Suite101

A Shelter Dog asks God...


© Joan C. Fremo

Dear God,
What is "Time"?
I hear the sadness in the voices of workers here. They say my "Time is up", that they have to make room for yet another dog.

My "Time" is up. I don't know what that means, God. I only know that my new friends are so sad, and the more I wag my tail---the harder I try to make them feel better---the sadder they become.

I know I have heard that word "Time" before, but I don't understand. When I was younger, my people would say "Time to play!" They would throw the ball, and I would run fast. Sometimes I brought it back to them, but other times we'd end up chasing each other having fun.

I remember "Time to eat". My people would put down a bowl of food, and I would enjoy dinner, wagging my tail in joy. There was also "Time for your walk". My boy would put my leash on, and we would go walking together, visiting the neighborhood and enjoying each other's company.

When I was younger I thought "Time" meant fun. Or maybe Love?

I don't understand. "Time" must mean something else, but how can it change, God? Before I came here, I heard my people say, "No time to feed you now, boy. Later, when I get home." Sometimes my family would forget, and there was no food in my bowl.
Does "Time" mean when my belly hurts?

My people said there was no time for walks. I tried to hold it all day long-- but God, I just couldn't anymore. When I finally had to go, it made my family very angry.
Does "Time" means anger? Or maybe Loneliness?

My family said they didn't have "Time". They didn't have time to play, or time to take me to the vet, or time to go for walks. They didn't have "Time", so they brought me here.

Maybe I was right... They said they didn't have time, and if "Time" means Love, how did they lose it?
Did I do something wrong?

God, I think my new friends are sending me to you. Do you have "Time"? May I sit on the couch?

Am I a good Dog, God?
Is it "Time"?

=====
One of the most important things we can give our Pets is "Time". The time to love them, care for them, and train them. Animal Shelters and Humane Societies across the country are filled with Pets whose families didn't have "Time". Every year, the "Time is up" for 12 million companion Pets. Do you have the "Time" to make a difference?

Go To Page: 1


The copyright of the article A Shelter Dog asks God... in Dog Rescue is owned by . Permission to republish A Shelter Dog asks God... in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Post this Article to facebook Add this Article to del.icio.us! Digg this Article furl this Article Add this Article to Reddit Add this Article to Technorati Add this Article to Newsvine Add this Article to Windows Live Add this Article to Yahoo Add this Article to StumbleUpon Add this Article to BlinkLists Add this Article to Spurl Add this Article to Google Add this Article to Ask Add this Article to Squidoo


Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: View all related messages

8.   Sep 8, 2002 11:49 AM
Joan,

This article touched my heart in a special way. Thanks so much for posting it. More people need to realize that a pet is a big responsibility. Like children, they need to have "time" from the ...


-- posted by Red


7.   Sep 8, 2002 6:58 AM
Thank You for posting this may I use it, I rescue in Texas people need to read this. Could I use it in my newsletter? Thanks Jackie,Mr. K's Pet Shelter ...

-- posted by jacmac77076


6.   Aug 1, 2001 6:14 PM
This is SOOO sad, I hope it will stop at least one person (hopefully more!) from breeding their dog! Thank you Joan for writing what all these poor dogs MUST think. This makes me even more glad that I ...

-- posted by RottGSPluv


5.   Aug 1, 2001 1:59 PM
This touched my heart.

Thank you.


-- posted by murphlaw


4.   Jul 30, 2001 1:03 PM
In response to message posted by JButler:

Thank you, Joy! And thank you for being one of those people for who Time is love.
Rescue H ...

-- posted by pyrangel





For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to Joan C. Fremo's Dog Rescue topic, please visit the Discussions page.