AM I GOING HOME TODAY? My family brought me home today, cradled in their arms. They cuddled me and smiled at me, and said I was full of charm. They played with me and laughed with me, they showered me with toys. I sure do love my family, especially the girls and boys. The children love to feed me, they give me special treats. They even let me sleep with them, all snuggled in the sheets. I used to go for walks, often several times a day. They even fought to hold the leash, I'm proud to say. They used to laugh and praise me when I played with that old shoe, but I don't know the difference between the old ones and the new. The kids and I would grab a rag, for hours we would tug. So I thought I did the right thing, when I chewed the bathroom rug. They said I was out of control, and would have to live outside. This I did not understand, although I tried and tried. The walks stopped, one by one; they said they hadn't time. I wish that I could change things, I wish I knew my crime. My life became so lonely, in the backyard on a chain. I barked and barked all day long, to keep from going insane. So they brought me to a shelter, but were embarrassed to say why. They said I caused an allergy, and then kissed me good-bye. If I'd only had some classes, as a little pup, I wouldn't have been so hard to handle when I was all grown up. "This one has only one day left," I heard the worker say. "Does this mean I have a second chance?"  Am I going home today? ... Author Unknown RAINBOW BRIDGE   Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times going by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together .... author unknown I Am Famous Now I was born today. One of 10. My daddy is very famous. I have lots of half brothers and sisters. My Mother is very famous. Since she got famous, she has only had puppies. No more loving hands, no more fun trips...just puppies. She is always sad when they leave her. I left home today. I didn't want to go, so I hid behind my mama and my 3 litter mates that were left. I didn't like you. But one day they said I would be famous. I wonder, is famous the same as fun and good times? So you picked me up and carried me away, even thought you were concerned about me hiding from you. I don't think you like me. My new home is far away. I am scared and afraid. My heart says BE BRAVE. My ancestors were. Did they go to good homes like mine? I'm hungry because I can't eat too much because it will be bad for my bones. I can't bite and snap when the children are mean to me. I just run and play and pretend I am in a big green field with butterflies and robins and frogs. I can't understand why they kick me. I am quiet, but the man hits and says loud things. The lady doesn't feed me good things like I had with my mother. She just throws dry food on the ground, then goes away before I can get too close for touching and petting. Sometimes, my food smells bad but I eat it anyway. Today I had 10 puppies. They are so wonderful and warm. Am I famous now?  I wish I could play with them, but they are so tiny. I am so young and playful that it is hard to lay here in this hole under the house nursing my puppies. They are crying now. I am so hungry. I scratch and worry my fur. I wish someone would throw me some food. I am also very thirsty. I now have 8 puppies, 2 got cold during the night and I couldn't make them warm again. They are gone. We are all very weak. Maybe if I take them out on the porch, we can get some food. Today they took us away. It was too much trouble to feed us and someone came to take us away. Someone grabbed my puppies, they were crying and whimpering. We were put in a truck with boxes in it. Are my babies famous now? I hope so, because I miss them. They are gone. The place smelled of urine, fear and sickness. Why was I here? I was beautiful, like my ancestors. Now I am hungry, dirty, in pain, and unwanted. Maybe the worst is unwanted. No one came, though I tried to be good. Today, someone came. They put a rope around my neck and led me to a room that was very clean and had a shiny table. They put me on the table. Someone hugged me. It felt so good!!! Then I felt tired and laid over the last one who cared. I AM FAMOUS NOW. Today someone cared.  --Author Unknown, courtesy of Webark Estates