Please read the Critter Haven, Inc. poem below. Written specifically for Critter Haven and the fight they have undertaken against the atrocities of Puppy Mills & Illegal Catteries. Thanks to Carol Kufner for telling it like it is. :-)

CRITTER HAVEN

What is a puppy mill?
It is a place full of sorrow
Where all the sad faces
Dread another tomorrow.

The young and the old
The sick and the lame
None are safe
In this money making game

And who are these humans
That subject them to squalor
To pain and disease
To make another dollar

The lucky ones make it out
They have managed to survive
To end up in pet shops
Most barely alive

They stare at you
With eyes that cry
Would someone please tell me,
Why oh why.

Don't pass by that cage
But look hard and long
Then tell the store owner
That this is terribly wrong

These creatures we love
Don't deserve such a plight
Stand up for the helpless
Help them win their fight

Critter Haven's a good start
Visit and see why
Nothing is gained
Unless you try

By Carol Kufner

No Reprints or copies without permission

If you would like to put this poem on your web site, please contact Carol Kufner and mention Critter Haven poem.

Treat me kindly

Treat me kindly
My beloved master,
for no heart in all the world is more grateful
for kindness than the loving heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick,
for though I should lick your hand between the blows,
your patience and understanding will
quickly teach me the things you would have me do.
Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music,
as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail
when your footsteps falls upon my waiting ear.
When it is cold and wet, please take me inside,
for I am now a domesticated animal,
no longer used to bitter elements.

And I ask no greater glory than the privilege
of sitting at your feet beside the hearth.
Though had you no home,
I would rather follow you through ice and snow
than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land,
for you are my god and I am your devoted worshiper.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water,
for although I should not reproach you were it dry,
I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.
Feed me clean food, that I may stay well,
to romp and play and do your bidding,
to walk by your side, and stand ready,
willing and able to protect you with my life
should your life be in danger.
And, beloved master,
should the great Master see fit to deprive me
of my health or sight,
do not turn me away from you.
Rather hold me gently in your arms as
skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest.
And I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew,
my fate was ever safest in your hands.

---

Heaven's Doggy-Door
My best friend closed his eyes last night,
As his head was in my hand.
The Doctors said he was in pain,
And it was hard for him to stand.

The thoughts that scurried through my head,
As I cradled him in my arms.
Were of his younger, puppy years,
And OH...his many charms.
Today, there was no gentle nudge
With an intense "I love you gaze",
Only a heart thats filled with tears
Remembering our joy filled days.

But an Angel just appeared to me,
And he said, "You should cry no more,
God also loves our canine friends,
He's installed a "doggy-door"!

---

"IF IT SHOULD BE"
If it should be that I grow weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle cannot be won.

You will be sad, I understand,
Don't let your grief then stay your hand,
For this day more than all the rest,
Your love for me must stand the test.

We've had so many happy years,
What is to come can hold no fears,
You'd not want me to suffer so,
The time has come, please let me go.

Take me where my need they'll tend,
And please stay with me until the end,
I know in time that you will see,
The kindness that you did for me,
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.

Please do not grieve, it must be you
Who had this painful thing to do,
We've been so close, we two, these years,
Don't let your heart hold back its tears.

---

DO I GO HOME TODAY?
My family brought me home cradled in their arms.
They cuddled me and smiled at me and said I was full of charm.
They played with me and laughed with me and showered me with toys.
I sure do love my family, especially the girls and boys.

The children loved to feed me, they gave me special treats.
They even let me sleep with them - all snuggled in the sheets.
I used to go for walks, often several times a day.
They even fought to hold the leash, I'm very proud to say.
These are the things I'll not forget - a cherished memory,
because I now live in the shelter - without my family.

They used to laugh and praise me when I played with that old shoe.
But I didn't know the difference between the old ones and the new.
The kids and I would grab a rag, for hours we would tug.
So I thought I did the right thing when I chewed the bedroom rug.
They said that I was out of control, and would have to live outside.
This I did not understand, although I tried and tried.
The walks stopped, one by one; they said they hadn't time.
I wish that I could change things, I wish I knew my crime.

My life became so lonely, in the back yard, on a chain.
I barked and barked, all day long, just to keep from going insane.

So they brought me to the shelter, but were embarrassed to say why.
They said I caused an allergy, then they each kissed me goodbye.
If I'd only had some classes, when I was just a little pup,
then I would have been a better dog when I was all grown up.

"You only have one day left." I heard the worker say.
Does that mean I have a second chance?
DO I GO HOME TODAY?

---

A Poem for the New Puppy Owner

Don't smell crotches,
Don't eat plants.
Don't steal food or underpants.

Don't eat my socks,
Don't grab my hair...
DON'T RIP THE STUFFING FROM THAT CHAIR!

Don't eat those peas!
Don't touch that bush!
Don't chew my shoes...
What IS that mush?

Eat your cookie,
Drink your drink,
Outta the toilet!
Outta the sink!

AWAY FROM THE CAT BOX,
IT'S FOR THE CAT!
(And MUST you kiss me after that???)

Yes, raising a puppy,
Is not for the lazy!
Though puppies are funny,
They're also quite crazy.

But don't despair,
Though its toil and strife.
After 3 years, you'll get back your life!

So, let's go for "walkies",
You can "do your thing"
(And perhaps I'll get back my DIAMOND RING!)

---

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...

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