DEDICATED TO PEOPLE IN RESCUE

I wasn't a pup when I came to your home,

I'd been dumped on the road, left to roam.

Don't remember the people except the pain.

They left me to die in the cold and the rain.

You were driving down the hwy, it was late at night

When you saw the faintest glimmer of light.

You took a chance and turned around

Got out of the van and knelt to the ground.

My quivering body felt the gentlest of hands.

I knew I need not make any demands.

In your heart, and your home, there was always room

For those who would face certain doom.

You healed my body and you healed my heart.

You gave me what I needed, a fresh start.

When I cried at night, you were always there

With soft words, a kiss, a hug to share.

When I misbehaved and would cower with guilt

You only showed love.....up to the hilt.

You loved and cared for me in sickness and health

Our love for each other was more precious than wealth.

Even when you were tired and had a bad day

You'd always come home to me and say,

"I missed you my baby.  I'm glad to be back."

Then you'd give me kiss, a hug and a pat.

We'd have a nice dinner then go out to play

There was so much love I wanted to stay.

But my eyes, they faded and my heart grew weak

As my time grew closer you could not speak.

You held me tight, tears flowed from your eyes

We both had to say our sad good byes.

The release from pain we knew must end

No more time on this Earth would we spend

Running in the fields, playing ball

Sitting quietly together at the end of it all.

But our time together is not through

Because I'll be there waiting for you

At the edge of the Rainbow Bridge I'll stand

Until I once again see those gentle hands.

I'll ran to you with tail held high

We will never again have to say goodbye.

My love at death, it does not end

Because you are, indeed, doGs best friend.

Jeane Illsche

June 21, 1998

Permission to reprint given