I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter.It smelled of dogs,and cats,of fear,of hopelessness.You filled out the paperwork and said "I know you will find a good home for her."They shrugged and gave you a pained look.They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog or cat,even one with "papers."

   You had to pry your son's fingers  loose from my collar as he screamed "No,Daddy!Please don't let them take my dog!" And I worried for him and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility,and about respect for all life.You gave me a goodbye pat on the head,avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you.You had a deadline to meet and now I have one,too.

   After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew your upcoming monthe ago and made no attempt to find me another good home.They shook their heads and asked "How could you?"

    They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow.They feed us, of course,but I lost my appetite days ago.At first,whenever anyone passed my pen,I rushed to the front,hoping it was you-that you had changed your mind-- that this was all a bad dream...or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared,anyone who might save me.When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies,oblivious to their own fate.I retreated to a far corner and waited.

     I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room.A blissfully quiet room.She placed me on the table,rubbed my ears and told me not to worry.My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come,but there was also a sense of relief.The prisoner of love had run out of days.As is my nature,I was more concerned for her.The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her and I know that,the same way I knew your every mood.

     She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek.I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago.She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein.As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body,I lay down sleepily,looked into her kind eyes and murmured"How could you?"

      Perhaps because she understood my dogspeak,she said "I'm so sorry."She hugged me and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place,where I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself--a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place.With my last bit of energy,I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my "How could you?"was not meant for her.It was you,My beloved Master,I was thinking of I will think of you and wait for you forever.

                         May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty.

                                                                                                   By:Jim Willis