THE REDEMPTION OF LITTLE JOE

My daughter saw him sitting there amidst the driving rain.

A tiny dog, drenched through and through, and obviously in pain.

She pulled the car off to the side and opened up the door.

The little dog came bounding up and leapt onto the floor.

As she drove off he jumped again and landed in her lap.

His big eyes looked at her with love and her heart went rap, rap, rap.

When she got home she came to us with the orphan clutched so tight.

"Please take him folks", she asked of us, "my cats are set to fight!"

Of course we took him and our lab, who we rescued from the pound, took him as her long-lost son and began showing him around.

It's been a year and still I marvel as I watch them play.

Our lab, "lotte" and "Little-Joe", they surely make my day!

I think of all the animals we've given refuge on our farm, with beds of straw and wholesome meals and protection from all harm.

Then Teresa's words re-echo, spoke by this saintly nun;

"If saving all is out of reach, then spread your arms......

Save one!"

R.T. Caldwell