little pattering paws,
get kitty done today.
Head off to your local vets,
for a neuter or a spay.
Ignoring this is no excuse,
the shelters will concur.
They’re bursting at the seams with cats,
as other’s did defer.
If left intact a female cat,
can mother many kits.
Twelve a year could be the norm,
so come on use your wits.
If money’s tight then ask for help,
the experts can assist.
Cats all need to have the snip,
so please do not desist!
Teresa Harrison-Best
www.Catawall.com
Mantra
Don't Breed or Buy While Shelter Pets Die !
Many people who breed say it is alright because they find homes for 'their' animals but many of these animals end up at shelters. ALSO for every home where they place an animal, there is then ONE LESS HOME and this means that ONE MORE DOG AT A SHELTER DIES for lack of a home!!!
Please, Don't Breed .... Don't Buy.
Before taking a "romantic" carriage ride, consider the ride from the horse's perspective. Even with the best possible drivers and caretakers, carriage horses are subjected to car exhaust, asphalt streets, accidents with cars or pedestrians, extreme weather conditions, and exhaustion. According to 
