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time someone does, a small donation is accrued for Save-A-Pet. Everything
helps us with helping the animals. Thank you.
We invite you to meet some of our adoptable pets at our next
Pick A Pet show. If you are not in a position to adopt, please consider
contributing to the care of those pets awaiting adoption.
So, while we're on your mind, why not send us your check
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Have you seen our PetConnect TV show on LCTV (Channel 20-Adelphia
Cable). Each month we have an interesting show about animals. The shows
include cats, dogs, rescue groups and other pet worthy topics. It airs 3
times a week at these times:
Monday - 10:30am
Wednesday - 5:30pm
Sunday - 12:30pm
Let us know what you think!
We are always on the lookout for fresh catnip. Also, one of our members
is in need of unused greeting cards for a project she is working on. If you
have any you would like to donate, just drop them off at any SAP event.
If you have some spare time, volunteering for Save-a-Pet can be fun. We
are in need of foster homes for cats and dogs but if that seems to be too
much, we can use help at our events, folding & labeling newsletters, helping
out with our PetConnect show at LCTV or sewing catnip pillows for our furry
friends.
And don't forget our "Critter Corner" in the Lockport Union Sun &
Journal. It's published every Tuesday.
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How Could You?
When I was a puppy I entertained you with my antics and made
you laugh. You called me your child and despite a number of
chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I
became your best friend. Whenever I was "bad," you'd shake
your finger at me and ask "How could you?" - but then you'd
relent and roll me over for a bellyrub.
My housetraining took a little longer than expected, because
you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I
remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed, listening to
your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life
could not be any more perfect. We went for long walks and
runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got
the cone because "ice cream is bad for dogs," you said), and
I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at
the end of the day.
Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your
career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited
for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and
disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and
romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in
love.
She, now your wife, is not a "dog person" - still I welcomed
her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed
her. I was happy because you were happy. Then the human
babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was
fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted
to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might
hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another
room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but
I became a "prisoner of love."
As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to
my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked
fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears and gave me kisses
on my nose. I loved everything about them, especially their
touch - because your touch was now so infrequent - and I
would have defended them with my life if need be.
I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries
and secret dreams. Together we waited for the sound of your
car in the driveway. There had been a time, when others
asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me
from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past
few years, you just answered "yes" and changed the subject.
I had gone from being your dog to "just a dog," and you
resented every expenditure on my behalf.
Now you have a new career opportunity in another city and
you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not
allow pets. You've made the right decision for your
"family," but there was a time when I was your only family.
I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the
animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of
hopelessness. You filled out the paperwork and said "I know
you will find a good home for her." They shrugged and gave
you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a
middle-aged dog or cat, even one with "papers."
You had to pry your son's fingers loose from my collar as he
screamed "No, Daddy! Please don't let them take my dog!" And
I worried for him and what lessons you had just taught him
about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility,
and about respect for all life. You gave me a goodbye pat on
the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my
collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet and
now I have one, too.
After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew
about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to
find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked
"How could you?"
They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their
busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my
appetite days ago. At first, whenever anyone passed my pen,
I rushed to the front, hoping it was you - that you had
changed your mind - that this was all a bad dream...or I
hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who
might save me. When I realized I could not compete with the
frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to
their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited.
I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the
day and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate
room. A blissfully quiet room. She placed me on the table,
rubbed my ears and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in
anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense
of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days. As is
my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which
she bears weighs heavily on her and I know that, the same
way I knew your every mood.
She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear
ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used
to comfort you so many years ago. She expertly slid the
hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the
cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily,
looked into her kind eyes and murmured "How could you?"
Perhaps because she understood my dogspeak, she said "I'm so
sorry." She hugged me and hurriedly explained it was her job
to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn't be
ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself -
a place of love and light so very different from this
earthly place. With my last bit of energy, I tried to convey
to her with a thump of my tail that my "How could you?" was
not meant for her. It was you, My Beloved Master, I was
thinking of. I will think of you and wait for you forever.
May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty.
Copyright © Jim Willis 2001, all rights reserved
Jim Willis
Help Wanted: |
|
We are also looking for the following:
-An Ebay person who will post items for SAP to sell.
-Crafters-if you like to make crafts we need items for our upcoming bazaars
and events.
-Foster homes for cats and dogs
We hope to see you at our events or if you would like to help, just contact
us at 716-559-3020, x4 or email
sapupdates@yahoo.com
Thanking you in advance on behalf of all Save-A-Pet's
volunteers, we wish you and your pets a very good year.
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