Ein alter kranker Hund
("An old sick dog". Author: Ka-OZ. Available in German language only.)

Ich, ein alter kranker Hund,
ausgesetzt aus nur einem Grund:
"Der ist alt und kostet nur!"
sah noch zu wie mein Herr von dannen fuhr.

Kann kaum laufen, seh nur schlecht
"Hat ein Hund denn gar kein Recht?"
Angebunden an ´nem Baum
wünschte ich mir ´nen warmen Raum.

Mir war kalt, ich war allein.
Sollte dies mein Ende sein?
"Womit hab ich das verdient, nach langer Treue.
Kennt der Mensch denn keine Reue?"

Ich hatte keine Hoffnung mehr
wünschte mir den Tod so sehr
schloss die Augen schlief ruhig ein
doch es sollte nicht so sein.

Eine sanfte Stimme weckte mich
zum erstenmal erblickte ich Dich
Du trugst micht in das Auto Dein
und gabst mir bei Dir ein gutes Heim.

Ich, ein alter kranker Hund,
lebe nur aus einem Grund
"Du hattest Mitleid nahmst mich mit,
dir störts nicht, dass ich bin nicht fit!"

When I Got My New Dog
(author unknown)

I asked for strength that I might rear him perfectly;
I was given weakness that I might feed him more treats.

I asked for good health that I might rest easy;
I was given a "special needs" dog that I might know nurturing.

I asked for an obedient dog that I might feel proud;
I was given stubbornness that I might feel humble.

I asked for compliance that I might feel masterful;
I was given a clown that I might laugh.

I asked for a companion that I might not feel lonely;
I was given a best friend that I would feel loved.

I got nothing that I asked for...
But everything that I needed!

Dog Ten Commandments
(author unknown)

1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be painful remember that before you decide to live with me.

2. Give me time to understand what you want from me.

3. Place your trust in me - it is crucial to my well-being.

4. Do not be angry at me for long, and do not lock me up as punishment.

5. You have your work, your entertainment and your friends. I only have you.

6. Talk to me. Even when I don't understand your words, I can tell from your voice what you are saying to me.

7. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget.

8. Remember before you hit me that I have teeth that could easily hurt you, but I choose not to bite you because I love you.

9. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I might not be getting the right food, or I have been out too long, or my heart is getting weak.

10. Take care of me when I get old; you too will grow old. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say: "I cannot bear to watch" or "Let it happen in my absence." Everything is easier for me if you are at my side!

A Letter To My Master
(author unknown)

In the morning after getting up very early, you prepared your luggage. You took my lace. Wow! I was so happy! A short walk before our holidays. Cheers! We drove for a while, then you stopped the car in a parking lot and you opened the door. You threw a stick and I went after it, like I often did before. I ran and ran until I found the stick and had it between my teeth to bring it back to you.

When I returned, you were gone! I panicked and I ran in all directions. I ran day after day just to find you. I got weaker and weaker. I was so afraid and very very hungry.

A stranger came and put a collar around my neck and he took me with him. Later that day I was put in a cage and there I was waiting four days for you to return, but you never came back. Some days later someone opened the cage. No it wasn't you - it was the same man who had found me. He brought me into another room - it smelled of death!

I felt my hour of death approaching! My beloved master, I'd like that you know, what ever you did to me, I will always have only you in my mind and heart and should I ever come back to earth - I would run towards you, because...I love you so much!

Your dog

Goodbye
(Original: "The Last Battle"; author unknown)

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this - the last battle - can't be won.

You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.

Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree,
It is a kindness you do to me.

Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do.

We've been so close - we two - these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.