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 proud to say.
These are the things I'll not forget - a cherished memory.
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 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 on the bathroom rug.
They said 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 didn't have time.
I wish that I could change things, I wish I knew my crime.
My life became so lonely, in the backyard, on a chain.
I barked and barked all day long to keep from going insane.
So they brought me to a shelter, but were embarrassed to say why.
They said I caused an allergy, and they each kissed me goodbye.
If I'd only had some classes, as a little pup.
I wouldn't have been so hard to handle 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?
Why Spay or neuter your pet.......
By making sure that your pet can't have puppies or kittens, you'll have a peace of mind that his or her offspring won't be euthanized in an animal shelter.
Many people are shocked to learn that each year thousands and thousands of cats and kittens, dogs and puppies are euthanized due to overpopulation.
Statistics show that 10-12 million pets are euthanized annually in the United States. Using the lower figure of 10 million, that's 192,308 per week or
27,473 pets euthanized every 24 hours, 365 days a year.
You might think that these are animals born in the streets or there is something "wrong" with them. But often they are the offspring of cherished
family pets, even purebreds. Maybe someone's dog or cat got out just that one time or maybe the litter was intentional, but efforts to find enough good homes failed.
Spay or neuter surgery carries a one-time cost that is relatively small when you consider the benefits. It's a small price to pay to make sure your pet's offspring aren't
euthanized. For pets living in homes with limited income, reduced cost procedures may be available. Humane societies work with veterinarians to offer special rates in
certain cases.
There are also added health advantages......Spaying female pets eliminates:
* Males in abundance while the female is in heat
* Spotting during heat period
* Mammary tumors (less than 1% incidence in animals spayed before their first heat, versus higher than 50% incidence in intact female dogs over 5 years of age)
* Uterine infections (increasingly common with age; often life-threatening)
* Tumors of ovaries or uterus
In terms of behavior, male dogs will benefit even more than females from being neutered. An unneutered male can detect a female in heat even miles away. Neutering
decreases roaming by 90%. Responding to the overwhelming urge to reproduce, he will often become nervous and irritable, perhaps picking fights with other dogs, or
become lethargic and less responsive to his owner. Among the problems reduced or eliminated by neutering male pets are:
* Territoriality and aggression, including urinating to mark territory, and fighting to defend it
* Wandering, escaping, and automobile injuries
* "Riding" inappropriate objects
* Prostate enlargement (occurs in at least 60% of unneutered male dogs 5 years and older)
* Prostate tumors and infections
* Tumors of the testicles, penis, and anal area
* Perineal hernia ( rupture of the posterior abdominal wall)
* Stress...leading to increased susceptibility to disease
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 in the air.
Euthanasia is a blessing, though some still can't see.
Why I was born...if I wasn'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.
Puppyville Texas
5294 CR 107
Gainesville, Texas 76240
(903) 436-1596
arcuthorse@aol.com