To the Rescued Dog You are Their World

There is a beautiful phrase that many of us in the animal rescue have seen, particularly those of us who rescue dogs.

To the world you rescued a dog, to the rescued dog, you are the world!

This is the time of year we see an increase is owner turn ins, the dogs need to be deposed of before the holidays. You see, people are getting their houses fixed up for all of the company coming over ... new carpets, new furniture, new ornaments on the tree. Because of all of the newness, out with the dog. Dogs are dirty, they track in dirt on their paws, they might lift a leg and mark the new furniture, or the dog is just plain getting too old to control its bladder and bowels, and will probably make a mess on the new carpet. The dog just might want to join in on the holiday fun, and will be in the way. These are all real statements I have seen as reasons to turn in a dog.

Imagine what it must feel like to the family dog, to all of a sudden be dumped somewhere, or turned over to a rescue group, just when all of the fun of the holidays is getting started.

The dog doesn't ask much, just love. They will manage without a warm bed, a lot of food. All they want is love. I have always felt that the dog is God's way of showing His unconditional love for us. The dog gives unconditional love, and complete loyalty.

To all of the wonderful volunteers who are there for these dogs, I say you are amazing. There is a special place for you in Heaven, and God is overjoyed when you step in and take a discarded dog into your heart and home. The following is a take on the Night Before Christmas. It was sent to me by another volunteer with Small Paws Rescue. When you go to bed tomorrow night, consider the dog that just wants a family for Christmas, a family that will love and honor him.

~Forgotten Dog's Christmas~

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there

The children were nestled all snug in their beds

With no thought of the dog filling their head

And mama in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap

Knew he was cold, but didn't care about that

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter

I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter

Away to the window I flew like a flash

Figuring the dog was free of his chain and into the trash

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow

Gave the luster of mid-day to objects below

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear

But Santa Claus - with eyes full of tears

He un-chained the dog, once so lively and quick

Last year's Christmas present, now painfully thin and sick

More rapid than eagles he called the dog's name

And the dog ran to him, despite all his pain

"Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN!

On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONNER and BLITZEN!

To the top of the porch!

To the top of the wall!

Let's find this dog a home where he'll be loved by all."

I knew in an instant there would be no gifts this year

For Santa Claus had made one thing quite clear

The gift of a dog is not just for the season

We had gotten the pup for all the wrong reasons

In our haste to think of the kids a gift

There was one important thing that we missed

A dog should be family, and cared for the same

You don't give a gift, then put it on a chain

And I heard him exclaim as he rode out of sight

"You weren't given a gift! You were given a LIFE!"

Author Unknown

Merry Christmas from Edgar, A.J., Louie, Johnny and Abby (the Alpha cat)

Sue