Inspiration: Poems, Books, and Movies

Here are some of our favorite writings about dogs and puppy raising. On the right are some of our favorite movies and books about assistance dogs and puppy raising.

Hello to My Assistance Puppy

by Unknown

You and I have begun a long journey together. One day you will become the trusted partner for a deserving person. Along the way, you an I will learn many new things. The time we share will enrich both of our lives. I promise to do all in my power to help you become an assistance dog, including one day having to say goodbye.

I promise to teach you with patience and encouragement. I will try hard to praise you for the behavior you do right. If you make a mistake, please know that the error is mine. When I must correct you, I promise to immediately show you the right way. I know that puppies learn more from praise than from reprimands. In turn, please forgive me for my mistakes, I too am learning and trying hard to improve.

I promise to take care of all your basic needs. I promise that by my side we will go to many different places. I will teach you how to live in a human family and how to accept our complicated community.

In turn, I know that you can teach me many things. Watching you I can learn how to wake up each morning with a sense of joy and expectation. You can teach me what it means to be loyal and trusting friend. And you can help me realize the value of setting high goals and working hard every day.

I know that our journey will be an experience neither you nor I will ever forget. Together, we will make the world a better place. You and I will change each others life for the better.

Goodbye to My Assistance Puppy

by Unknown

Goodbye, dear friend. You and I have been together since you were small enough to be carried in my arms. I am saying goodbye and not farewell. Down the road, I hope we will see each other again.

You are going away to complete your destiny and to help me achieve a dream. From the moment you came to live in my house you have been my greatest challenge. Just as you had to rely on me for your care and training, one day your partner will rely on you for safety and independence.

I am told you are worth a lot, but your value to me is greater than any sum of money. You have been my furry friend and companion. We have worked and played together. You have slept in my room. Many times, I have laughed at your antics. Sometimes, I have cried over you. You have helped teach me the difficult lessons of patience and responsibility. You have helped me mature as a person. Take care, dear friend. I wish you well.

I know that you will do your best. I will never forget you.

by Unknown

If you can start the day without caffeine or pep pills,

If you can be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,

If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,

If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it,

If you can understand when loved ones are too busy to give you time,

If you can overlook it when people take things out on you when, through no fault of yours, something goes wrong,

If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,

If you can face the world without lies and deceit,

If you can conquer tension without medical help,

If you can relax without liquor,

If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,

...then, you may be good enough to be a dog!

The Puppy Raiser’s Prayer

by Melanee Meenen

Lord, let me lead the way for this tiny, new life.

Keep it healthy now and always.

Watch over us and guide our direction.

Help me to introduce difficult situations with a clear confidence which will spill over to the pup.

Let me praise responsibly, timely, and lavishly.

Give me extra patience for the times ahead.

Teach me to navigate on sleep shortages.

Remind me to give a chew toy as a substitute for randomly retrieved objects.

Keep me aware of the working drive lest I inhibit that desire and ruin the future.

Help me to shape the pup’s behavior using commands – not anger – For I know nothing is gained through anger.

Help me be persistent and consistent with all aspects of the pup’s training because I know nothing is learned with a mixed message.

Let me be creative for one concept can be taught many ways.

Help me so the pup will reach full potential.

Lord, give me peace when I return this pup.

Guide my thoughts away from emptiness to the future partner and the joy that will result.

Help me to focus on their future when it is time to let go.

Mend my heart quickly as you mold them into one.

Let them grow and flourish as a team.

Give them the same loving guidance you gave me.

And Lord... Give me the strength to do it again.

The Puppy Raiser’s Prayer

by Colby Atkins

Dear Lord, thank you for this little angel you have put into my care.

I pray that you will bless us individually and our training as a pair.

Help my puppy learn and grow to be healthy, swift, and bright.

Fill her little brain with knowledge. Help her discern wrong from right.

Watch over me as I raise her. Help me to know just what she needs.

Give me the balance of patience, firmness, tenderness, and humor that I need to teach her and to lead.

For I know that with your grace and peace our success will ensue.

Because I trusth that you not only have plans for me but plans for her too.

For whether graduate, breeder, or release is destined to be our pinnacle, I pray you’ll guide the hand that guides the paws that will one day be someone’s miracle.

Roses, Tulips, and Orchids - No, the Dog Didn’t Eat My Flowerbed!

by Ruthie Rudek

Someone told me you’re trying to grow a beautiful rose for us.

You might not have even been told that was your goal.

You were probably handed some strange startings,

Told vaguely to nurture them and told that we’d see you back in about a year.

As time has gone by you’ve doted, fretted and fussed.

You’ve given those startings every chance possible.

The plant is healthy and hardy.

The flowers are stunningly gorgeous.

no one who sees your bundle isn’t amazed at what you’ve helped grow from the small startings you were given...

Nobody could’ve possibly done a better job.

But you’re trying to grow us a rose. And while tulips, orchids and sunflowers are very pretty and special indeed, they’re not roses...

You couldn’t have known what those startings would grow up to be. No one could have... unless someone like you had loved and nurtured them for over a year so they’d flower.

Raisers, please remember that no matter how badly you want to give us a beautiful rose, if you were handed tulip bulbs - you’ve done a phenomenal job raising if the tulips are the vision of what a tulip can be. If you were handed orchid startings or sunflower seeds, please know that the world would be complete without their color and zest. If you were handed a rosebush, thank you for helping us make sure that all of the flowers go where they should.

The Loss of a Heart

by Unknown

I stood by your bedside last night, Just to have a peek...
I could see you were crying. You found it hard to sleep.

I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear.
“It’s me, I haven’t left you. I’m well, I’m fine, I’m here.”

I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour your tea.
You were thinking of the many times, your hand reached down to me.

I was with you at the shops today; your arms were getting sore. I longed to hold your parcels; I wish I could do more.

I was with you at my grave today; you tend it with much care.
I want to reassure you, that I’m not lying there.

I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your keys. I gently put my paw on you; I smiled and said “It’s me.”

You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.
I tried hard to let you know, that I was standing there.

It’s possible for me, to be near you everyday
To say with certainty, “I never went away.”

You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew...
In the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.

The day is over... I smile and watch you yawning...
And say “Goodnight, God Bless, I’ll see you in the morning.”

And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide
I’ll rush across the greet you and we’ll stand side by side.

I’ll have so many things to show you, there is so much to see.
Be patient, live your journey out...then come home with me.

The Rainbow Bridge

by Unknown

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet 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 had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were 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 to them, 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 Rainbow Bridge together....

Inspirational Writings