Dunnford Boxers

Nobility Personality Elegance Power

Poem by: Gene Hill

JUST MY DOG
She is my other eyes that can see above the clouds;
 my other ears that hear above the winds.
She is the part of me that reaches out into the sea.
She has told me a thousand times over that I'm
her reason for being.
by the way she rests against my leg; 
by the way she thumps her tail at my smallest smile;
 by the way she shows her hurt when I leave
without taking her.
I think it makes her worry when she is not along
to care for me.
When I am wrong, she is delighted to forgive.
When I am angry, she clowns to make me smile.
When I am happy, she is joy unbounded.
When I am a fool, she ignores it.
When I succeed, she brags.
Without her, I am only another person. 
With her, I am all powerful.
She is loyalty itself.
She has taught me the meaning of devotion.
With her, I know a secret comfort and a private peace. 
She has brought me understanding where before
I was ignorant.
Her head on my knee can heal my human hurts.
Her presence by my side is protection against my fears 
of dark and unknown things.
She has promised to wait for me, whenever, wherever
in case I need her.
And I expect I will, as I always have.
She is just my dog.

                 "Savanah" my beloved Boxer                                                             
                            
           
Copyright © 2006 Dunnford Boxers
              All Rights Reserved
Copies of any photos may not be made
without permission from Dunnford Boxers.



I Rescued A Human Today   


Her eyes met mine as
she walked down the
corridor peering
apprehensively into
the kennels. I felt her
need instantly and
knew I had to help her.
I wagged my tail,
not too exuberantly,
so she wouldn't be afraid. As she stopped at
my kennel I blocked her view from a little
accident I had in the back of my cage.
I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been
walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers
get too busy and I didn't want her to think
poorly of them. As she read my kennel card
I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past.
I only have the future to look forward to and
want to make a difference in someone's
life. She got down on her knees and made little kissy
sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my
head up against the bars to comfort her.
Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was
desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her
cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all
would be well. Soon my kennel door opened and
her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped
into her arms.
I would promise to keep her safe.
I would promise to always be by her side.
I would promise to do everything I could to see that
radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate
that she came down my corridor.
So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors.
So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.
I rescued a human today.

                                         
                                     "Just A Dog"
 
From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a dog,"
or that's a lot of money for "just a dog." They don't understand the
distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a dog."
 
Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog."
Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog,"
but I did not once feel slighted.

Some of my saddest moments have been spent with "just a dog,"
and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog"
gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably understand
phrases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise" or "just a promise."

"Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship,
trust, and pure unbridled joy.
"Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that
make me a better person. Because of "just a dog" I will rise
early, take long walks and look longingly to the future.

So for me and the folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but an
embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the
fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.

"Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my
thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday they can understand that it's
not "just a dog" but the thing that gives me humanity and
keeps me from being "just a person."

Author,unknown


A Dogs Prayer
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 more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.
Speak to me often, for your voice is the worlds sweetest music, as
you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep
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 the 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 worshipper.
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 my 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.


"
                                                    "SOMEONE ONCE LOVED HIM"

HIS HAIR WAS ALL MATTED AS HE STOOD IN THE RAIN
WITH SAD, PLEADING EYES AND A HEART FULL OF PAIN

SOMEONE ONCE LOVED HIM HE WASN'T ALONE
HIS BELLY WAS FULL THEN HIS RAVEN COAT SHONE

HE LIVED IN A BIG HOUSE WITH A WARM COZY BED
FILLED WITH LAUGHTER AND LOVE AND HIS LITTLE FRIEND, TED

BUT THEN HE GOT BIGGER AND BARKED WHEN ALONE
NO LONGER A PUPPY HIS "CUTENESS" OUTGROWN.

SO THEY MOVED HIM OUTSIDE TO A BIG LONELY YARD
AND SCOLDED HIS BARKING THOUGH HE TRIED REALLY HARD

HE WAITED FOR TEDDY AS HE WATCHED NIGHT AND DAY
HE THOUGHT "I'LL BE GOOD, I JUST WANT TO PLAY."

THEY PROMISED  HIM LOVE AND A LIFE AS THEIR FRIEND
NOT THE DARK, LONELY NIGHTS AND THE COLD, BITTER WIND

HE HUNGERED FOR "TOUCH" NOT THE FOOD THAT THEY BROUGHT
HE WANTED TO PLEASE THEM WITH THE TRICKS  THEY HAD TAUGHT

BUT THEY WERE TOO BUSY TO HEAR HIS SAD CRIES
AND DIDN'T HAVE TIME FOR THE LOVE IN HIS EYES

BUT, THEN THEY CAME OUT TO GET HIM TO GO FOR A RIDE
WOW..A TRIP TO THE COUNTRY WITH TED BY HIS SIDE!!

BUT SOON IT WAS OVER AS HE REMEMBERED THAT DAY
AND THE SADNESS HE FELT WHEN THEY GAVE HIM AWAY

THEY PATTED HIS HEAD AND WALKED QUICKLY AWAY
WITHOUT LOOKING BACK AND WITH NOTHING TO SAY

"WHERE ARE YOU GOING??.. WHAT DID I DO??...
TEDDY, DON'T LEAVE ME, I'M COMING WITH YOU!"

HIS HEART WAS SO HEAVY WHAT HAD HE DONE WRONG?
THIS WASN'T HIS HOME HE DIDN'T BELONG

NOW HE WANDERS THE STREETS CONFUSED AND ALONE
LOOKING FOR TEDDY AND THE LOVE HE HAD KNOWN

  Copyrighted  to Pamela (Buni) Wells



A Dog Sits Waiting

A dog sits waiting in the cold autumn sun.
Too faithful to leave, too frightened to run.
He's been here for days now with nothing to do,
but sit by the road waiting for you.
He can't understand why you left him that day.
He thought you and he were stopping to play.
He's sure you'll come back, and that's why he stays.
How long will he suffer? How many days?
His legs have grown weak, his throat's parched dry.
He's sick now from hunger and falls, with a sigh.
He lays down his head and closes his eyes.
I wish you could see how a waiting dog dies.
-Kathy Flood


A Dumped Dog's Prayer

Don't close the door! Don't push me away.
Why are you leaving? Don't make me stay.
Slow down the car, I can't keep up.
This pavement is hot and my pads are cut.
I've got to quit running or my heart will pop.
Every muscle is aching. Why don't you stop?
I'm so hungry and thirsty. Darkness is near.
But I shouldn't leave, he will come for me here.
Several weeks have passed, I am dead on my feet.
They call me a nuisance because I eat off the streets.
Every car that passes, I chase it to see
If it's my master coming for me.
Though I approach those that come near
With trust in my eyes and no sign of fear.
With hate in their voices and a cold, heartless stare,
They threaten to kill me - they don't even care.
Batter my body with rocks that they throw,
I will not leave, he will come, don't you know?
Overtaken with weakness, my body is numb.
I'm sick and so lonely. Oh please, let him come!
I will go back where he first threw me out.
I'll wait for him there, he will come, no doubt.
My thoughts are fading. My chest feels like lead.
I'm sleepy, so sleepy - I can't lift my head.
It's so quiet, so peaceful -- all remains still.
There is my master at my home on the hill.
Yes, I can see him, he's calling my name.
His voice is so gentle, his hands are the same.
He decided he wants me. Things will be fine.
I really do love him, that master of mine.
My tail wags with pleasure. I can't catch my breath.
He came in my dreams, but so did my DEATH!!
Author unknown


Are You Really the Super Being?

If you can start the day without caffeine,
If you can get going without pep pills,
If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,
If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,
If you can eat the same food everyday and be grateful for it,
If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time.

If you can overlook it when those you love take it out on you,
If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,
If you can ignore a friend's limited education and never correct him,
If you can resist treating a rich friend better than an poor friend,
If you can face the world without lies and deceit,
If you can conquer tension without medical help,
If you can relax without liquor,
If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,
If you can say honestly that deep in your heart you have no
prejudice against creed, color, religion or politics,
THEN, my friend, you are almost as good as your dog.
Then, my friend, you are Almost as good as your dog,
Almost, but not quite,
Because besides not having any of your hang-ups and vices,
He would without hesitation, give up his life for you if need be.

Copyright 1976 by Virginia Trendall --- Fur'n Feathers


Funny Dog Rules


Things Dogs Must Try To Remember...

*I will not play tug-of-war with Dad's underwear

  when he's on the toilet.

*The garbage collector is NOT stealing our stuff.

*I do not need to suddenly stand straight up when

*I'm lying under the coffee table.

*I will not roll my toys behind the fridge.

*I must shake the rainwater out of my fur "BEFORE"

  entering the house.

*I will not eat the cats' food, before or after they eat it.

*I will stop trying to find the few remaining pieces of

  clean carpet in the house when I'm about to throw up.

*I will not throw up in the car.

*I will not roll on dead seagulls, fish, crabs, etc.

*I will not lick my humans face after eating animal poop.

*"Kitty box crunchies" are not food.

*I will not eat any more socks and then redeposit

 them in the backyard after processing.

*The diaper pail is not a cookie jar.

*I will not wake Mommy up by sticking my cold, wet

 nose up her bottom end.

*I will not chew my humans toothbrush and not

   tell them.

*I will not chew crayons or pens, especially not the

  red ones, or my people will think I am hemorrhaging.

*When in the car, I will not insist on having the window

   rolled down when it's raining outside.

*We do not have a doorbell. I will not bark each time

   I hear one on TV.

*I will not steal my Mom's underwear and dance all

   over the back yard with it.

*The sofa is not a face towel. Neither are

   Mom &  Dad's laps.

*My head does not belong in the refrigerator.

*I will not bite the officer's hand when he reaches

  in for Mom's driver's license and car registration.

 

 

THE LIFE OF A PUPPY



This morning, I woke up and kissed my Dad's head
I peed on the carpet, then went back to bed
"The life of a puppy, oh my, this is great"
Then I thought about breakfast, "I hope it's not late"

Mom took me outside, we walked for a while
This never fails to make Mama smile
I sniffed at everything that we did pass
I ate something weird and it gave me gas

I'm sure God loves me, I know that is true
He gave me so many great things to chew
Rugs, plants or rocks, I really don't care
What I truly like best is Dad's underwear

That Obedience book was sort of yummy
Though it didn't sit well on my poor puppy tummy
I threw up a bit but that was all right,
When Mom found it later, I was well out of sight

I made streamers of T. P. while running at full speed
Mom is pretty quick but I was still in the lead
I flew under the bed and Mom flew past
She stopped and shook her head and breathed
"You're too fast"

Mama later phoned Daddy and said, "it was frightening!"
That afternoon she was sure I'd pooped lightning
She sat at the computer while I chewed the cord
She thought I was mad but I was just bored

When Mama had enough and couldn't take anymore
That's when my tushy got shoved out the door
I love it inside but outside is best
Lay in the cool grass and had a good rest

That didn't last long as there was too much to do
Can't quite remember where I hid Daddy's shoe
I found an old bone and scratched at a flea
I watched the dumb Squirrels as they jumped in a tree

I barked at the kids when they got off the bus
I can't figure out why this makes Mama fuss
I barked at the neighbor, I barked at the wind
I barked and barked, till Mom yelled, "Come In"

The Sun Dipped In The West, Soon Daddy Would Come!
I sure love my Daddy, we always have fun
I barked at my Daddy and then turned on my charms
I woof woofed, "hello," then jumped in his arms

Sitting under the table, it's sooooo hard to wait
Daddy slipped me a goodie right off his plate
I raced through the house and scattered my toys
Ricocheted off the furniture and made lots of noise

Mom found her purse, the one I had abused
Daddy let loose a chuckle
Mom asked "are you amused?"
I cowered down low, I must be in trouble
Dad said, "wasn't my boy, it must be his double!"

Mom turned off the TV and said, "it's time for bed"
Dad said "let's go boy" and patted my head
I got in my spot between Mom and Dad
I thought about my day and what fun that I had

Mama kicked out my bone from the covers below
Then let loose a sigh, a sigh deep and low
She gave me a kiss and snuggled me tight
And whispered so softly, "my darling, good night"

.

IF YOUR DOG COULD TALK......

If your dog could talk, these are some of most important things
they would like to tell you...
1. My life will probably only last 7 to 14 years. It will hurt me more than
you know if I have to be away from you for longer than a day or two.

2. If you have patience with me and give me time to learn what you would
like from me, I can promise you, you will never be disappointed.


3. Trust me with your life and have faith in our future together.  
If I don't feel that you honestly believe in me, I will suffer
great emotional stress. My sense of self-worth is totally
dependent upon your confidence in me.

4. Don't stay mad at me for long or confine me to a cage to
punish me. You have your friends, your job, and your
recreation. I HAVE ONLY YOU!

5. Talk to me about anything you want as frequently as possible.
Even if I can't comprehend your precise words, I can understand
the meaning of what you're telling me by the tone of your voice.

6. Remember no matter how you treat me, I will NEVER forget it.

7. When you consider raising your hand to hit me, remember I
have teeth that could break the bones in your hand, but I
choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scream at me for failing to respond to your commands
as I usually do, take time to think about what might be wrong
with me that would cause me to treat you differently. Maybe
I haven't been eating right or drinking enough water. Or maybe my
age is catching up with me and I just can't do what I used to do.

9. Take good care of me when I get old. Someday you will be as
old as me and you will see how it feels.

10. Be there for me through good times and bad. Never say you
can't handletaking me to the vets for stitches or surgery.
Nothing could make me feel worse.
Everything in my life is easier for me to deal with when I have
you standing by my side. Remember my love for you is
unconditional and it will last for your entire life.

Quotes About Dogs

"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want

to go where they went."
Unknown

"The scientific name for an animal that doesn't either run

from or fight its enemies is lunch."
 Michael Friedman

"We give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare and

love we can spare. And in return, dogs give us their all.

It's the best deal man has ever made"
 M. Facklam

"Dogs love their friends and bite their enemies, quite

unlike people, who are incapable of pure love and always

have to mix love and hate." 

Anonymous

"The reason a dog as so many friends is that he wags

his tail instead of his tongue."

Sigmund Freud

"Dogs need to sniff the ground; it's how they keep abreast of current events.

The ground is a giant dog newspaper,

containing all kinds of late-breaking dog news items, which,

if they are especially urgent, are often continued in the next yard."
 Dave Barry

"Anybody who doesn't know what soap tastes like never washed a dog."
 Franklin P. Jones

"If your dog is fat, you aren't getting enough exercise."
 Unknown

"Dogs feel very strongly that they should always go with you in the car,

in case the need should arise for them to bark violently at nothing

right in your ear."
 Dave Barry

"A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn

around three times before lying down."
 Robert Benchley




LAST NIGHT
I stood by your bed last night; I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying you found it hard to sleep.
I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,
"It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."
I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea,
You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me.
I was with you at the shops today; your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.
I was with you at my grave today; you tend it with such care.
I want to re-assure you, that I'm not lying there.
I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.
I gently put my paw on you; I smiled and said, "it's me."
You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.
It's possible for me, to be so near you everyday.
To say to you with certainty, "I never went away."
You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew...
in the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.
The day is over... I smile and watch you yawning
and say "good-night, God bless, I'll see you in the morning."
And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side.
I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out...then come home to be with me.
- Author unknown

BOXERS' ANGELS

Boxers' Angels                                      

For those Boxer Babies in the sky
Who have left our loving arms
Don't stop to ask or wonder why
Just know they're free from harm

No pain or fright confronts them now
They've left that all behind
They're embracing joy and freedom
And still live in our minds

Eyes are bright and seeing now
Velvet skin is healed
Legs aren't stiff, and ears can hear
Our love they still can feel

Embrace their memory, hold it tight
Wipe away your tears
The Boxer joy that filled your life
Will last throughout the years

Think of them with happy thoughts
Say a thankful prayer
All those happy Boxer angels
Still know that we care

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 can't be won.
You will be sad - - I understand, don't let this 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 has 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 needs they'll tend, and please stay with me till the end.
Hold me firm, and speak with me, until my eyes no longer see.
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 has this painful thing to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years, don't let your heart hold back its tears.

Author unknown

 

If I Could… 

If.....

I could go back to the day we brought you home I

wouldn't even ask your breeders about your flashy brindle

already promised litter-sister because I'd know that you

were going to own my heart before supper time that night. 

And speaking of that night, if I could go back to the car ride

home I wouldn't bother to tell the rest of the family

that you were going to be properly trained to sleep in a crate

because I'd know that you were going to spend that night

and every night for the next six years sleeping next to

me on the bed.

If ....

I could go back to the spring after your first birthday. I

wouldn't yell about the way you kept digging up the newly

planted trees and bushes. The pear tree you dug up and

dragged to the front yard at least a dozen times is much taller

and bears more fruit than the one you left alone. And the

daylilies you kept dividing produced twice the blooms by

the lilies you didn't shred. You were quite a gardener, buddy!

If...

I could go back to the day we brought that kitten home I

wouldn't scold you for chasing him. Because I'd know that

he was swatting your nose to get you to do it.

By the time he was a year old he wouldn't run when you

did want to chase him.

Stupid cat.

If....

I could hear you drinking your water again. I wouldn't fuss

about how much noise you were making or the mess you

made around the water bowl or how often I had to fill it for

you because I'd know that a noisy, sloppy, frequent mess

was not nearly as depressing as seeing that tidy, quiet

corner when I enter the den.

If....

I could hunt you down in the house again I would still laugh

when I found you sitting in the bath tub holding a bar of

soap in your mouth.  You didn't like baths but you sure loved soap!

If....

I could walk into the den and see you curled up in my chair

again, I wouldn't crab at you for being there because now

I know how much I hate sitting in a cold chair.

If....

I could have one thing I really want for Christmas – I'd have you back.

Healthy and whole without the fear that this would be the

day, week, or month we'd have to start learning to live without

you in our lives.  And if I could have two things

I really wanted for Christmas. Researchers would unlock

the mysteries of BCM so good dogs might not die so damn young.

 

 

 

I Wish...

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your sprit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life
 appear much bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you posses.
I wish you enough "Hello's" to get you through the final
"Good-bye."
Anonymous