I got this off a vegetarian site, this one struck me the most.
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated”
I read a very similar quote somewhere too, it was like the above but with “…the way its disadvantaged and its animals are treated.”
Let me try to find it.
Here are some quotes I found amusing and enlightening… note these are just some. Hope you enjoy. 
Women and Cats will do as they please. Men and dogs had better get used to it. Robert Heinlein
There are two means of refuge from the misery of life - music and cats. Albert Schweitzer
If animals could speak, the dog would be a blundering outspoken fellow; but the cat would have the rare grace of never saying a word too much. Mark Twain
Money will buy a pretty good dog but it won’t buy the wag of his tail. - Josh Billings
Heaven goes by favour. If it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in. - Mark Twain
A dog is the only thing on earth that will love you more than you love yourself. - Josh Billings
The reason dogs have so many friends is because they wag their tails instead of their tongues. - Unknown
Dogs come when they are called. Cats take a message and get back to you. - Mary Bly
“You can say any fool thing to a dog, and the dog will give you this look that says, `My God, you’re RIGHT! I NEVER would’ve thought of that!’” - Dave Barry
Dogs are our link to paradise. They don’t know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring–it was peace." - Milan Kundera
I have to bold this one because I think it is absolutely beautiful and really captures what dogs give to us every day.
“He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds; my other ears that hear above the winds. He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea. He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason for being; by the way he rests against my leg; by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile; by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him. (I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not along to care for me.) When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive. When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile. When I am happy, he is joy unbounded. When I am a fool, he ignores it. When I succeed, he brags. Without him, I am only another man. With him, I am all-powerful. He is loyalty itself. He has taught me the meaning of devotion. With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace. He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant. His head on my knee can heal my human hurts. His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things. He has promised to wait for me… whenever… wherever - in case I need him. And I expect I will - as I always have. He is just my dog.” - Gene Hill
My favorite dog quote:
My second favorite:
Original Title: Easter message
I m not religious at all but thought being Easter that I d share with you these very conforting words that Pose Benedict XVI said about how human treat animals. When he was asked about the rights of animals, this was his anwer.
Sorry I’m off the Easter theme here SHARLEE. 
I really like this:[quote]Do I Go Home Today?
My family brought me home cradled in their arms.
They cuddled me and smiled at me and said I was full of charm.
They played with me and laughed with me and showered me with toys.
I sure do love my family, especially the little girls and boys.
The children loved to feed me; they gave me special treats.
They even let me sleep with them - all snuggled in the sheets.
I used to go for walks, often several times a day.
They even fought to hold the leash, I’m very proud to say!
These are the things I’ll not forget - a cherished memory.
I now live in the shelter–without my family.
They used to laugh and praise me when I played with that old shoe.
But I didn’t know the difference between the old one and the new.
The kids and I would grab a rug, for hours we would tug.
So I thought I did the right thing when I chewed the bedroom rug.
They said I was out of control and would have to live outside.
This I didn’t understand, although I tried and tried!
The walks stopped, one by one; they said they hadn’t the time.
I wish that I could change things; I wish I knew my crime.
My life became so lonely in the backyard, on a chain.
I barked and barked all day long to keep from going insane.
So they brought me to the shelter but were embarrassed to say why.
They said I caused an allergy, and then they each kissed me goodbye.
If I’d only had some training as a little pup, I wouldn’t have been so hard to handle when I was all grown up.
“You only have one day left”, I heard a worker say.
Does that mean I have a second chance?
Do I go home today? [/quote]
bobepine
Here’s another one I really like…
A Stary’s Prayer
[quote]Dear God, please send me somebody who’ll care!
I’m tired of running, I’m sick with despair.
My body is aching, it’s so racked with pain, and dear God I pray, as I run in the rain.
That someone will love me and give me a home, a warm cozy bed and a big juicy bone.
My last owner tied me all day in the yard
Sometimes with no water, and God that was hard.
So I chewed my leash, and God I ran away.
To rummage in garbage and live as a stray.
But now God, I’m tired and hungry and cold, and I’m so afraid that I’ll never grow old.
They’ve chased me with sticks and hit me with stones, while I run the streets just looking for bones!
I’m not really bad, God, please help if you can, for I have become just a “Victim of Man!”
I’m wormy dear God and I’m ridden with fleas, and all that I want is an Owner to please!
If you find one for me God, I’ll try to be good, and I won’t chew their shoes, and I’ll do as I should.
I’ll love them, protect them and try to obey…when they tell me to sit, to lie down or to stay!
I don’t think I’ll make it too long on my own, cause I’m getting so weak and I’m so all alone.
Each night as I sleep in the bushes I cry, cause I’m so afraid God, that I’m gonna die.
And I’ve got so much love and devotion to give, that I should be given a new chance to Live!
So dear God, please answer my prayer, and send me someone who will REALLY care…
That is, dear God, if YOU’RE REALLY there![/quote]
bobepine
Read this:
[quote=“Jim Willis in 2001”]When I was a puppy, I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child, and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, age I became your best friend. Whenever I was"bad," you’d shake your finger at me and ask “How could you?”-but then you’d relent, and roll me over for a bellyrub.
My housebreaking took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed and listening to your confidences and secret dreams,and I believed that life could not be any more perfect. We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because “ice cream is bad for dogs,” you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day.
Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforte you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love. She, now your wife, is not a “dog person”-still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy.
Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a “prisoner of love.”
As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears, and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them and their touch-because your touch was now so infrequent-and I would have defended them with my life if need be. I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams, and together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway.
There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me.
These past few years, you just answered “yes” and changed the subject. I had gone from being “your dog” to “just a dog,” and you resented every expenditure on my behalf.
Now, you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You’ve made the right decision for your “family,” but there was a time when I was your only family. I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the paperwork and said “I know you will find a good home for her.”
They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog, even one with “papers.” You had to pry your son’s fingers loose from my collar as he screamed “No, Daddy! Please don’t let them take my dog!” And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life. You gave me a good-bye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet and now I have one, too.
After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked “How could you?”
They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago. At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you- that you had changed your mind-that this was all a bad dream … or Ihoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me.
When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited.
I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day, and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room.
She placed me on the table and rubbed my ears, and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days. As is my nature, I was more concerned about her.
The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her, and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood. She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago. She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured “How could you?”
Perhaps because she understood my dogspeak, she said “I’m so sorry.” She hugged me, and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn’t be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself-a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place. And with my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my “How could you?” was not directed at her.
It was you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of. I will think of you and wait for you forever.
May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty![/quote]
Dogs are a man’s best friend.
[/quote]Exactly! :bravo: I’m glad someone said that finally.
[quote] Gentlemen of the Jury: The best friend a man has in the world may turn against him and become his enemy. His son or daughter that he has reared with loving care may prove ungrateful. Those who are nearest and dearest to us, those whom we trust with our happiness and our good name may become traitors to their faith. The money that a man has, he may lose. It flies away from him, perhaps when he needs it most. A man’s reputation may be sacrificed in a moment of ill-considered action. The people who are prone to fall on their knees to do us honor when success is with us, may be the first to throw the stone of malice when failure settles its cloud upon our heads.
The one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous is his dog. A man's dog stands by him in prosperity and in poverty, in health and in sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground, where the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only he may be near his master's side. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer. He will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounters with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince. When all other friends desert, he remains. When riches take wings, and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens.
If fortune drives the master forth, an outcast in the world, friendless and homeless, the faithful dog asks no higher privilege than that of accompanying him, to guard him against danger, to fight against his enemies. And when the last scene of all comes, and death takes his master in its embrace and his body is laid away in the cold ground, no matter if all other friends pursue their way, there by the graveside will the noble dog be found, his head between his paws, his eyes sad, but open in alert watchfulness, faithful and true even in death.
George Graham Vest - c. 1855
[/quote]
bobepine
Pity dogs can t speak.
They would make the ones that abandoned them feel miserable.
Great poems
'Tis the night before Christmas and all through the town,
every shelter is full - we are lost but not found.
Our numbers are hung on our kennels so bare,
we hope every minute that someone will care.
They’ll come to adopt us and give us the call,
“Come here, Max and Sparkie - come fetch your new ball!”
Each dog has a story, a tale all their own,
some even once had their very own home.
But everything changed through no fault of theirs,
Creating a life full of worries and cares.
Whatever the reason that fate took this turn,
It speaks to us all, a sad lesson to learn.
We should have been neutered, we should have been spayed,
now we suffer the consequence of errors THEY made.
If only they’d trained us, if only we knew…
we’d have done what they asked us and worshiped them, too.
We were left in the backyard, or worse, let to roam,
now we’re tired and lonely and out of a home.
They dropped us off here or we snuck out the back,
however we got here, we can not get back.
So now here we are, all confused and alone…
in a shelter with others who long for a home.
The kind workers come through with a meal and a pat,
with so many to care for, they can’t stay to chat.
They move to the next kennel, giving each of us cheer,
we know that they wonder how long we’ll be here.
We lay down to sleep and sweet dreams fill our heads,
of a home filled with love and our own cozy beds.
Then we wake to see sad eyes, brimming with tears,
our friends filled with emptiness, worry, and fear.
If you can’t adopt us and there’s no room at the Inn,
could you help with the bills and fill our food bin?
We count on your kindness each day of the year,
can you give more than hope to everyone here?
Please make a donation to pay for the heat,
and help get us something special to eat.
The shelter that cares for us wants us to live,
and more of us will, if more people will give.
For those who can t understand why some people care about Just a dog.
Musings
by Richard Biby, Contributing Editor
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
From time to time, people tell me, “lighten up, it’s just a dog,” or, “that’s a lot of money for just a dog.” They don’t understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for “just a dog.” Some of my proudest moments have come about with “just a dog.” Many hours have passed and my only company was “just a dog,” but I did not once feel slighted. Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by “just a dog,” and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of “just a dog” gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.
If you, too, think it’s “just a dog,” then you will probably understand phases like “just a friend,” “just a sunrise,” or “just a promise.” “Just a dog” brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. “Just a dog” brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person. Because of “just a dog” I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future. So for me and folks like me, it’s not “just a dog” but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment. “Just a dog” brings out what’s good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.
I hope that someday they can understand that it’s not “just a dog” but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being “just a man.” So the next time you hear the phrase “just a dog.” Just smile, because they “just don’t understand”.
I’ve never posted here but my son teaches in Taiwan and has taken in 3 stray dogs and has been assisted by Stray Dog. I often check into this forum and am impressed with what you all do. It gives me encouragement with my work here in the U.S. I have the following posted on my fridge and this seems the time to share it. I’m not sure who wrote it.
If you can start the day without caffeine,
If you can get going without pep pills,
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 your loved ones are too busy to give you any time,
If you can overlook it when something goes wrong through no fault of yours and those you love take it out on you,
If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,
If you can ignore a friend’s limited education and never correct him,
If you can resist treating a rich friend better than a poor friend,
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,
If you can say honestly that deep in your heart you have no prejudice against any creed, color, religion, or politics,
Then, my friend, you are almost as good as your dog.
I sent the story from Tigerman’s first post out to almost everyone on my hotmail contact list. I have an American friend in active duty in Iraq. He talks about weird ass shit going down out there sometimes. He’s seen almost a dozen of his friends get killed or blown up…anyway he sent me this reply to Tigerman’s story…I thought it was funny…I somehow doubt others will see the humor in it…but here it is anyway:
Some of you may remember this thread called Flea Bags.
One of the five pups was fostered for months now. Pretty much since we rescued it with her sibblings.
Anyways, things came to a crunch as the foster parents in question are leaving Taiwan this coming Saturday. We tried and tried to find Fish a home but it was not easy. It took months. As their time in Taiwan was running out, we were starting to panic. We really needed to find a solution for Fish.
Two weeks ago, someone finally stepped up and adopted fish.
We put together a photo album for the foster parents and we included this letter from Fish. We will give it to them before they leave at the end of this week. I thought I would share it with you in this thread.
This is also a tribute for all foster parents who read this. I would name some of you guys, but in fear of forgetting some of you, I won’t. You know who you are.
[quote]Hello,
It’s me, Fish. I sure hope you remember me now. I want to take the time to write a few words for you to make sure you never forget.
I remember not that long ago, I was little and life was not the same. It was not the same; in fact it was a lot harder. I remember having so many fleas that I felt weak and uncomfortable all the time. It was more than uncomfortable, it was painful. Not to mention that being hungry everyday was really hard. I remember a time when the word “future” didn’t mean much to me. I know because I just know. I saw enough furry friends out there to know better. I’m just a pup yet, but I know enough to know that I am very lucky to have found you.
I miss you. I miss you with all my little heart but I’m not angry with you. I want to say thank you. Thank you for everything and I wish I could say this out loud. Thank you for giving me the voice I didn’t have. Thank you for opening your home and your hearts to me.
I remember back when I was still in my mom’s belly. I was thinking no way I’m getting out of here. Out there it’s too hard. I’m never going to find a home. People don’t like black dogs very much here, besides I’m just a little bastard. Who would want a little bastard? But you did. For that, I will never forget you. I will never forget all the time you spent with me, all the love you sent my way and all the patience you had for me. I’m now a good dog and I have you to thank for it.
You know I don’t get to live as long as you do, but I promise that as long as there is an ounce of life in me, I will remember you. I hope you will remember me too. You changed my life for the better and for that, I hope you will be blessed with all the fortune in the world.
May all your dreams come true. You made my dreams reality.
With all my love,
Fish[/quote]
I always liked this part of the book Greyfriars Bobby:
There are a few. Like the one about how you can judge a nation by how it treats its animals.
And the one about how treating animals badly hardens you heart towards people.
And there’s another more of a fact…about how people who torture animals as children often grow up to be disturbed…
I’m just paraphrasing…anyone know the proper quotes? Or any others?
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” -Mahatma Gandhi
[To catch a dog …] [quote]One must tune ones mind to that of ones prey - become the animal one has in ones sights. Move like him. Breathe like him. Smell like him. Share his wants, his desires, his beliefs, his ESSENCE!
Or you could just get a fucking big net and throw it over him when he’s not looking.[/quote]
Stray Dog.
[quote=“sandman”][To catch a dog …] [quote]One must tune ones mind to that of ones prey - become the animal one has in ones sights. Move like him. Breathe like him. Smell like him. Share his wants, his desires, his beliefs, his ESSENCE!
Or you could just get a fucking big net and throw it over him when he’s not looking.[/quote]
Stray Dog.[/quote]
HG