RESCUED DOG

Once I was a lonely dog, just looking for a home.

I had no place to go, no one to call my own.

I wandered up and down the streets, in rain in heat and snow.

I ate whatever I could find, I was always on the go.

My skin would itch, my feet were sore, my body ached with pain.

And no one stopped to give a pat or to gently say my name.

I never saw a loving glance, I was always on the run.

For people thought that hurting me was really lots of fun.

And then one day I heard a voice so gentle, kind and sweet,

And arms so soft reached down to me and took me off my feet.

"No one again will hurt you" was whispered in my ear.

"You'll have a home to call your own where you will know no fear.

You will be dry, you will be warm, you'll have enough to eat.

And rest assured that when you sleep, your dreams will all be sweet".

I was afraid I must admit, I've lived so long in fear.

I can't remember when I let a human come so near.

And as she tended to my wounds and bathed and brushed my fur

She told me about the rescue group and what it meant to her.

She said, "We are are circle, a line that never ends.

And in the centre there is you, protected by new friends.

And all around you are the ones that check the pounds,

And those that share their home after you've been found.

And all the other folk are searching near and far.

To find the perfect home for you, where you can be a star".

She said, "There is a family, that's waiting patiently,

And pretty soon we'll find them, just you wait and see".

And then they'll join our circle, they'll help to make it grow

So there'll be room for more like you, who have no place to go.

I waited very patiently, the days they came and went.

"Today's the day" I thought "my family will be sent".

Then just when I began to think it wasn't meant to be,

There were people standing there just gazing down at me.

I knew then in a heartbeat, I could tell they felt it too.

They said, "We have been waiting for a special dog like you".

Now every night I say a prayer to all the gods that be.

"Thank you for the life I live and all you've given me,

But most of all protect the dogs in the pound and on the streets.

And send a Rescue Person to lift them off their feet".

(kindly provided by the Westie Welfare)

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Rescue me not only with your hands but with your heart as well.
I will respond to you.

Rescue me not out of pity but out of love.
I will love you back.

Rescue me not with self-righteousness but with compassion.
I will learn what you teach.

Rescue me not because of my past but because of my future.
I will relax and enjoy.

Rescue me not simply to save me but to give me a new life.
I will appreciate your gift.

Rescue me not only with a firm hand but with tolerance and patience.
I will please you.

Rescue me not only because of who I am but who I'm to become.
I will grow and mature.

Rescue me not to revere yourself to others but because you want me.
I will never let you down.

Rescue me not with a hidden agenda but with a desire to teach me to trust.
I will be loyal and true.

Rescue me not to be chained or to fight but to be your companion.
I will stand by your side.

Rescue me not to replace one you've lost but to sooth your spirit.
I will cherish you.

Rescue me not to be your pet but to be your friend.
I will give you unconditional love.

Author Unknown (thank you to Jane from New Forest)