This is why I rescue the old ones...

ONE BY ONE
Written by Leslie Whalen in honor of her dog, Tray, and all senior dogs who await a new home and deserve a second chance at life and happiness.

"One by one, they pass my cage . . . too old, too worn, too broken, no way. Way past his time, he can't run and play. Then they shake their heads slowly and go on their way. A little old man, arthritic and sore. It seems I am not wanted anymore. I once had a home, I once had a bed, a place that was warm, and where I was fed. Now my muzzle is grey, and my eyes slowly fail. Who wants a dog so old and frail? My family decided I didn't belong, I got in their way, my attitude was wrong. Whatever excuse they made in their head, can't justify how they left me for dead. Now I sit in this cage, where day after day, the younger dogs get adopted away. When I had almost come to the end of my rope, you saw my face and I finally had hope. You saw thru the grey and the legs bent with age, and felt I still had life beyond this cage. You took me home, gave me food and a bed, and shared your own pillow with my poor tired head. We snuggle and play and you talk to me low, you talk to me dearly, you want me to know. I may have lived most of my life with another, but you outshine them with a love so much stronger. I may be with you for a week or for years, we will share many smiles, you will no doubt shed tears. And when the time comes that God deems I must leave, I know you will cry and your heart, it will grieve. And when I arrive at the Bridge, all brand new, my thoughts and my heart will still be with you. And I will brag to all who will hear, of the person who made my last days so dear."