~~   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 brought about by "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 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 man."
So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog."
just smile, because they "just don't understand."

Ispahanin Cecilia "Toffo"
10.09.1992 - 22.09.2005

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 till the end.
Hold me firm and speak to 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 had this painful thing to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years;
Don't let your heart hold back its tears.

Safe Keeper's Criminal Mind "Helmi"
28.09.2007 - 18.12.2007
(Helmi passed away by terrible accident)

“They Gain Their Wings"
Puppydogs do not die,
they only gain their wings and fly.
They will play again I pray,
in those green fields far away.
Past the gaits of pearly white,
with other loved ones gone from our sight.
We will see them once again
at a place called Rainbows end,
with a wag of a tail and a jump in the air,
we will once again become a pair.
Don't be sad this day my friend,
just look for the bridge called Rainbows end,
and remember, "Puppies do not die,
they gain their wings and learn to fly".

Poem by
L. Marie Crane 1998