An Old Dogs Prayer

pammyjean · #1 03-18-2007, 09:49 AM

I read the poem An Old Dogs Prayer....on a boxer rescue site....It is nearly a month since my darling Ginty went to the bridge....I cry every day for her... my heart feels so empty.... I have thought about getting another Boxer... but I think in time if I do... it will be an older girl.... as I am 59 years old this year.... and if I had a puppy , if that puppy lived to be as old as my darling girl...that would make me 72 years old........ In Gintys final couple of months I was having to lift her and help her walk... she was a big heavy girl.... and it took me all my time to help her. There are plus's and minus's if I rescued an older girl.... would I be able to take the pain all over again.... I really dont know... But read the poem.... it is so true.

Luv Pam

An Old Dog's Prayer

One by One, they pass by my cage,
Too old, too worn, too broken, no way.
Way past his time, he can't run and play.
Then they shake their heads slowly and go on their way.
A little old man, arthritic and sore,
It seems I am not wanted anymore.
I once had a home, I once had a bed,
A place that was warm, and where I was fed.

Now my muzzle is gray, and my eyes slowly fail.
Who wants a dog so old and so frail?
My family decided I didn't belong,
I got in their way, my attitude was wrong.

Whatever excuse they made in their head,
Can't justify how they left me for dead.
Now I sit in this cage, where day after day,
The younger dogs get adopted away.

When I had almost come to the end of my rope,
You saw my face, and I finally had hope.
You saw thru the gray, and the legs bent with age,
And felt I still had life beyond this cage.

You took me home, gave me food and a bed,
And shared your own pillow with my poor tired head.
We snuggle and play, and you talk to me low,
You love me so dearly, you want me to know.

I may have lived most of my life with another,
But you outshine them with a love so much stronger.
And I promise to return all the love I can give,
To you, my dear person, as long as I live.

I may be with you for a week, or for years,
We will share many smiles, you will no doubt shed tears.
And when the time comes that God deems I must leave,
I know you will cry and your heart, it will grieve.

And when I arrive at the Bridge, all brand new,
My thoughts and my heart will still be with you.
And I will brag to all who will hear,
Of the person who made my last days so dear.

Chiefsmom · #2 03-18-2007, 04:34 PM

That poem brought tears to my eyes!!! I love hearing stories of older dogs being rescued into wonderful homes! But I do understand your concerns! It's never an easy thing to cope with, the loss of a companion.

ZOE*BOXER · #3 03-18-2007, 05:33 PM

What a beautiful poem.

morrissey11 · #4 03-20-2007, 06:17 PM

What a wonderful poem, I'm crying, we lost our beloved Morrissey last April at age 11, his muzzle and eye brows were Grey, I love the golden oldies, they are so precious.

Reilly, 13 months
Morrissey, our angel
02/1995 - 04/2006 x

bxrwiggles · #5 03-21-2007, 10:34 AM

That poem was so sad and beautiful. I'm crying my eyes out at work right now. Thanks for sharing!

Gruntsmom · #6 03-22-2007, 11:34 PM

This is so heartwrenching, brought me to tears. How anyone could give up a Silver One is beyond me, I just don't understand. You are a dear, Pam, for considering opening up your heart and home to an older girl someday, if you can manage it. I think it would please your sweet Ginty greatly.

Slobberchops · #7 03-23-2007, 01:12 AM

The whole poem is so beautiful,but I especially cried over the last 4 lines.

ozzy's mum · #8 03-23-2007, 09:07 AM

A beautiful poem!

CinnamonDog · #9 03-24-2007, 07:25 PM

This poem brings tears to my eyes. We adopted our girl when she was 6.5 years old; she is almost 9 and is suffering from age related health problems. I love her dearly and have always said that we would adopt another "older" dog when the time came. Few people understand why I would want to rescue another senior. Thank you for sharing this poem. I wish more people had the kind of heart and selflessness that you have.

trudysmom · #10 03-27-2007, 03:35 PM

I'm crying now. I don't understand how someone could give up their pet especially when they're older and need us more. I know how you feel about missing your silver girl. We lost Trudy almost 3 months ago and I still miss her a lot. Don't give up on getting another dog either younger or older. You'd be enriching 2 lives yours and theirs. We rescued Zola at age 3 1/2 about 3 Christmases ago and she's added love and antics to our lives. There are so many dear dogs and other pets that need loving homes.

Nancy
Trudy's mom
Trudy 12/93 to 1/07
Zola 5/00