Puppy Prayer

Over the last couple of weeks, I have had a couple of friends who have lost their dogs. My heart bleeds for them.  It is so hard when your pets get older and you know that their time is up, and you are the one who has to make that decision if it is their time to cross the Rainbow Bridge.

I was also in the vet’s office one day and a couple had their beautiful golden retriever there. He was very sick. I do not know these people but I think of them often and of their dog, and say a little prayer for all of them.  I know in my heart that they will have to make the decision soon and it will be a hard one.  

It is so hard on everyone in the family; you ask yourself, “Am I making the right choice?” You have to think about their quality of life. If it isn’t there anymore, what do you do? You can’t let them suffer.  They do not have a voice; you are their voice. They trust you to make the right choice. They would make it if they could and spare you, because their love for you is unconditional. You may have loved them for 13 or more years, or maybe an accident happened and you haven’t had them very long.  Either way, they are loved.  

I saw a little poem while looking through some dog articles, and it popped out at me.  I want to share this with you now.  

Puppy Prayer

Now I lay me down to sleep;

The king size bed is soft and deep.

I sleep right in the center groove;

My human mom can hardly move.

I’ve trapped her legs, she’s tucked in tight,

And here is where I pass the night.

No one disturbs me or dares intrude

Till morning comes and I want food.

I sneak up slowly to begin

My nibbles on my human’s chin.

She wakes up quickly and looks at me,

Then asks the question, “What’s wrong, puppy?”

The morning is here and it’s time to play.

I always seem to get my way.

So thank you, Lord, for giving me

This human mom that I see,

The one who hugs and holds me tight

And shares her bed with me at night.

From all of us at the Central Aroostook Humane Society we would like to thank you for a wonderful 2017 and we look forward to serving all of our 27 Aroostook County communities in 2018.  We are so very thankful for all the support that we receive throughout the year and are very grateful for those that give not only financially, but by donating supplies, volunteering time or helping with our many fundraisers.  We so appreciate the staff at the Star-Herald office for providing us this space every week to keep you all up to date with what is happening at the shelter and to also provide important tips on helping to keep your four-legged family members in tip-top shape.  

We are especially grateful for the many wonderful pets that found new loving homes and for the people that opened their hearts for these deserving animals.  

May you all enjoy a beautiful holiday season and a happy and healthy New Year.   

Gail Wieder is a member of the Board of Directors of the Central Aroostook Humane Society.