Summer/Fall 2000
Here are the winning poems from Mac's Summer/Fall 2000 Poetry Contest! We were delighted with all the entries from people who have experienced the "healing powers of dogs" in their life. Our first place winner, written from the perspective of a therapy dog, captures the essence of why dogs such a rehabilitive effect on our spirits--that wonderful combination of enthusiasm and exuberant unconditional love. And the second place winner describes an innocent and mischievous puppy who doesn't yet know all the in-house rules, but instinctively understands what we need in the way of emotional support. Read the third place winner for an eloquent description of how our best friends restore faith and hope regardless of how bad our day has been.
First Place: "For I am a Therapy Dog"
by Ramsey Edwards, Golden Retriever
Second Place: "What a Puppy Understands"
by Eric R. Ode
Third Place: "Forever Best Friends"
by Laura M. Rodebaugh
For I am a Therapy Dog
by Ramsey Edwards, Golden Retriever
I get in the car and I'm ready to go,
Regardless of the rain, the sleet, or the snow.
I walk through the doors -- big and gold as can be,
For I love my patients and I know they love me.
I jump on the bed and give them a kiss,
It's been a whole week, and I know I've been missed.
For I am a therapy dog, there's no better cure,
I'm here to help people and I love it for sure!
Copyright © 2000 by Ramsey Edwards.
What a Puppy Understands
by Eric R. Ode
She's small and cute but underfoot.
She won't come when I call.
She gnaws and chews my finest shoes
and piddles in the hall.
She finds disguise in umber eyes
so innocently gazing,
then howls at night with all her might
until my voice is raising.
But truth be told, although I scold
with reprimands unbending,
she cocks her head at what I've said
as if uncomprehending.
Yet when I doubt what life's about
and question all I've known;
and when my heart has come apart,
and when I cry alone,
she licks my tear and snuggles near,
her head beneath my hands.
To my surprise, I realize
she truly understands.
Copyright © 2000 by Eric R. Ode.
Forever Best Friends
by Laura M. Rodebaugh
Trudging through the open door
My cheeks are wet with tears
I drop my car keys on the floor
Trying to forget my worries and fears
I feel that I am simply done for
The day's just been too hard
When suddenly you run to me
Like a whimsical greeting card
Your little tails are wiggling fast
Your eyes are bright with glee
I feel so cold and lonely now
But you prove your love to me
A smile stretches across my face
I stroke your velvety heads
I don't deserve this hero's grace
Despite what your wagging tails have said
I drown my sorrows in your fur
You lick my bright red cheeks
I cry until I can cry no more
And my painful story leaks
Before I know it my eyelids are falling
You stay to guard me still
While the lull of sleep is calling
And daylight fades from the window sill
I sink into a peaceful sleep
Your heads upon me rest
I can rely on you when I'm in too deep
Forever best friends in a never ending quest
Copyright © 2000 by Laura M. Rodebaugh.
