Here, In This House
I will never know the loneliness I hear in the barks of other dogs 'out there.'
I can sleep soundly, assured that when I wake, my world will not have changed.
I will never know hunger, or the fear of not knowing if I'll eat.
I will not shiver in the cold, or grow weary from the heat.
I will feel the sun's warmth, the rain's cool, and be allowed to smell all that reaches my nose.
My fur will shine, and never be dirty or matted.
Here, in this house,
There will be an effort to communicate with me on my level.
I will be talked to and, even if I don't understand, I can enjoy the warmth of the words.
I will be given a name so I may know who I am among many.
My name will be spoken in joy, and I will love the sound of it!
Here, in this house,
I will never be a substitute for anything I am not.
I will never be used to improve people's images of themselves.
I will be loved because I am who I am, not someone's idea of who I should be.
I will never suffer for someone's anger, impatience or stupidity.
I will be taught all the things I need to know to be loved by all.
If I do not learn my lessons well, they will look to my teacher for responsibility.
Here, in this house,
I can trust arms that hold, hands that touch - knowing that, no matter what they do, they do it for the good of me.
If I am ill, I will be doctored.
If scared, I will be calmed.
If sad, I will be cheered.
No matter what I look like, I will be considered beautiful and known to be of value.
I will never be cast out because I am too old, too ill, to unruly, or not cute enough.
My life is a responsibility and not an afterthought.
I will learn that humans can almost be as kind and as fair as dogs.
Here, in this house,
I will belong
I will be home.
from The February 2008 Papillon Haven Rescue newsletter, The Way Home.
Amen and Amen.