"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be determined by the way its animals are treated." -- Mahatma Gandhi

"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog.
You are his life, his love, his leader.
He will be yours, faithful and true,
to the last beat of his heart.
You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion."
~Author Unknown

To all of those who waited
and for those still waiting...

I Waited
Terry Price Kimmel

I waited with you while the news of the storm began. You patted my head and told me not to worry, let’s wait and see.

I waited while you packed up what you could from the house and put away all the belongings.

You told me to wait just a while, let’s watch the TV.

I waited for you to say let’s go when they said we all had to leave.

I waited when they told you I couldn’t go with you. I sat and watched you go.

I waited from the window while I saw you drive away, you looked back at me and said “Wait out the storm, I’ll be back.”

I waited.

I was so thirsty I drank only the water that was there waiting for me, rising above me.

I waited while boats and people and helicopters went by and asked if there was anyone waiting to be saved.

I did not reply. I knew others like you were waiting longer than me.

I waited while my stomach grew thin and sore longing for food and full of toxins but hoping any moment that someone would stop ....and tell me that you were waiting for me.

I waited while I heard others like me... wailing, swimming in dark waters or tied up burning in the hot sun.

I dreamt someone would bring me to you, waiting for me.

I waited. ..While my aches grow to pain beyond recognition but I wanted you to know I was waiting for you.

I tremble and wait for death now because anything else would be too much to bear.

But I will wait for you forever.

I will wait for you in Heaven.

She Cannot Say Goodbye
Kathy Pippig Harris

It is a comfortable little place -- their home, it is paid for, cozy, and theirs alone. Just the two of them, therein, reside... an older lady and the aging canine.

Listening to the radio, as the storm grew, tears well in her eyes, upon hearing the news. She gazes at her friend, and he regards her, too. Reporters are saying everyone must now go...she was to pack only what she needed from home.

She shakes her head and wonders, "Didn't they know that folks like her had no means to get away and no car of their own?"

But officials called to say public transport would stop by; they'd take her and her things, but her beloved friend could not ride. Tears fall as thunder and lightning rent the damp air. Her friend pads over, then leans against her, there in her chair.

Sensing her sadness, the old dog wags his tail as the wind past their porch swells to a wail he reaches up and reassuringly licks her hand, and as he has always, by her side, he will stand!

She sobs at his sweet, loyal gesture, for he does not know that on this journey, her dearest friend will not go. They had weathered life's storms and both had grown gray. She worries as they were never long, from the other, away.

She rises slowly when she hears the knock on the door, a man takes her bags, saying, "I'm sorry, ma'am, it's now or never -- we can wait no more."

When the old dog follows her, she says "No, go inside where it's safe." His expression is one of bewilderment and hurt, as rain pelts his face. When she steps into the bus, she hears him whimper and cry. She cannot turn around to him. She cannot say good-bye.

She studies the man who holds her bags, then she steps off the bus. When she reaches her friend, she says, "No future is as important as the gift that is us."She bends down and, happily crying, embraces her furry soul mate, "The worst storm ever is near, but alone, you will not have to wait."

Later, as the night explodes 'round them, and she draws him snug to her side ,he lifts his fuzzy head, stares lovingly at her and she contentedly sighs.

For on this, their last journey, the two would be together always . . .. . . now . . . and forever.

Dedicated to a future where, in a disaster,we will not be torn apart from our furry kin! Copyright 2005 by Kathy Pippig Harris