Flight of An Angel
by Pam Thiess

What would your story be, sweet one?
Did your family grow tired of the doggie fun?
Or maybe you just got old and gray,
No longer moved fast, and just got in the way.

You were so scared, so unsure,
As the person that you loved left you at the door.
I called you by name, told you it would be all right;
I put my arms around your neck and held you so tight.

As time went on and I earned your trust,
Manners and training were a must.
And I know that we made quite a pair—
Another page turns in foster care.

Not every day was hearts and flowers, you know this much is true,
But as a team we kept on trying and saw it all the way through.
We spent much time chasing demons; consistency was the key.
But little did I realize I needed you as much as you needed me.

The time has come, my Golden one—look how much you’ve grown.
There’s a family who wants a dog to love for their very own.
You have to move on, as another needs your space.
I know you are ready now—the wag of your tail, that smile on your face.

I took notes and pictures, right from the start. 
But the best memory I have of you is etched deeply in my heart.
I will not say goodbye, as that is forever.
Our bond is special—I’ll forget you never.
So spread your wings, my precious one, the world is waiting for you.
Soar high, and fly, and begin your life anew.

Lost Angel of Gold
by Laura Lee Carroll

Hush little one,
For in my dream I see,
A vision far too gold who waits for me.
A loving angel so strong and proud
Who yearns for love without a sound.

Hush little one, 
Oh don’t you see,
For I am here to rescue thee.
Without a voice you tell your tale,
Through endless kisses and praise as well.

Hush little one, 
How I long to be,
As good a friend as you will to me.
You are real, you exist here and now it’s true,
Dear angel, my home and endless love will welcome you.

Hush Little one, 
How I love you so,
More than your soul will ever know.
My life, it’s here now for you, it’s true;
Take it, my angel, for I would die for you.
Yes, I would; I will, it’s true,
Til I find a home that welcomes you.
If not, oh dear, be mine all mine,
For ever and ever til the end of time.
Hush.

The Conversation

A puppy so cute, you chose me to be
A nice pet for you; you’re the owner for me.
You loved me enough to take me in,
But my fur is now dull and I’m much too thin.

A new pup takes time;  I wanted a home.
I thought you would teach me; I can’t learn on my own.
Now something has changed, and you say I must go.
I’ll get a new chance, a new chance to grow.

Whatever your reason, now we must part.
I’m going to GRREAT to have a new start.
For my arrival at GRREAT, I am nervous at best.
I just want to be loved; I just need some rest.

To an interim home—I guess this will do,
It’s a foster home in the Golden rescue!
But... I’m afraid of your hand, I’m afraid of your touch...

... Don’t worry, sweet Golden, we love you too much.
We will not hurt you, we’re here to help.
We’ll be here for you so that you can get well.

As your foster home, we’ll teach you to trust,
We’re a foster home that loves you so much.
A new chance at life, to be cared for and loved
To play and to fetch, and just to be hugged.

To rescue you now, out of harm’s way
And then see you happy, in a family to play
With tennis balls and squeaky toys, or chew on a bone, 
Settled and wanted in your new home.

The tears in our eyes just can’t be helped.
We love you, sweet Golden, take care of yourself—
But not all alone, not anymore—
The new family for you will care for you more.

The love that you give, they’ll show in return.
They know where you’ve come from, the lessons you’ve learned.

To foster a dog, to help out the breed,
To foster a Golden, to fulfill a need.
A need for us both, we’ll be there for you.
And you’ll love us back—that’s just what you do.
To foster a Rescue dog, to repay the breed,
For their love and their beauty, they’re Goldens indeed.

To My First Rescue Dog

Honorable
Mention

You came to me full grown
But very much like a puppy.
A human's love you had not yet known.
Each pat on your head
Caused you to jump in a frenzy.
In your first hours you even shredded your bed.
Each experience was new and you were so amazed.
Inside the house you seemed overwhelmed.
Just the simplest things would capture your gaze.
Constant excitement was your state.
Your jumping and barking
Made you a challenging roommate.
But slowly you came to understand
And when I reach out
You no longer chewed on my hand.
Within a few months so calmly you sat.
Imploring with those sweet brown eyes
To give your head just one more pat.
The adoption day in mid-December
When you met your new family
Is one I will always remember.
I sent you on your way
With a final hug and kiss
Knowing your new life began that day.
You trotted away without a backward glance
And through my tears I smiled
Because you deserved this second chance.

A Whimper in the Night

Honorable
Mention

I'm a dog all alone
Searching for a loving home

Not missed from my home for days
Now on the streets, I'm just a stray

Looking for food and needing love
Or release from my despair from above.

Afraid of human hands and shouts of anger
Driven by primitive survival and hunger.

Now beaten by the rain and the cold
And weary down to my soul.

Just a warm place to sleep, a piece of food
And a kind hand and voice to sooth.

Is there an angel to care for me
Someone to take me from my misery.

My only value is my love
I'm just a dog needing a hug

Give me a chance of this I beg
And I will give devotion to the grave.

I'll keep on walking - step by step
Until I die or become someone's pet

---By a Dog