God looked around his pastures, and he found an empty place.
He then looked down upon this earth, and saw your tired face.
He knew that you were suffering,
He knew you were in pain,
He knew that you would never be well on earth again.
He saw the trails were getting rough
And the hills hard to climb.
So he closed your weary eyelids and whispered, "Peace be thine."
It broke our hearts to lose you,
But you did not go alone.
For a part of us went with you,
The day God took you home.
Author Unknown
Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to some one here, that pet goes goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who have been ill and old are restored to health and vigor, those who are hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing, they each miss someone very special who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent, his eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face, your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together........
Author Unknown
Rescuers Bridge
Unlike most days at Rainbow Bridge the day dawned cold and gray, damp as a swamp and dismal as could be imagined. All the recent arrivals had no idea what to think as they had never experienced a day like this before. But the animals whoi had been waiting for there beloved people knew exactly what was going on and started to gather at the pathway leading to the Bridge to watch. It wasn't long before an elderly animal came into view, head hung low and tail dragging. The other animals, the ones who had been there for a while, knew what his story was right away, for they had seen this happen far to often. He approached slowly, obviously in great emotional pain, but with no sign of injury or illness. Unlike all the other animals waiting at the Bridge, this animal had not been restored to youth and made healthy and vigorous again. As he walked toward the Bridge he watched all the other animals watching him. He knew he was out of place here and the sooner he could cross over the happier he would be. But, alas, as he approached the Bridge, his way was barred by the appearance of an angel who apologized, but told him he would not be able to pass. Only those animals who were with there people could pass over the Rainbow Bridge. With no place else to turn the elderly animal turned towards the fields before the Bridge and saw of other animals like himself also elderly and infirm. They weren't playing but simply lying on the green grass, forlornly staring out at the pathway leading to the Bridge. And so, he took his place among them, watching the pathway and waiting. One of the newest arrivals at the Bridge didn't understand what he had just witnessed and asked one of the animals that had been there for a while to eplain it to him. "You see, that poor animal was a rescue. He was turned into the rescue just as you see him now, an older horse with his fur greying and his eyes clouding. He never made it out of the rescue and passed on with only the love of his rescuer to comfort him as he left his earthly existance. Because he had no family to give his love to, he has no one to escort him across the Bridge." The first animal thought about this for a minute and then asked," So, What will happen now?" As he was about to receive his answer, the clouds suddenly parted and the gloom lifted. Approaching the Bridge could be seen a single person and among the older animals , a whole group was suddenly bathed in a golden light and they were all young and healthy again, just as they were in the prime of there life. "Watch and see," said the second animal. A second group of animals from those waiting came to the pathway and bowed low as the person neared. At each bowed head the person offered a pat on the head or a scratch behind the ears. The newly restored animals fell into line and followed her towards the Bridge. They all crossed the Bridge together. "What happened?" That was a Rescuer. The animals you saw bowing in respect were those who found new homes because of her work. They will cross when there new families arrive. Those you saw restored were the ones who never found homes. When a Rescuer arrives, they are allowed to perform one final act of rescue. They are allowed to escort those poor animals that could not find a place on earth across The Rainbow Bridge-Anonymous-
In Memory of the Horses
In Memory of Those Horses We Have Loved and Lost
Don't cry for the horses life has set free A million white horses forever to be. Don't cry for the horses now in God's hand As they dance and they prance in a heavenly band.
They were ours as a gift, but never to keep As they close their eyes forever to sleep. Their spirit unbound on silver wings they fly A million white horses against the sky.
Look up into heaven you'll see them above The horses we lost, the horses we loved. Manes and tails flowing they gallop through time They were never yours - they were never mine.
Don't cry for the horses, they'll be back some day. When our time is gone, they will show us the way. Do you hear that soft nicker ? Close to your ear? Don't cry for the horses. Love the ones that are here.
Author unknown
A Horses Prayer
To thee, my master, I offer my prayer. Feed me, water and care for me, and when the day's work is done, provide me with shelter, a clean, dry bed, and stall wide enough for me to lie down in comfort.
Always be kind to me. Your voice often means as much to me as the reins. Pet me sometimes, that I may serve you the more gladly and learn to love you. Do not jerk the reins, and do not whip me when going uphill. Never strike, beat, or kick me when I do not understand you. Watch me, and if I fail to do your bidding, see if something is not wrong with my tack, teeth or feet.
Do not check me so that I cannot have free use of my head. If you insist that I wear blinkers, so that I cannot see behind me as it was intended I should, I pray you be careful that the blinders stand well out of my eyes. Do not overload me, or hitch me where water will drip on me. Keep me well shod. Examine my teeth when I do not eat, I may have an ulcerated tooth, and that, you know, is very painful. Do not tie my head in an unnatural position, or take away my best defense against flies and mosquitoes by cutting off my tail.
I cannot tell you when I am thirsty, so give me clean, cool water often. Save me, by all means in your power from that fatal disease - the glanders. I cannot tell you in words when I am sick, so watch me, that by signs you may know my condition. Give me all possible shelter from the hot sun, and put a blanket on me, not when I am working, but when I am standing in the cold. Never put a frosty bit in my mouth, first warm it by holding it a moment in your hands.
I try to carry you and your burden without a murmur, and wait patiently for you long hours of the day or night. Without the power to choose my shoes or path, I sometimes fall on hard pavement which I have often prayed might not be of wood but of such a nature as to give me safe and sure footing. Remember that I must be ready at any moment to lose my life in your service.
And finally, OH MY MASTER, when my useful strength is gone, do not turn me out to starve or freeze, or sell me to some cruel owner, to be slowly tortured and starved to death, but do thou, My Master, take my life in the kindest way, and your God will reward you here and hereafter. You will not consider me irreverent if I ask this in the name of Him who was born in a stable. AMEN
By: Author Unknown
The Lighter Side
Definitions:
Big Name Trainer:
Cult leader: Horse owners follow behind them blindly, will gladly sell their homes, spend their children's college funds and their RSPs to support them - as they have a link to "The Most High Ones" (Judges).
Equitation:
The ability to keep a smile on your face and proper posture while your horse tries to crowhop, shy, and buck his way around a show ring.
Girth Sores:
Painful swelling and abrasion made at the point of mid-section by fashionable large western belt buckles.
Feed:
Expensive substance utilized in the manufacture of large quantities of manure.
Fences:
Decorative perimeter structures built to give a horse something to chew on, scratch against, and jump over.
Flies:
The excuse of choice a horse uses so he can kick you, buck you off, or knock you over - he cannot be punished.
Gates:
Wooden or metal structures built to amuse horses.
Green Broke:
The color of the face of the person who has just gotten the Training bill from the "Big Name Trainer".
Hock:
The financial condition that a horse owner goes into.
Longeing:
A training method a horse uses on its owner with the purpose of making the owner spin in circles - rendering the owner dizzy and light-headed, so that they get sick and pass out, so that the horse can go back to grazing.
Pony:
The true size of the stallion that you bred your mare to via transported semen-that was advertised as 15 hands tall.
Proud Flesh:
The external reproductive organs flaunted by a stallion when a horse of any gender is present. Often displayed in halter classes.
Overreaching:
A descriptive term used to explain the condition your credit cards are in by the end of show season.
Quitter:
A term trainers have commonly used to refer to their clients who have pulled their horses out of their barns.
Reins:
Break-away leather device used to tie horses with.
Saddle:
An expensive leather contraption manufactured to give the rider a false sense of security. Comes in many styles. All feature built-in ejector seats.
Withers:
The reason you'll seldom see a man riding bareback.
Top Ten Spook List
Author Unknown
10. Blowing Paper "At any moment it could whip up into our faces, covering our noses. We could suffocate. And don't try to tell us you'd do CPR."
9. Barking Dogs " What? You've never read Steven King's CUJO?"
8. Puddles of Water "Quicksand."
7. Trash Cans "They've been known to swallow horses and transport them into another dimension."
6. Babies and Lil Kids "Long lost tribe of horse-eating pygmies."
5. Plaid Horse Blankets. "Hey, when was the last time you wore plaid? It adds at least 100 lbs."
4. Ropes and Hoses on the Ground "Dreaded North American trail snakes."
3. Ponies. "Cute, clever, hardy. They want to take over the World."
2. Windy Days. "Two words: impending tornado.
And the number one scary thing in the minds of horses?
1. Carts and Wagons Look. You put a human on our backs, we can always buck them off. But hitching a horse to a wheeled object. It's just not right. No matter how fast the horse trots, the dang cart is still running after him. Oh, the Horror!!!
How to Use Your Horse as a Weather Gauge Discover the top 10 ways your equine pal can act as a personal weatherman.
10. You're walking across the pasture and run smack-dab into a Shetland pony--heavy fog in low-lying areas.
9. The horse swishes his tail and knocks you unconscious--icy conditions.
8. A 14-hand horse appears to be about 16 hands tall--snow with possible accumulation up to 8 inches.
7. The ground looks wet but the hoofprints are dry--very light showers.
6. Your horse bites and kicks you--well, that really just means you were an idiot for buying him.
5. The horse looks hungry because his big round bale floated away--possible flooding in some areas.
4. Your sorrel horse has turned roan--snowfall with little or no accumulation.
3. He's slow to leave the hedge row even though you're rattling the feed bucket--excessive heat warning.
2. The horse is hanging onto the fence with his teeth--blustery winds (or you've got a cribber).
1. The front half of the horse is wet and the back half is dry--isolated showers.
You Know You're a Horseperson if You... Horse people see the world differently than everyone else, and you know you're a horse person if you do these things.
You know you're a horseperson if you...
Believe in the 11th Commandment: Inside leg to outside rein.
Know that all topical medications come in either indelible blue or neon yellow.
Think nothing of eating a sandwich after mucking out stables.
Know why a thermometer has a yard of yarn attached to one end of it.
Are banned from Laundromats.
Fail to associate whips, chains and leather with sexual deviancy.
Can magically lower your voice five octaves to bellow at a pawing horse.
Have a language all your own. "If he pops his shoulder, I have to close that hand and keep pushing with my seat in case he sucks back."
End relationships over your hobby.
Cluck to your car to help it up hills.
Insure your horse for more than your car.
Will give someone 20 names and reasons for that bump on your horse.
Know more about your horse's nutrition than your own.
Have neatsfoot oil stains on the carpet right next to the TV.
Have a vocabulary that can make a sailor blush.
Have fewer clothes than your horse.
Engage in a hobby that is more work than your day job.
Think mucking stalls is better then Zoloft any day.
Think mucking stalls with Zoloft is heaven.
Barrel Racing
Two 90-year-old women, Rose and Barb, had been friends all of their lives. When it was clear that Rose was dying, Barb visited her every day. One day Barb said, 'Rose, we both loved barrel racing all our lives, and we rode until we could hardly walk. Please do me one favor: When you get to Heaven, somehow you must let me know if there's barrel racing there.' Rose looked up at Barb from her deathbed, 'Barb, you've been my best friend for many years. If it's at all possible, I'll do this favor for you.' Shortly after that, Rose passed on. At midnight a couple of nights later, Barb was awakened from a sound sleep by a blinding flash of white light and a voice calling out to her, 'Barb, Barb.' 'Who is it?' asked Barb, sitting up suddenly. 'Who is it?' 'Barb -- it's me, Rose.' 'You're not Rose. Rose just died.' 'I'm telling you, it's me, Rose,' insisted the voice. 'Rose! Where are you?' 'In Heaven,' replied Rose. 'I have some really good news and a little bad news.' 'Tell me the good news first,' said Barb. 'The good news,' Rose said, 'is that there's barrel racing in Heaven. Better yet, all of our horses who died before us are here, too. Better than that, we're all young again. Better still, it's always summer, and it never rains or snows. And best of all, we can ride all we want, and our horses never get tired.' 'That's fantastic,' said Barb.. 'It's beyond my wildest dreams! So what's the bad news?' 'You're riding slack on Friday.'
The Old Grey Mare
Just an Old Grey Mare
What do you see owner, what do you see?
What are you thinking when you look at me?
An old grey mare not very wise,
uncertain of habit with far away eyes.
Who drags her hooves and makes no reply
when you say in a loud voice, "I do wish you'd try!"
Who seems not to notice the things that you do,
and is forever lame in a leg or two.
Who, resisting or not, lets you do as you will,
with grooming and feeding...the long day to fill.
Is that what you're thinking, is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, owner, you're not looking at me.
I'll tell you who I am as I stand here so still,
as I move at your bidding, as I work at your will.
I am a month old foal with my Mother,
she cares for and nurtures me, we love each other.
A playful two-year old with wings at her feet,
hoping there's patience in the trainer she's to meet.
A trusting mount at the age of four,
carries her riders ten miles and more.
At six now I have a foal of my own
who I nurture and teach to live on his own.
As the years go by I raise more foals,
carry more riders on the trails and in shows.
At twenty only the smallest ride upon my back,
for power and strength is what I lack.
At twenty-five once more foals play at my knee,
for someplace to put me...a babysitter I will be.
Now at thirty dark days lie ahead,
I look at the future, I shudder with dread.
I may be an old mare, and nature is cruel,
it's her jest to make old age look like a fool.
The body it crumbles, grace and beauty depart,
now there's a stone where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass a young foal still dwells
and now and again my battered heart swells.
I remember the joys, I remember the pain,
I am loving and living life over again.
I think of the years of life are too few, gone too fast,
and I accept the fact that nothing can last.
So open your eyes, owner, open and see,
Not just an old grey mare, look closer, it's me.
Dedicated to all senior equines
When I am Old
I shall wear diamonds And a wide brimmed straw hat With silver and leather on it and I shall spend my social security On white wine and carrots And sit in the alley of my barn And listen to my horses breathe. I will sneak out in the middle of a summer's night And ride the dapple grey Across the moonstruck meadow. If my old bones will allow. And when people come to call I will smile and nod. As I walk them past the gardens to the barn And show, instead, the beauty growing there In stalls fresh-lined with straw. I will learn to shovel and sweat and Wear hay in my hair as if it were a jewel. And I will be an embarrassment to all Who look down on me. Who have not yet found the peace in being free To love a horse as a friend, A friend who waits at midnight hour With muzzle and nicker and patient eyes For the kind of woman I will be When I am Old.
Author unknown
My Promise
A Rescuers Promise to a Horse If you are scared I promise to speak quitely and use a soft hand so that you know only the loving touch of a human If you are hungry I promise to work extra hours and forego the new clothes or shoes or that extra soda and candy bar so I can buy your feed If you are sick I promise to stay beside you and through the night until you are well again If you are unwanted I promise not the turn my back on you If I can't take you in I promise to find a loving home for you If you are hurt I promise to provide the best possible vet care for you and to tend to your injury until you are healed If you must leave this world I promise to hold your head in my arms as you go to a better place and I promise to shed a tear for you in your memory on a quite night These promises I make to you because it was not your choice to come into this world but by some act you have graced my life and I promise to to do my very best for you Wendy Brown Lone Oak June 2nd 2007
I am ......
I Am an Animal Rescuer
My job is to assist God's creatures I was born with the need to fulfill their needs I take in new family members without plan, thought, or selection I have bought dog food with my last dime I have patted a mangy head with a bare hand I have hugged someone vicious and afraid I have fallen in love a thousand times
and I have cried into the fur of a lifeless body
I have Animal Friends and friends who have animal friends I don't often use the word "pet" I notice those lost at the road side And my heart aches I will hand raise a field mouse And make friends with a vulture I know of no creature unworthy of my time
I want to live forever if there aren't animals in Heaven But I believe there are Why would God make something so perfect and leave it behind We may be master of the animals, But the animals have mastered themselves Something people still haven't learned
War and Abuse makes me hurt for the world But a rescue that makes the news gives me hope for mankind We are a quiet but determined army And making a difference ever day
There is nothing more necessary than warming an orphan nothing more rewarding than saving a life No higher recognition than watching them thrive There is no greater joy than seeing a baby play who only days ago, was too weak to eat
I am an Animal Rescuer My work is never done, My home is never quiet My wallet is always empty But my heart is always full
In the game of life, we have already won
For Those we have lost....
In Loving Memory of the Horses we have lost to slaughter.........
I wake in the middle of the night soaked with sweat as I am sure you are I feel your fear I hear your screams of terror They are ringing in my ears I feel the anger well up in me against the cruelty of human kind You did not deserve this bitter end I weep openly for you and the lives that have been lost through the inhumane actions of man You gallop through my dreams heads and tails held high Once again the proud majestic creature you once were Never again fearing the stupidity and cruelty of man As you stand in fear and terror against cold hard steel in that dreaded line I am with you and you are in my thoughts and prayers I can not save you now but I am fighting fighting along with thousands of your friends to stop this awful horror from ever happening again. Please forgive me for not being by your side You will never be forgotten Never Forgotten!!!! By: Wendy Brown June 8th 2007 Lone Oak
INSPIRATIONAL
THE 5 FINGER PRAYER
1.Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a 'sweet duty.'
2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.
3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.
4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.
5. And lastly comes our little finger - the smallest finger of all which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, 'The least shall be the greatest among you.' Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.
Native American
Woman's Prayer
Great Spirit, I am Mother. I was made by You so that the image of Your love Could be brought into existence. May I always carry with me The sacredness of this honour.
Creator, I am Daughter. I am the learner of the Traditions. May I carry them forward So that the Elders and Ancestors Will be remembered for all time.
Maker-Of-All- Things, I am Sister. Through me, may my brothers be shown The manner in which I am to be respected. May I join with my sisters in strength and power as a Healing Sheild So that they will no longer bear the stain of abuse.
Niskam, I am Committed Partner: One who shares her spirit, But is wise to remember never to give it away, Lest it become lost, And the two become less than one.
I am Woman. Hear me. Welal'in. Ta'ho!
Chinook Lord's Prayer
Nesika papa klaksta mitlite kopa saghalie (Our Father Who dwells on High)
Kloshe kopa nesika tumtum mika nem. (Good for our hearts Your Name.)
Kloshe mika tyee kopa konaway tillikum; (Good you Chief of all people;)
Kloshe mika tumtum kopa illahee kahkwa kopa saghalie; (Good Your heart to make our country such as Yours up above;)
Potlatch konaway sun nesika muckamuck, (Give us all days our food,)
Pee kopet-kumtux donaway nesika mesachie, (And stop remembering all our sins we make to them,)
Kahkwa nesilka mamook kopa klasksta spose mamook mesachie kopa nesia; (As we suppose not their sin against us;)
Mahah siah kopa nesika konaway mesachie. (Throw far away from us all evil)
Native American 10 Commandments
Treat the Earth and all that dwell thereon with respect. Remain close to the Great Spirit. Show great respect for your fellow beings. Work together for the benefit of all Mankind. Give assistance and kindness wherever needed. Do what you know to be right. Look after the well being of mind and body. Dedicate a share of your efforts to the greater good. Be truthful and honest at all times. Take full responsibility for your actions.
