My Life Story part 5

Hi everyone, what great weather the humans are having. It's ok for them they can put shorts & a t shirt on or go topless only the male of the species of course if the women started doing it i could see my Dad getting into a lot of trouble from my Mum.

As for us 4 legged animals we're stuck with our fur coats all year round. I suppose i would look silly with sunglasses & a baseball cap on though lol. I did suggest getting a paddling pool but my Dad recons i would puncture with my nails & offered to turn the hosepipe on me to cool me down. It's even a lottery on whether i can go for a swim in the Lakes Ponds or Canals to cool off if it gets to warm & we don't get any rain because of the Blue Green algae which is poisonous to dogs if we swim in it .

At least my Dad takes me out early for a walk & a run on the park early before it gets to hot & again later on when the sun's gone down.

Me doing what i like doing best having a good run on the park, just as nature intended instead of being attached to the end of a lead. I've learned over time that if i walk nicely on the lead at my Dad's side i get to the park quicker than trying to drag him there like i tried to do when i was younger. I soon learned that if i pulled my Dad stopped & it took twice as long to get there.

Me playing hide & seek, can you see me.

I feel better after a good back scratch.

Having a well earned rest in the shade after a good run.

Rainbow Bridge.

In memory of our Fur babies that have gone to Rainbow Bridge.

Millie who sadly passed away in the vets.

After being attacked by a neighbours dog.

RIP

07/2007 - 10/2009

Oscar who we had to PTS. After battling with FeLV.

You could just see it in his eyes, that he didn't want to go on.

RIP

07/2007 - 10/2011

Gone but not forgotten.

We will meet up again one day.

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing: they each miss someone very special, someone who was left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly, he breaks from the group, flying over the green grass, faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into those trusting eyes, so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together...

Author Unknown 

 

Special Gift

You're giving me a special gift,
So sorrowfully endowed,
And through these last few cherished days,
Your courage makes me proud.

But really, love is knowing
When your best friend is in pain,
And understanding earthly acts
Will only be in vain.

So looking deep into your eyes,
Beyond, into your soul,
I see in you the magic, that will
Once more make me whole.

The strength that you possess,
Is why I look to you today,
To do this thing that must be done,
For it's the only way.

That strength is why I've followed you,
And chose you as my friend,
And why I've loved you all these years...
My partner 'til the end.

Please, understand just what this gift,
You're giving, means to me,
It gives me back the strength I've lost,
And all my dignity.

You take a stand on my behalf,
For that is what friends do.
And know that what you do is right,
For I believe it too.

So one last time, I breathe your scent,
And through your hand I feel,
The courage that's within you,
To now grant me this appeal.

Cut the leash that holds me here,
Dear friend, and let me run,
Once more a strong and steady dog,
My pain and struggle done.

And don't despair my passing,
For I won't be far away,
Forever here, within your heart,
And memory I'll stay.

I'll be there watching over you,
Your ever faithful friend,
And in your memories I'll run,
...a young dog once again.

(anon)

MAY I GO NOW?

May I go now? Do you think the time is right?
May I say goodbye to pain filled days
and endless lonely nights?
I've lived my life and done my best,
an example tried to be.
So can I take that step beyond
and set my spirit free?

I didn't want to go at first,
I fought with all my might.
But something seems to draw me now
to a warm and loving light.
I want to go
I really do.
It's difficult to stay.

But I will try as best I can
to live just one more day.
To give you time to care for me
and share your love and fears.
I know you're sad and afraid,
because I see your tears.

I'll not be far,
I promise that, and hope you'll always know
that my spirit will be close to you
wherever you may go.
Thank you so for loving me.
You know I love you too,
that's why it's hard to say goodbye
and end this life with you.

So hold me now just one more time
and let me hear you say,
because you care so much for me,
you'll let me go today.

By Susan A. Jackson

There is a place .....

There is a place that some of us know
Where our dear departed pets all go
Where the sun always shines and butterflies wing
their way across fields where bluebirds sing

Where toy mice are scuttling and Frisbees do soar
There's tug toys and tennis balls and chew bones galore
With fields full of bluebells and a cool rippling stream
Where angels bring titbits and bowls full of cream

So try not to worry and try not to grieve
The love in their hearts will never leave
They'll happily play there and patiently wait
'Til you go to fetch them at heavens gate

Author: Tracey Jackson

My Life Story part 4. By Sheba the dog.

I forgot to tell you a story about Oscar our cat in my last update.

When ever my Dad took me for a walk & oscar was outside close enough to see us. He would run after after us & join in up to the end of the road. It was funny seeing him running between my Dad's legs trying to trip him up.

If he wasn't doing that he was running through the front gardens  jumping over the garden walls. It used to wind me up that i couldn't join in with him, to practise my agility. But my Dad always kept me on a lead so i couldn't run off how cruel was that, i think it would of been fun especially seeing the look on peoples faces. I don't think he would like it especially if Mum kept him on a short leash to stop him going to the pub for a quick pint of guinness. Oops maybe i shouldn't of said that in case Mum reads this & Dad gets into trouble.

I'm sure Oscar used to think he was a dog whenever they walked up to the local shops he would follow them & wait at the top of the road for them coming back. Or if they were going out in the car he would kick up a fuss until they walked around the block with him.

I used to make up for it when we got to the park though & i was let loose & could run like the wind. I used to like it in Winter & the park was waterlogged so i could play in the puddles, i used to like running into them & lowering myself down so my belly touched the water, my Dad used to say it looked like i was water skiing. Clean water is no good it had to be dirty I'm a bit of a water babe & not safe around water i love it that much. It doesn't matter if it's a lake, river, canal or a ditch full of stagnant water i will be in it. If i was human i would probably be classed as a tomboy.

Here's just a couple of me enjoying a paddle took last year.

My Dad just got me this nice new bowl for outside on the patio.. I don't know whether it's because I've been a good girl or because Mum wanted the casserole dish back that he's been using.

My Life Story part 3. By Sheba the dog.

Well i arrived safely in my new home. And there's not much to report except i think i spent most of my time sniffing around getting used to my surroundings. My Dad showed me were i was going to sleep.

When i arrived home there where two cats waiting for me Millie & Oscar as well as two rats Frankie & Deano, they where supposed to be named after Frank Sinatra & Dean Martin of the Rat Pack but realised later they where both female but the names stuck with them. An easy mistake  for the humans to make i suppose, i would of realised straight away though but therefore i am a dog but not an iams dog i suppose we must be special because if you spell Dog backwards you get God & you can't get much higher than that, i don't know who i was named after but Queen of Sheba sounds good.

I soon learned to get on with the cats, after a few corrections from Mum & Dad. Oscar was a bit nervous i don't think it was just me he nervous of he was just nervous in general Mum & Dad think he must of been abused as a kitten. And it took my Dad about six months or more to win him round he was a right Mummy's boy though i think she had a bit of a soft spot for him. I used to like chasing him though not in a nasty but because it was fun & i thought it was a game. Looking back it probably wasn't the smartest thing I've ever done & didn't do his confidence any good, Millie was different & just plain hard faced she just stood her ground & wouldn't move for me & eventually had enough & chased me.

I think Oscar did like me in his own little way though & the day before Mum & Dad took him to the vet to be PTS he came up to me & rubbed my nose with his i think he new his time was up & wanted to leave this life on good terms by saying there's no hard feelings & we're friends. I miss him now he's gone the house is a lot quieter & than after six months they get another cat called Cody who's a right terror & into everything, he's even taken to sleeping in my bed how's that for cheek.

Milllie & Frankie.

You can see Millie & Oscar on the Rainbow Bridge page if you haven't been there already.

When i was young they kept taking me outside all the time for my toileting needs & to get me used to where i was supposed to go. I had a few little accidents during the night but the puppy training pads they put down absorbed most of that. I slept quite good on my first night & didn't make much noise, Mum did give me a cuddly toy to cuddle up to though & some toys. I soon got the hang of the toileting & started to go to the back door to be let out.



As i got a little older & started teething they used to provide me with chews & a Kong to keep me happy. I have the classic Kong which are really durable. Which was a good idea because it stoped me from becoming bored & chewing the furniture. 

After my vaccinations were all done & i could start going out & mixing with other dogs, my Mum & Dad enrolled me in Puppy School to get me socialised with other dogs & humans & do some basic training. Which was held at our local vets but are situated all over the country i think. And then i started going to training classes at Maghull & District Dog Training Society to work towards my Kennnel club Puppy foundation, Bronze, Silver & Gold award. I passed my Puppy Foundation, Bronze & Silver award at the first time of asking.

Me & my Dad at the Bronze award night.

Me & my Dad at the club progress beginners class evening with our trophy's. For most improved dog & handler.

Me & my Dad at the Silver award evening.

Me & my Dad with our certificate for achieving over 80% of our marks, in the advanced progress test.

My Life Story part 2. By Sheba the dog.

When i was only three weeks old my mum died & i had to be bottle fed until i went on solids. According to my previous owner i was born the smallest in the litter but I'm now the biggest, that's probably all down to my Mum & Dad getting me off Bakers & onto a healthy diet of James Wellbeloved dry mixed with either Natures Menu or Natures Diet.

I've overheard Mum & Dad talking & apparently i wasn't planned they only went to the local pet shop for cat litter, when they saw an advert in the shop window 8 week old Dogue de Bordeaux X Rottweiler free to good home, i think he got a good deal there as the other pups where advertised for £ 200 each. But because there other dog was a bit of a grump they wanted a good home for me so i wouldn't be left on my own. They certainly done that.

When they came to see me there was only me & my brother left & a gentlemen was picking up my brother which would of left me all alone at 8 weeks of age with no Mum & Siblings for company. So i really had to turn on the charm offensive & it worked like a charm.

My Dad likes his big dogs, German Shepherds, Dogue de Bordeaux & Rottweilers. He's had experience with them before so having 2 of his favourite breeds in one made things a little easier for me. I could tell straight away that they wouldn't be able to resist them puppy dog eyes. I was probably a little over affectionate giving them licks & fetching my favourite toy for them to play with me. It's something I've not grown out of yet I'm still over affectionate & will do anything to get noticed so i can have a stroke & some affection, i love children as well & calm right down around them. My dad always says it's my best qualities & he wouldn't have me any other way. Better being like that than aggressive.

How could you not resist that face. Mission accomplished they took me home that day & there was no looking back.

My Life Story. By Sheba the dog.

Right then where do i start. I suppose a little introduction about my self will be a good start.

I'm a 3 year old Dogue de Bordeaux X Rottweiler. AKA gentle giant, well that's what they call me to my face any way.

I live in Southport, Merseyside UK.  With my Mum & Dad who i refer to as my Servants, Well they are I've never cooked a meal in my life, it's always prepared for me, put in my bowl & placed on the floor for me. My bed always gets made & washed for me. If we go for days out or on holiday my Dad always does the driving how cool is that it's just like having my own personal chauffeur. And every time i do my business there always there with the poo bags. I've got to admit it I've got them well trained.

Now you know where the saying comes from it's a dogs life, and i wouldn't have it any other way.

And last but not least my Brother Cody, he's a cat you know. He's not a bad lad but forgot to read the script, someone forgot to tell him cats are supposed to be scared of dogs. He's a hard faced so & so & wont move for me. I love him to bits really but don't tell anyone it wont do my street cred any good.

He's learning quick though & also got the servants wrapped around his little paw.

Well this should of been started 3 years ago when i was still a pup. But my Dad kept putting it off in favour of other stuff like DIY which reminds me he still hasn't built that kennel for me or the cat run for Cody how selfish is that. He's going to be an indoor cat so as to avoid any accidents.

Well seeing as i can't get the staff nowadays, i thought i would have ago at this blogging lark my self. How hard can it be.

Photo Gallery.

.

Me with my mate Sam the Rottweiler.

I'll smile for the camera if you give me a treat.

I'll look after the plants for you Dad.

Me with my Dad, picking up my award for most improved dog at training.

It's ok he's not trying to strangle me, i just wanted to get to the photographer for a stroke.

Me with my Dad.

Kennel club good citizen Bronze award.

If you throw snow at me, i'll throw it back.

Do i look good.

I love all this snow.

I'm a Daddys girl.

Give me a kiss Dad.

All that walking has tired me out.

Me with my Mum.

I think my Dad wanted this motor bike.

I like this new game.

Two of my mates, Tara & Rosco.

I love playing in puddles.

Me & my Dad.

Kennel club good citizen Silver award.

I think Gypsy the Lab took a liking to Dads treats

typical Labrador.

My favourite place, out in the woods.

Why can't i go & play in the water Dad.

Poems.

A Pet's Ten Commandments

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Remember that before you buy me.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Don't be impatient, short-tempered, or irritable.
3. Place your trust in me and I will always trust you back. Respect is earned not given as an inalienable right.
4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment; I am not capable of understanding why. I only know I have been rejected. You have your work, entertainment, and friends, but I only have you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice and your tone. You only have to look at my tail.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it and if it's cruel, it may affect me forever.
7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak. It may be I am just dog-tired.
9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old and may also need love, care, comfort, and
10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say, "I can't bear to watch" or "Let it happen in my absence". Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember, regardless of what you do, I will always love you.

For the Rescuers

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 a 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 a 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 them in a heart beat, 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 street.
And send a Rescue Person to lift them off their feet.”

Arlene Pace September 18, 1998 

Rescuers Are Angels

Tail tucked between your legs,
Confusion in your eyes
I know it's hard to understand
That someone heard your cries.

When loneliness is all you know
And pain is all you feel
And no one can be trusted
And hunger's all too real.

That's the time the Lord sees you
And lets you know He's there
That's when He sends His messengers
The hearts that love and care.

Yes, rescuers are angels
You cannot see their wings
They keep them neatly folded
As they do their caring things.

The medicine to make you well,
Good food to make you strong.
And finally to help you learn
That hugs are never wrong.

The perfect place then must be found
The home where you can live
Secure and safe and happy
With joy to get and give.

When you reach your Forever Home,
Your place to feel whole.
The angels smile and off they go
To save another sole.

Author Unknown

I went out to rescue a dog that day

I went out to rescue a dog that day
To give him a really good life
To take him away from the life that he led
And free him from trouble and strife

I thought I would do him a favour
And be a good person to him
And go do my bit for the country
I didn't go out on a whim

But what do you think really did happen?
The day that I did my good deed,
I discovered a love that I'd dreamed of
And fulfilled in myself a strong need.

I now have a dog that I care for,
I see things that I needed to see.
That lovely dog that I rescued
Really ended up rescuing me.

Just a Staffy Cross

Today is just another day - to me they're all the same
I have the worst of genes you see, I bear the "Staffy" shame.
The shame is in our numbers, there's thousands with no home.
Thousands just like me you'll find, in kennels all alone.

My mum was "just a Staffy", my father - well who knows?
Mum, too, became unwanted, as the last puppy goes.
And then begins the process, of money-making deals
A life of "moving on" unfolds, who cares how the Staffy feels?
If you have the cash to hand, the Staffy pup is yours
But that pup is getting bigger now, just look at those big paws.

You brought me for your image, thought I'd make you look more tough
But you'll find my boisterous nature has already got too much.
If you had thought to train me, with kindness and with praise
You would have had a faithful friend to share your darkest days.
I would lay down my life for you, but you simply cannot see
You make sure you get your money back on what you paid for me.

And on it goes, until one day, I'm no longer worth a dime
The retail on an adult staff - not worth the waste of time.
So what happens to a Staffy now? Do you really want to know?
Do you care what will become of us, when we leave our final home?

Have you ever thought to wonder, "Where is that Staffy now?"
The "Staffy" has another name; he's become a "stray" somehow.
Me, I was put into a car and driven far away
The door held open, I jumped out, I thought to run and play.
It was with joy and happy heart I turned to look for you
You drove away with all my trust and a piece of my heart too.

I wondered round for many days before I was brought here.
Now I wait with heavy heart, trepidation and with fear.
Seven days is all I have you see, seven days for you to claim
The little dog that you threw out, for which you have no shame.

This is my last goodbye now my seven days are up
If only more thought had gone into the future of that pup
As the needle empties to my veins I lay down with one last sigh
I'm sorry I was born a Staffy, because it means that I must die.

- Trudie James -

English Bull Terrier

They look only unto my breed,

Then shake their heads and close their eyes,

Oblivious to my heart, life or need

And ignore my silent waning cries.

For what I am is all that they see,

And too soon assume what is not true,

I cannot be trusted due to breeds history,

No matter what my angels say,

There's nothing they can do.

So I'll end my days here in a cage,

Alone and cold in the pound

Without the chance to live my age

And be lovingly buried in the ground

Is it possible to leave at a lower line

Then to what I've fallen, to my shame?

I have nothing left to show for my time,

Not a friend nor foe nor even a name...

I dislike other dogs, yes that's true,

But so do many other strays

Yet they get the chance to escape through

And live their life in carefree days.

Goodbye dear life, and what I've known,

I give up now this hopeless fight,

Too much for man my breed has shown

Another innocent dog sent soul to flight...

By Moya Muldowney, 20.

Rescue Dog Poem

A rescue dog will have a tale to tell
It may be sad, or of a life of Hell
It may be a story of a once loved pup
Who found herself homeless when a marriage broke up

Or a faithful companion, who's owner's passed on
And the poor little dog doesn't know where they've gone.
Or of a dog that’s been beaten, never had the chance to ‘live’
And yet gain his trust - he’ll have so much love to give.

A pup that grew out of the cute, cuddly stage,
Has grown big and unruly and is now at ‘that age’
So he gets given away, it’s such a shame
When it’s the lack of training that’s really to blame.

Some rescue dogs may be quite old
Just need a nice home, out of the cold
A warm cozy bed, for weary old bones
No dog should spend it’s last days on it’s own.

Rescue dogs can be misunderstood
Often seen as damaged goods
But a ‘pre-owned’ dog has much to offer
And compared to a pup, can be far less bother

A rescue dog may not know how to play
But a little bit of kindness should show them the way.
Some rescue dogs will have great credentials,
Others show promise and heaps of potential.

Some need guidance, to learn how to trust
For others, some training will be a must
But what you put in, you’ll get back tenfold
A loyal friend, with a heart of gold

He may be pure, cross or mixed breed
But one things for sure-he’ll be in need
Of a loving home, a new 'mum' or 'dad'
Surely with this, he'll stop being so sad.

A rescue dog is a breed apart
Please find space for one in your heart.

By Karen Folkes 2009

Cody our cat.

Cody. Our Maine Coon cross.

Sheba's puppy photos, aged 10 weeks.

Sheba as a puppy, aged 10 weeks.