Eleventh Hour Rescue

 

 

Eleventh Hour Rescue

~Written for the 3rd grade students of Tramway Elementary

There I was... on Halloween night, sitting in a crowded animal shelter in the eastern part of the state.  I had no name.  I had no family.  Even worse, from what I was hearing, I was running out of time.

A shelter volunteer took pity on me and many of my cellmates and placed our pictures and a plea for help on an internet site.  She hoped to find families for us before our time was up.  It seemed like a long shot, but I had nothing to lose by trying.

 Just by chance, my future mother was miles away on that very night searching the internet for an American Dingo to join her family.  She happened across my picture and read of my urgent need for a home.  Mama tells me she was “smitten” when she saw me!

My mother quickly emailed the volunteer who got her in touch with another volunteer that offered to rescue me from the shelter for her; however, the day she was to get me, a local Humane society picked me up and took me away!  Mama was heartbroken.  She was glad that I was safe, but sad I wasn’t going home with her.  So sad, in fact, that she began sending out emails trying to locate me again.  With the help of several people she was able to track me down.

Within a few days, I was on my way to meet her, my new daddy and brother, granny and grandpa, aunts, uncles, and cousins!  I saw my new home.  I saw my new yard! I saw birds, grass, trees, sky, and water.  I felt the indescribable joy of freedom.  I could run anywhere that I wanted to, but found that I liked it best when I was beside my new family and being smothered with kisses and hugs.  I even got my own name finally…..Ruby!

My days began to be filled with happiness and love and long walks in the park.  Thinking back, it was hard to believe that just a week before, I was a nameless, homeless dingo with only hours left on this earth.

If you think that it looks like I’m smiling in my pictures, you would be correct. I smile because someone took the time to help me find a family and I smile because that family took the time to find me.

Mama’s Notes:  The American Dingo is also known as the Carolina Dog and the Yaller Dog.  These Southeastern United States pariah dogs have been studied in great depth for the past forty years.  Their history extends back thousands of years and connects them to primitive canine relatives throughout the world.  They may have even arrived in America via the Bering Land Bridge.  Despite their “wild” dingo look, their intelligence and loyalty make them excellent family pets.

Rodney's Song

Rodney’s Song

I can lose myself in a melody

I can lose myself in a melody

I can lose myself in a melody

And find solace in a song, sweet solace in a song.

I was born to a God fearin’ man

That worked hard all his life.

Though he faced each day with a smile

He’d known his share of strife.

While he met the sun with his work,

With his music met the moon.

He dealt with the stress of the day

By escaping in a tune,

Because……..

He could lose himself in a melody

He could lose himself in a melody

He could lose himself in a melody

And find solace in a song, sweet solace in a song.

In his steps I followed along

And learned to play the keys,

And its helped to raise me up

When life brought me to my knees.

Oh the blessings I have known

Having music to soothe my soul.

Had it not been for keys and strings

This life would take its toll.

But….

I can lose myself in a melody

I can lose myself in a melody

I can lose myself in a melody

And find solace in a song, sweet solace in a song.

I’ve a son that was born with a love

Of music just like me.

Knowing how it will serve him well

I’m as thankful as can be.

It’s my prayer that his future is bright

And filled with hope anew.

But, should darkness dim his path

There’s a tune to get him through.

So,

He can lose himself in a melody

He can lose himself in a melody

He can lose himself in a melody

And find solace in a song, sweet solace in a song.

Night Sounds: A Parent/Child Responsive Reading Poem

Night Sounds

A responsive reading poem for parents and children

Child reads GREEN aloud

Parent reads BLUE aloud

Night sounds all around!

What is that I hear?

Nothing that should worry you,

Just the bleating of a deer.

Night sounds all around!

What was that loud clap?

Just the beak snaps of an owl

Gobbling up his midnight snack.

Night sounds all around!

What just made that croak?

Silly child, don’t you know?

That’s how the bullfrog clears his throat.

Night sounds all around!

What went “pitter-pat”?

I think you hear the rain, my dear.

Nothing more than that.

Night sounds all around!

What was that deep bark?

You know the neighbor’s dogs, love,

All jumpy when it’s dark. 

Night sounds all around!

Did you just hear that howl?

Yes, it’s that busy old cat Thomas

Out on his nightly prowl.

Night sounds all around!

That’s a mournful sound!

The whip-poor-will calls for his mate

So he won’t be alone.

Night sounds all around!

What is that constant click?

The crickets telling temperature

If you just learn the trick. 

Night sounds all around!

None of them scare me!

That’s just what I’ve been saying, dear!

Don’t fear what you can’t see.