By:Rudyard Kipling There is sorrow enough in the natural way From men and women to fill our day; And when we are certain of sorrow in store, Why do we always arrange for more? Brothers and sisters, I bid you beware Of giving your heart to a dog to tear. Buy a pup and your money will buy Love unflinching that cannot lie-- Perfect passion and worship fed By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head. Nevertheless it is hardly fair To risk your heart to a dog to tear. When the fourteen years which Nature permits Are closing in asthma, or tumour or fits, And the vet's unspoken prescription runs To lethal chambers or loaded guns, Then you will find--it's your own affair-- But...you've given your heart to a dog to tear. When the body that lived at your single will, With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!) When the spirit that answered your every mood Is gone--wherever it goes--for good, You will discover how much you care, And will give your heart to a dog to tear. We've sorrow enough in the natural way, When it comes to burying Christian clay. Our loves are not given, but only lent, At compound interest of cent per cent. Though it is not always the case, I believe, That the longer we've kept 'em, the more do we grieve: For, when debts are payable, right or wrong, A short-term loan is as bad as a long-- So why in Heaven (before we are there) Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear? BYE BABY. No more lonely cold nights or hearing that I'm bad No more growling belly from the meals I never had No more scorching sunshine with a water bowl that's dry No more complaining neighbors about the noise when I cry. No more hearing "shut up", "get down" or "get out of here"! No more feeling disliked, only peace is in the air. Euthanasia is a blessing, though some still can't see why I was ever born If I weren't meant to be. My last day of living was the best I ever had. Someone held me very close, I could see she was very sad. I kissed the lady's face, and she hugged me as she cried. I wagged my tail to thank her, then I closed my eyes and died. Written by an Animal shelter volunteer in Massena, NY Author: Unknown 1. My life is likely to last ten to fifteen years. Any separation from you will he painful for me. Remember that before you buy me. 2. Give me time to understand what you want of me. 3. Place your trust in me-it's crucial to my well-being. 4. Don't be angry at me for long and don't lock me up as 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 its speaking to me. 6. Be aware that however you treat me, I'll never forget it. 7. Remember before you hit me that I have teeth that could easily crush the bones of your hand but that I choose not to bite you. 8. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate or lazy, ask your self if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm 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 get old; you, too, will grow old. 10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, "I can't bear to watch it, or, "Let it happen in my absence." Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember, I love you. I hear the sadness in the voices of workers here. They say my "Time is up", that they have to make room for yet another dog.| My "Time" is up. I don't know what that means, God. I only know that my new friends are so sad, and the more I wag my tail---the harder I try to make them feel better---the sadder they become. I know I have heard that word "Time" before, but I don't understand. When I was younger, my people would say "Time to play!" They would throw the ball, and I would run fast. Sometimes I brought it back to them, but other times we'd end up chasing each other having fun. I remember "Time to eat". My people would put down a bowl of food, and I would enjoy dinner, wagging my tail in joy. There was also "Time for your walk". My boy would put my leash on, and we would go walking together, visiting the neighborhood and enjoying each other's company. When I was younger I thought "Time" meant fun. Or maybe Love? I don't understand. "Time" must mean something else, but how can it change, God? Before I came here, I heard my people say, "No time to feed you now, boy. Later, when I get home." Sometimes my family would forget, and there was no food in my bowl. Does "Time" mean when my belly hurts? My people said there was no time for walks. I tried to hold it all day long--but God, I just couldn't anymore. When I finally had to go, it made my family very angry. Does "Time" means anger? Or maybe Loneliness? My family said they didn't have "Time". They didn't have time to play, or time to take me to the vet, or time to go for walks. They didn't have "Time",so they brought me here. Maybe I was right... They said they didn't have time, and if "Time" means Love, how did they lose it? Did I do something wrong? God, I think my new friends are sending me to you. Do you have "Time"? May I sit on the couch? Am I a good Dog, God? Is it "Time"? One of the most important things we can give our Pets is "Time". The time to love them, care for them, and train them. Animal Shelters and Humane Societies across the country are filled with Pets whose families didn't have "Time". Every year, the "Time is up" for 12 million companion Pets. Do you have the "Time" to make a difference?