Welcome, Brogan!

This little guy has completely stolen my heart and has made me passionate about animal adoption. Row after row of hopeful chocolate-doggie-eyes and matted fur hiding hearts of gold at the shelter had something to do with it, too.

Brogan came home on January 29th and is here to stay. I know some people have doubts about 'secondhand animals' from the humane society, but Brogan has been amazing. Housetrained, eager to please, and a snuggle-muffin (although we did have a few adventures that first week, including his stolen 'snack' of five Hershey kisses!). I cannot figure out why someone didn't want him!

I'm not going to go out and join PETA and I know that the human lives lost in abortion are even more valuable, but we still need to remember animals are God's creatures and we are commanded to care for them (Proverbs 12:10). It breaks my heart to see these loyal, loving dogs confused by abandonment, neglect, or even abuse. This poem is unfortunately the story of so many pets:

Do I Go Home Today?

My family brought me home 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 and showered me with toys.

I sure do love my family, especially the little girls and boys.

The children loved to feed me; they gave 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 very proud to say.

These are the things I'll not forget - a cherished memory.

I now live in the shelter - without my family.

They used to laugh and praise me when I played with that old shoe.

But I didn't know the difference between the old one 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 bedroom rug.

They said that I was out of control and would have to live outside.
This I didn't 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 the shelter but were embarrassed to say why.

They said I caused an allergy, and then they each kissed me goodbye.

If I'd only had some training as a little pup.

I wouldn't have been so hard to handle when I was all grown up.

"You only have one day left", I heard the worker say.

Does that mean I have a second chance?

Do I go home today?

-Author Unknown

Go get some tissues and then hug your dog.