FLAGCARD

F.A.S.T. Company page 2 of 2 poems

TO HONOR YOUR PARTNER

POEMS for working dogs plus partners.


S.A.R.“HEROES” The biggest Heroes never look the way we think they should, Yet they can do amazing things no human ever could. They never think about themselves no challenge is too great, They'll risk their life for anyone and never hesitate. They don't expect a medal for what comes so naturally, The only thing they really need is Love from you and me. These Heroes are a special breed God made each one that way, I didn't understand until they buried mine today. © By: Freda H. Babinski Written: 8-11-00 dedicated to the SAR Heroes	A WORKING DOG'S OATH I will lay down my life for you and expect nothing but love in return. I protect my officer with my life, and would gladly take a bullet in his place. I am sent in to find lost children and fugitives on the run. I find drugs and weapons and even bombs. I am the first sent in and sometimes the last to leave. I am the nose and ears of my officer. I will protect and serve him. I would die for him and for you. I only ask for compassion and a kind word. HE IS YOUR DOG "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." ~unknown author~
IN MEMORY OF ALL POLICE DOGS They handled themselves with beauty & grace and who could ever forget that beautiful face Weather at work; or at home; whatever the test they always worked hard; and did their best They were real champions; at work or at play but their lives were cut short; suddenly one day While working on the job with their partner one day they put themselves out on a limb; out into harms way They gave the ultimate sacrifice; any dog can give they gave up their life; so someone could live The best of their breed; as his partner and anyone would say many hearts are now broken; that he had to prove it this way Now as the trees are blowing in the gentle breeze the sun is shining; thru the leaves on the trees The meadows are green; and the grass grows tall off in the distance they can see a waterfall As they look over the falls; down through the creek the water flows gently; as a rabbit sneaks a peek Far up above; in the deep blue sky they see the birds soar high; as they fly by They see animals playing; at the bridge by a waterfall chasing each other; and just having a ball They play all day; from morning to night there's no more rain; just warm sunlight Off in the distance; they hear trumpets blow then all the animals look up; and notice a bright glow The harps would play and the angels would sing as they know they've come home; they've earned their wings We remember that they died; in the line of duty and are now with the Lord; sharing in heaven's beauty Off to the meadows now; where they can play and roam free with an occasional rest stop; under a tall oak tree No more bad guys to chase; or bullets to take just a run through the meadow; down to the lake A quick splash in the water; then back to the shore then it's off to the forest; to go play some more These special dogs are back home; up in heaven above they're cradled in God's arm's; and covered with His love We'll light a candle for all of them; in the dark of night in loving memory of all; these very special knights John Quealy	DON'T GRIEVE FOR ME Dont grieve for me I served you well. I loved you more than you could ever tell. I am now an angel in blue. I laid my life on the line for you. I wore my badge with honor every day, to keep citizens safe and out of harms way. so when you see a badge worn with pride, remember their comrads and friends that have died ~author unknown... THE CANINE BILL OF RIGHTS (13) I have the right to give and receive unconditional love. I have the right to a life that is beyond mere survival. I have the right to be trained so I do not become the prisoner of my own misbehavior. I have the right to adequate food and medical care. I have the right to socialize with people and dogs outside of my family. I have the right to have my needs and want respected. I have the right to special time with my people. I have the right to only be bred responsibly, if not at all. I have the right to some time and space all my own. I have the right to be foolish and silly, to make my person laugh. I have the right to earn my person's trust and to be trusted in return. I have the right to be forgiven I have the right to die with dignity. ~~~Carolyn Krause "JUST A DOG" You say I'm "Just a Dog" then why would it be, if you spell my name backwards god is what you see I have many jobs, one is protecting your life or making sure your family's safe when that prowler is out at night I would chase down any man who hurt someone, I would protect you with my life until my job is done I search for drugs in many different places, I can pick them out of anything even though they come in many different phases I can sniff out a bomb that might be in your child's school, I would risk being blown up to make sure your child comes home to you If you're hurt in the woods or just lost and scared I will search as long as it takes to make sure your life is spared I am loyal to my master for they are first in my eyes, I will always stand beside them for we are partners till I die Of all these jobs that I do, my most important is protecting you, protecting your life with the risk of losing mine even though I have never met you So after all these things that you read, tell me when you look into my eyes is "Just a Dog" all you see? by Christina Sudduth

I WAIT BY THE GATE
In a strange land I was sent, not knowing my fate;
In a pen I was put and I sat by the gate.
I watched and I wondered what do I do now?
Then I looked up and saw you, as you walked up
and smiled.
We trained and we worked and I showed you my best;
You rewarded me and petted me and I did the rest.
Through trails and paths and roads we did go;
And I was to smell, for traps that would blow.
Many times I stopped you from ending your life;
From an enemy trap wire that was set to end life.
Never have I thought that we would ever part;
Because of the love that we had in our hearts.
Oh, I was proud to walk by your side;
With all of your friends and being your guide.
Then one day you put me back into my pen;
You smiled, youpetted me, said "Goodbye my friend."
You looked back one more time,
and I saw the tears in your eye;
And I knew it was the last, your way saying goodbye.
My life, it so changed when you went back home;
And I stayed behind to a fate still unknown.
It's been over 30 years since I've seen your face;
But I never forgot you, my friend and my mate.
So please don't worry, I'm waiting by Heaven's gate;
For my best friend, my brother, but mainly my mate.
Connie Chronister

LAW OF THE JUNGLE
"Now this is the law of the jungle -
as old and as true as the sky;
And the Wolf that shall keep it may prosper,
but the Wolf that shall break it must die.
As the creeper that girdles the tree-trunk
the Law runneth forward and back-
For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf,
and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack."
Kipling

"The Spirit of a German Shepherd Dog"

This is K-9 Major, who crossed over the Rainbow Bridge.
Partner: Sgt. George Cayer, MAINE.
I was standing on a hillside, in a field of blowing wheat
And the spirit of a German Shepherd Dog was lying at my feet He looked at me with kind dark eyes, ancient wisdom shining through. And in the essence of his being his love shone clear and true. His mind did lock upon my heart as I stood there on that day. And he told me of this story about a place so far away. His tale did put my heart at ease, my fears did fade away. About what lay ahead of me on another distant day.


For a card...the poem begins here

"I live among God's creatures now in the heavens of your mind. So do not grieve for me, my friend for I am with my kind. My collar is a rainbow's hue, my leash a shooting star.
My boundaries are the Milky Way where I sparkle from afar. There are no pens or kennels here, and I am not confined. But free to roam God's heavens among my shepherd kind. I nap the day on a snowy cloud, gentle breezes rocking me. And dream the dreams of Earthlings and how it used to be. The trees are full of liver treats and tennis balls abound. And Milk bones line the walkways just waiting to be found. There even is a ring set up, the grass all lush and green. And everyone who gaits around becomes the Best of Breed. For we're all winners in this place, we have no faults, you see. And God passes out those ribbons to each one, even me. I drink from waters laced with gold my world a beauty to behold. And wise old dogs do form my pride to amble at my very side. At night I sleep in an angel's arms, her wings protecting me. And moonbeams dance about us as stardust falls on thee. So when your life on earth is spent, and you stand at Heaven's gate, have no fear of loneliness for here, you know I wait."
(AUTHOR UNKNOWN)

LIFE OF A POLICE DOG
We're both partners & buddies in blue.
We did school demos and never did wrong,
Over the years, my love did grow strong.
How I loved to work, stand up and bark,
In the back of our car, from light until dark.
We went call to call, having fun all the way,
Until the call came on that one fateful day.
A man with a gun, the dispatcher did say,
I jumped from my car when it pointed your way.
Before leaving home, I was told by your wife,
I knew at that moment, I'd give you my life.
The bullet struck hard, steady and true,
The bullet struck me, instead not strike you.
When you go home, tell your wife I did good,
Strong, tall and proud on the ground that I stood.
I'm dead and gone now, this much is so true,
But I've done my job well in protecting you.
~author unknown

One of Byron's most often quoted lyrics was the epitaph he penned for his Newfoundland dog Boatswain which includes these misanthorpic, if naturalistic and heartfelt, lines:

          . . . the poor dog, in life the firmest friend,
          The first to welcome, the foremost to defend,
          Whose honest heart is still his master's own,
          Who labors, fights, lives, breathes for him alone,
          Unhonored falls, unnoticed all his worth,
          Denied in heaven the soul he held on earth.
          While man, vain insect, hopes to be forgiven,
          And claims himself a sole, exclusive heaven.
          Oh man! thou feeble tenant of an hour,
          Debas'd by slavery, or corrupt by power,
          Who knows thee well must quit thee with disgust,
          Degraded mass of animated dust!
          Thy love is lust, thy friendship all a cheat,
          Thy tongue hypocrisy, thy heart deceit,
          By nature vile, ennobled but by name,
          Each kindred brute might bid thee blush for shame.
          Ye! Who behold perchance this simple urn,
          Pass on, it honours none you wish to mourn.
          To mark a friend's remains these stones arise,
          I never knew but one - and here he lies.
~Lord Byron

Lament
of the German Shepherd Dog

I am a canine of noble birth
A German Shepherd Dog - courageous, alert!
I protect my master to earn my keep
In grassy fields I guard his sheep
I've heard it often said
"No finer dog has yet been bred."
The times have changed, a new day's dawned.
Alas, I find myself in a foreign land.
I am a canine of noble birth
I protect no man, I guard no herd;
Stripped of my birthright
I carry on A lonely vigil for times long gone.
When I learned how to treat a lamb,
Or how to control a powerful ram,
When I had to chase the wolves from their prey,
to keep the flock calm, and from going astray.
When I was taught how to stand my ground
To defendmy master when troubles abound
There was no limit to what I could do
My courage and loyality saw me through
Now, I am told I was bred for "show"
DO I deserve to be dropped this low?
In the canine world I am the King,
I do not care for the dog show ring.
It bores me til the day I die
Why can I no longer do my part
And serve mankind with all my heart?
My heritage demands of me to be what I was born to be,
Return my birthright that once was mine
A CHANCE TO LAY MY LIFE ON THE LINE!

In Memory of Quent
Don't grieve for me I served you well.
I loved you more than you could ever tell.

I am now your guardian angel in brown.
I will watch over you, I'll always be around.

I wore my badge with honor every day,
to keep citizens safe and out of harm's way.

So when you see a badge worn with pride,
remember the canines that have served and died.
unknown author

(He's my Partner)
He's my other eyes that can see above the clouds,
My other ears that hear above the wind.
He is the part of me that can reach into the sea.
He has told me a thousand times over
that I am his reason for being,
By the way he rests his head against my leg,
By the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile,
By the way he shows he's hurt when when I leave without him.
(I think it makes him sick with worry
when he is not along with me)
When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive.
When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile.
When I am happy, he is joy unbounded.
When I am a fool, he ignores me.
When I succeed, he brags.
Without him I am only another man.
With him I am safe.
He has taught me the meaning of devotion.
He is loyalty itself.
With him I know a secret comfort and private peace.
He has brought me understanding,
Where before I was ignorant.
His head on my knee can cure human hurts.
His presence by my side is protection against
my fears of dark and unknown things.
And all he asks in return is a kind word,
a pat on the head,
and a fair chance to understand
what is expected of him.
He has promised to unselfishly sacrifice his life for me,
so that each day when I go to work,
I can return home to my family... our family.
The only sacrifice he asks of me,
is when the time comes,
when life holds no more comfort,
when the sparkle in his eyes has dimmed,
that I too be unselfish and let him go.
That I be by his side just this once,
as he has been by mine countless thousands
of time before over the years.
That I comfort him as he goes into a peaceful,
painless sleep.
And one last time,
i will see for just a brief moment,
that sparkle in his eyes as he says,
"Thank you" and "Goodbye"
He is my partner.
(unknown author)

A DOG'S PRAYER
Treat me kindly, my beloved master
For no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness
than the loving heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick
for though I should lick your hand between the flows.
Your patience and understanding will more quickly
teach me the things you would have me do.
Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest
music as you must know
by the fierce wagging of my tail
when your footsteps fall upon my waiting ear.
When it is cold and wet, please take me inside
for I am now a domesticated animal....
no longer used to bitter elements.
And I ask no greater glory than the privilege
of sitting at your feet beside the hearth.
Though had you no home, I would rather follow you
through ice and snow
than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home
in all the land,
for you are my God and I am your devoted worshiper.
Feed me clean food, that I may stay well
to romp and play and do your bidding,
to walk by your side and stand ready
willing and able to protect you with my life should
your life be in danger.
And beloved master, should the Grand Master
see fit to deprive me of my health or sight,
do not turn me away from you.
Rather, hold me gently in your arms
as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest
...and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew,
my fate was ever safest in your hands.
author unknown.....

A BIG HEART
     One day up in heaven,
     While God was looking down,
     He saw people alone and sad,
     And He gave a little frown.
     He wanted to think of something,
     To make those people smile,
     Then the answer came to Him,
     After He'd thought awhile.
     He'd give them a companion,
     One whose love was true,
     Faithful they would be,
     No matter what the people do.
     Four legs they would have,
     And they would never fail,
     To greet these people every time,
     With a happy wagging tail.
     He'd give them a big heart,
     To hold all the love inside,
     That love would last forever,
     Even after they had died.
     For across that Rainbow Bridge,
     Would be a special place,
     Where they would wait and watch,
     To see their master's face.
     He thought of what to call it,
     And then the answer came.
     If you spell "God" backwards,
     You'll have this animal's name.
          -- Anita Burney

..To the best of my knowledge, all of the poetry displayed on this page, have authors whose names
are UNKNOWN, unless otherwise stated...
However, If you see a writing here and ARE the author or know who he/she is,
PLEASE let me know so I can either give that person(s) credit. THANK YOU
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