The following haikus are by Tristram DeRoma of Shelton
They prove animals not only inspire love, they also inspire poetry.
Dog
Dog is God reversed,
I think, scooping up your mess--
a cruel joke indeed.
Dog
Little fuzzy dog
licks my face and snuffs my hair.
Sunday afternoon.
My cat
Patiently my cat
waits for the sunbeam's return--
ears cocked, tail twitching…..
Where did that cat go.
One more black shoe than normal
gives his game away.
Yellow eyes appear
in the jumble of black shoes.
Time for your bath, cat.
Leaves
Rustling fall leaves
remind me that you’re still gone--
and I am still here.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Bailey is a girl's best friend
This story, published in honor of Christmas Day and the love we all share, is by a dear friend to Tesla's Love. Merry Christmas everyone.By Brittany Galla
I was 15 when Bailey ran into my life.
I had just buried my beloved Siberian Husky, Niki, and I was in no mood for a new dog. Niki was 12, sweet and calm, and we had seen her passing coming. Her last days were bittersweet. I remember crying to my dad, telling him that I could never love another dog the way I did with Niki.
Exactly a month later, my sister came home with a picture of a Chow/Lab mix named Bailey...who needed a home, fast. If he couldn't find one, he'd be off to the pound and then who knows what. I was cautious and not into it, but my dad agreed to keeping him for a night or two until he found a real home.
And then Bailey ran in. Literally ran into my home, my room, my heart. He was a ball full of crazy energy, life and happiness. My heart was still reeling from losing Niki, but because Bailey was such a different dog, I didn't feel like it was a replacement for Niki's beloved spot. I gave Bailey a chance for one night, and by the next morning, had told my parents that I wanted to keep Bailey and we were his new home, and I was his owner.
Dogs are known for their loyalty, and Bailey is the epitome of the term. Since the first minute we met, he followed me EVERYWHERE, refusing to leave my side. He slept at the foot of my bed, raced downstairs to reach the bottom before me and was always one step ahead of me. And he was protective, that's for sure. My mom loves to tell the story about how during the first few weeks when we got him, she would go into my room and try to wake me up for school and he'd growl protectively over me, refusing to let my own mother try to wake me!
Eight years later, he's still just as energetic, loving and loyal. It may sound silly, but I feel like I have a very special bond with Bai, even though he may just be a dog. He's my best friend and my loyal companion.
My dad always reminds me of how crazy/bad-dog-Bailey was saved by us, but I know it's much deeper than that. In every way possible, Bailey saved me and showed me the importance of love, all over again.
Thank you, my dear Bailey, for being everything I need at the exact moment I need it. I love you.
Exactly a month later, my sister came home with a picture of a Chow/Lab mix named Bailey...who needed a home, fast. If he couldn't find one, he'd be off to the pound and then who knows what. I was cautious and not into it, but my dad agreed to keeping him for a night or two until he found a real home.
And then Bailey ran in. Literally ran into my home, my room, my heart. He was a ball full of crazy energy, life and happiness. My heart was still reeling from losing Niki, but because Bailey was such a different dog, I didn't feel like it was a replacement for Niki's beloved spot. I gave Bailey a chance for one night, and by the next morning, had told my parents that I wanted to keep Bailey and we were his new home, and I was his owner.
Dogs are known for their loyalty, and Bailey is the epitome of the term. Since the first minute we met, he followed me EVERYWHERE, refusing to leave my side. He slept at the foot of my bed, raced downstairs to reach the bottom before me and was always one step ahead of me. And he was protective, that's for sure. My mom loves to tell the story about how during the first few weeks when we got him, she would go into my room and try to wake me up for school and he'd growl protectively over me, refusing to let my own mother try to wake me!
Eight years later, he's still just as energetic, loving and loyal. It may sound silly, but I feel like I have a very special bond with Bai, even though he may just be a dog. He's my best friend and my loyal companion.
My dad always reminds me of how crazy/bad-dog-Bailey was saved by us, but I know it's much deeper than that. In every way possible, Bailey saved me and showed me the importance of love, all over again.
Thank you, my dear Bailey, for being everything I need at the exact moment I need it. I love you.
Editor's note: Brittany Galla, a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University, is now an editor with a prominent national magazine.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Puntja was a wonderful pet
Finally, a fish love story! They are finned, not furry, but this story proves that people adore their fish as much as any other pet.
Read the story here: newyorktimes
Thursday, December 18, 2008
My beloved cat
By Sharon Corey
Back in 1992 my boys found a gray kitten under a bush, apparently the mamma cat was no where to be found.
This kitten was only a few days old, so I decided to take care of the kitten until it was old enough to give away. I had no intention of keeping the kitten and even refused to name him.
My boys kept bugging me to give him a name, so I started calling him Mr. Kitty and the name stuck, and we ended up keeping him.
He was the best cat ever, he was a very affectionate and loving cat.
Mr. Kitty expected to be fed first thing in the morning when I got up and if I didn't feed him right away, he would bite me in the back of the calf. He would sleep under the covers with me with his head on the pillow.
One day he started to go to the bathroom on the floor instead of the litter box, which was not like him at all so I took him to the vet and found out that he had kidney disease but I wasn't ready to let him go so I brought him home only to return to the vet two days later because when I saw just how much pain he was in I knew that the best thing for him was to end his suffering.
It was one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make.
He rubbed his face against mine for the last time and looked at me with such love in his eyes right before he took his last breath, I stayed with him and held him in my arms for the longest time wondering if indeed I did make the right decision.
I cried like a baby because I had lost such a precious part of me. Mr. Kitty will always remain in my heart, I keep a picture of him on my nightstand to this day.
He was a part of the family for 12 wonderful years.
West Haven Animal Shelter
Back in 1992 my boys found a gray kitten under a bush, apparently the mamma cat was no where to be found.
This kitten was only a few days old, so I decided to take care of the kitten until it was old enough to give away. I had no intention of keeping the kitten and even refused to name him.
My boys kept bugging me to give him a name, so I started calling him Mr. Kitty and the name stuck, and we ended up keeping him.
He was the best cat ever, he was a very affectionate and loving cat.
Mr. Kitty expected to be fed first thing in the morning when I got up and if I didn't feed him right away, he would bite me in the back of the calf. He would sleep under the covers with me with his head on the pillow.
One day he started to go to the bathroom on the floor instead of the litter box, which was not like him at all so I took him to the vet and found out that he had kidney disease but I wasn't ready to let him go so I brought him home only to return to the vet two days later because when I saw just how much pain he was in I knew that the best thing for him was to end his suffering.
It was one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make.
He rubbed his face against mine for the last time and looked at me with such love in his eyes right before he took his last breath, I stayed with him and held him in my arms for the longest time wondering if indeed I did make the right decision.
I cried like a baby because I had lost such a precious part of me. Mr. Kitty will always remain in my heart, I keep a picture of him on my nightstand to this day.
He was a part of the family for 12 wonderful years.
West Haven Animal Shelter
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
The right time
Author Sandi Kahn Shelton recently lost her beloved dog, Jordie. She wrote about it here:
Monday, December 8, 2008
I rescued a human today
By Janine Allen
Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels.
I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid.
As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.
As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life.
She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship.
A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.
Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to be saved.
At least I could save one.
I rescued a human today.
Editor's Note: This was contributed by Bridget Albert. Janine Allen, a trainer with RescueMeDog in California and Wyoming, has granted permission to share her essay.
Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels.
I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid.
As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.
As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life.
She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship.
A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.
Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to be saved.
At least I could save one.
I rescued a human today.
Editor's Note: This was contributed by Bridget Albert. Janine Allen, a trainer with RescueMeDog in California and Wyoming, has granted permission to share her essay.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Getting by with a little help from a friend
It really is a lot of help from many friends
As it is nearly an official month since this blog was created, it seems as though it is the right time to say the first official 'thank you.'
The thank you goes out to all who have contributed to date to Tesla's Love and to all those who will do so in the future. The assistance that those contributions of beautiful stories has given is immeasurable.
Kiley and I also must thank all those who sent cards and letters as we mourn the loss of Tesla, and while Kiley never saw them, I must also note that the flowers from the dog lovers at Yale-New Haven Hospital really brightened up the office. We also received in the mail a note from Kiley's aunts saying a donation in Tesla's memory had been given to the Humane Society. Tesla would have liked that, as she loved other animals. Kiley's Aunt Gayle also sent a book, which is very touching. My siblings and parents have been a lifeline too.
This blog has been visited by people in 22 nations around the world - according to Google Analytics - and I think that shows the power of the love people everywhere have for pets and all animals. Many people also have joined the Tesla's Love page on Blogger's Network on Facebook and our stories there are consistently voted as popular - a couple of times as most popular.
So, thank you again readers and writers and please keep those stories coming.
As it is nearly an official month since this blog was created, it seems as though it is the right time to say the first official 'thank you.'
The thank you goes out to all who have contributed to date to Tesla's Love and to all those who will do so in the future. The assistance that those contributions of beautiful stories has given is immeasurable.
Kiley and I also must thank all those who sent cards and letters as we mourn the loss of Tesla, and while Kiley never saw them, I must also note that the flowers from the dog lovers at Yale-New Haven Hospital really brightened up the office. We also received in the mail a note from Kiley's aunts saying a donation in Tesla's memory had been given to the Humane Society. Tesla would have liked that, as she loved other animals. Kiley's Aunt Gayle also sent a book, which is very touching. My siblings and parents have been a lifeline too.
This blog has been visited by people in 22 nations around the world - according to Google Analytics - and I think that shows the power of the love people everywhere have for pets and all animals. Many people also have joined the Tesla's Love page on Blogger's Network on Facebook and our stories there are consistently voted as popular - a couple of times as most popular.
So, thank you again readers and writers and please keep those stories coming.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Be an angel
Homeless Pets and Animal Shelters Get Support from Angel Tree Program
Family pets are the latest victim of the economic downturn. As the economy worsens and more families struggle to make ends meet, Connecticut animal shelters are seeing a huge inflow of pets being given up for adoption.
“Shelters and rescue groups are overwhelmed with the large number of dogs and cats released by people who just can’t afford to care for them,” said Jeremy Moran of Best Friends Pet Care, Bethany. “The shelters simply don’t have enough food or supplies for all these newly homeless pets.”
To help address the shortage, Best Friends is collecting donation of food and supplies through its “Angel Tree” program at all four Connecticut locations. Beneficiaries include Connecticut Humane Society of Newington and Westport, Animal Haven of New Haven, Meriden Humane Society, Pet Protectors of Fairfield, Hotwater Rescue, Double Dog Rescue, Stamford Animal Shelter and PAWS of Norwalk.
Throughout the holiday season, animal lovers can visit any Best Friends to select a card from the Angel Tree and donate the items listed for that homeless dog or cat. Since each shelter has specific needs, donors are asked to shop from the list on the pet’s card. Donations can also be made by phone. Best Friends is at 60 Harris Road, Avon, (860) 673-0555; at 227 Cheshire Road, Bethany, (203) 393-3126; 528 Main Ave., Norwalk (next to DMV), 203-849-1010; and at 1511 Silas Deane Highway, Rocky Hill, (860) 721-8080.
“The holidays are always a difficult time for shelters,” adds Moran. “Donations usual dip during this season, but this year, with all the newly homeless pets, the shortage of food and supplies is becoming a crisis. We are inviting anyone who loves animals to help out by donating to the program.”
For more information, visit http://www.bestfriendspetcare.com/.
Editor's Note: As a service to animals everywhere, Tesla's Love will from time to time post notices of events and efforts to help pets and wildlife. This is one such notice. It is only lightly edited and otherwise is in the words of the contributor.
Family pets are the latest victim of the economic downturn. As the economy worsens and more families struggle to make ends meet, Connecticut animal shelters are seeing a huge inflow of pets being given up for adoption.
“Shelters and rescue groups are overwhelmed with the large number of dogs and cats released by people who just can’t afford to care for them,” said Jeremy Moran of Best Friends Pet Care, Bethany. “The shelters simply don’t have enough food or supplies for all these newly homeless pets.”
To help address the shortage, Best Friends is collecting donation of food and supplies through its “Angel Tree” program at all four Connecticut locations. Beneficiaries include Connecticut Humane Society of Newington and Westport, Animal Haven of New Haven, Meriden Humane Society, Pet Protectors of Fairfield, Hotwater Rescue, Double Dog Rescue, Stamford Animal Shelter and PAWS of Norwalk.
Throughout the holiday season, animal lovers can visit any Best Friends to select a card from the Angel Tree and donate the items listed for that homeless dog or cat. Since each shelter has specific needs, donors are asked to shop from the list on the pet’s card. Donations can also be made by phone. Best Friends is at 60 Harris Road, Avon, (860) 673-0555; at 227 Cheshire Road, Bethany, (203) 393-3126; 528 Main Ave., Norwalk (next to DMV), 203-849-1010; and at 1511 Silas Deane Highway, Rocky Hill, (860) 721-8080.
“The holidays are always a difficult time for shelters,” adds Moran. “Donations usual dip during this season, but this year, with all the newly homeless pets, the shortage of food and supplies is becoming a crisis. We are inviting anyone who loves animals to help out by donating to the program.”
For more information, visit http://www.bestfriendspetcare.com/.
Editor's Note: As a service to animals everywhere, Tesla's Love will from time to time post notices of events and efforts to help pets and wildlife. This is one such notice. It is only lightly edited and otherwise is in the words of the contributor.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
lr2.jpg)
