To Love the Unloved

You’ve had a hard life,

And it’ll be shorter than it should.

You’ve never been loved the way you deserve,

And if I could make it up to you, I would.



Your life is priceless and precious,

And deserved to be treated as such.

Yet those charged with your care,

Felt this requirement was too much.



You have reached the end of your road

Without every finding love and joy on the way.

I don’t have the words to make up for this,

I wish there was more I could say.



I have just minutes to make up for years of neglect;

Countless abuses I’d like to correct.

Since I can’t turn back the hands of time,

I’ll use these few minutes to love you like mine.



So crawl in my lap, close your eyes, make a nest.

There’s nothing left to fear – it’s time for you to rest.

The hard times are over, you’ll feel no more pain.

Now you’re my dog, and forever you’ll remain.



My eyes are filled with tears, for you I am crying.

They’re tears of joy, though, not because you are dying.

After all of these years, all you’ve been through,

You allow me to love you; and you love me too.



Goodnight, my sweet friend,

Know these tears are for you.

Every dog deserves to be loved enough to make someone cry;

This is the least I can do.

-APM

Bye, Bandit!

Bandit went home with his forever family two weeks ago. He now lives in the Dallas area with his mom, dad, two teenagers, and a toddler. He also has a furry brother, Jake, who he loves. Jake is also a Spaniel mix. We are thrilled that he has such a wonderful new family!

If It Should Be

If it should be that I grow weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle cannot be won.

You will be sad, I understand.
Don't let your grief then stay your hand.
For this day, more than all the rest,
Your love for me must stand the test.

We've had so many happy months.
What is to come can hold no fears.
You'd not want me to suffer so;
The time has come -- please let me go.

Take me where my need they'll tend,
And please stay with me till the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time that you will see
The kindness that you did for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.

Please do not grieve -- it must be you
Who had this painful thing to do.
We've been so close, we three, these months;
Don't let your heart hold back its tears.

Tyler

This is a dog my husband rescued from a life of abuse and neglect. He was never properly socialized and had become a threat to both people and other dogs. My husband has gained Tyler's trust, and he is currently living a beautiful life in the country. With some more time and attention my husband hopes to rehome Tyler so that he has a home and human of his own.

Animals as Gifts

American Humane Association

The holidays are a popular time for welcoming a new furry friend into your family. There may not be a greater gift for homeless animals than to open your heart and home to them. As they do year-round, animal shelters have thousands of wonderful companions available for adoption.

But whether you are considering a new friend for you or someone else, remember that choosing an animal is a big decision. Instead of bringing home an animal right away, consider putting together and wrapping an “adoption kit.” Fill a box with toys, a bed, a leash, a collar, food, treats and a gift certificate for adoption fees at your local shelter. Then, make an event of visiting the shelter to find your next best friend!

Remember, millions of homeless animals wait for a home each year! Give the gift of life this year and choose to adopt!

So long, Duke!

Duke was found by one of Adam's co-workers a few weeks ago. We made him a SNIPSA dog, and we knew he would go quickly. There were still leads on the other beagle, Daisy, for us to follow up on. He went to his forever home on Saturday. He is now at home with a young couple and their female lab. Merry Christmas, Duke!

Full House for the Holidays

Old Mama


Sweet Camilla


We will have quite a full house this Christmas. We have our eight in the permanent pack: Mason, Colby, Sidney, Nala, Keifer, Spec, Katie, and Jilly. Dasher, Bandit, and Camilla make eleven; they are all SNIPSA fosters. Big Stan makes twelve; he is a personal long-term foster. Rudy makes thirteen; he is staying with us while his family gets back on their feet. Mama rounds us out at fourteen; she is a rescue who is eventually going to her forever home with a friend of ours.

Grand Award Night 2009

Grant award night where the five finalists, including SNIPSA, competed for the $100K grant sponsored by Impact San Antonio. We did not win, but we put on a great skit and presentation. Adam and Dasher were ready for their debut!

Now I Must Go

Send me to the Bridge I pray
when I no longer run and play.
When my limbs can't bear my weight
and dignity is stripped by fate.

Look into my eyes, you'll find
I will let you know, it's time.
You must help me from this edge.
Now it's time, I make this pledge.

I leave you for the Bridge today.
Anew, I run, I bark, I play!
We shared a life of many things
and to your heart my leaving brings;
the pain of loss, I feel it too,
but Master, know, this I must do.

I must leave first, to make the way
for you to follow me someday.
Beyond the sunset, where all pain ends
we'll meet again, the best of friends.

Just as I snuggled in your heart,
you're in mine too, we aren't apart.
I watch you from afar and pray,
it's time to heal, heal some each day.

Please dry those tears and smile for me,
and know at last that I am free.
There is no pain or suffering here.
The sun shines brightly everywhere.

There isn't even one cross look,
it's not allowed here in His book.
No clouds of gray will gather here,
no storms will ever threaten.
We are at peace here,
and the Bridge is Heaven.

Author: Barbara J. Miller

Meet Dasher

Dasher is a chained, starving, and very ill dog in the city's southside. We found him yesterday while distributing fliers for this Saturday's event. He is being rescued today; we are bringing him home, cleaning him up, and getting his initial vet care. We have had a wonderful outpouring of support from the animal rescue community. Updates to come soon.

Race for the Rescues '09: A Great Success!

Manu Ginobili of the San Antonio Spurs presenting the second-place medal to one of Adam's airmen; he placed second in the category of 15 to 19 year-old males.


There were nearly 1000 registered runners all gathered for a great cause last Saturday. It was a crazy busy day, but it was a very successful fundraiser for our furry friends. Kudos to the SNIPSA staff for all the effort they poured into this event!

New Fosters: Meet Jack & Jill

This is Jack.



This is Jack's sister, Jill.

Jack and Jill were strays who were found by one of Adam's co-workers. They are currently living with us. They are extremely sweet and well-mannered.

SNIPSA's Annual Race for the Rescues

It's that time again! The annual fundraiser and huge adoption event hosted by SNIPSA is upon us. Come on out this Saturday, September 26 to race, check out the pet fair, adoption event, and just show support for the cause. Lots of fun to be had by all! For more information, go to: www.snipsa.org

Godiva

Godiva was recently adopted by a wonderful couple from Austin. We could not have chosen a more perfect home for her. We also saw Stormy girl after we did Godiva's initial home visit. She looks AWESOME! All her fur grew back in, and she is a sleek black doggy now. Hooray for two successful adoptions!

Reina

Reina was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) on Friday, August 7, 2009 upon Adam's return to San Antonio from his vacation out east. We were devastated by the news, and we have done everything to make her comfortable and happy during the remaining time that she has left with us. Adam has taken it especially hard, and he has also done so much to make her feel loved in her last days.

With Reina we have achieved what we had intended to - to give her a family that she so deserved. Even in her old age she learned to befriend other dogs, even loving them and developing deep bonds with them. We have loved her dearly, and she has been a joy in our lives. She's given us more than we could give her. She will be profoundly missed when she is gone.

My Pup Nephew, Vincent

I went home from July 16 -23; it was a wonderful vacation. The weather was gorgeous, and I was reminded of how beautiful Wisconsin is - particularly where my family lives. I loved spending time with my awesome friends and family, including Vinnie Poo-Poo or "Pookie Bear". Vincent is a rescue from the Humane Society. He is a senior dog who had Lyme's Disease when my family adopted him. They treated his condition, and now he is living the good life.

It was strange to have only ONE small dog around. Especially when that one dog is old and cranky - not like the cuddle bugs I am used to. He is well cared-for and loved to bits. Here is a picture of Vinnie:

And Vinnie in the family portrait: