Giveaways

Pets Add Life children’s poetry contest winners – CLOSED

Written by Rachel Phelps

Several months ago we were proud to support the Pets Add Life from the APPA (American Pet Products Association) by telling you about the kids poetry contest and hosting a giveaway (http://www.prestonspeaks.com/2011/10/28/pets-add-life-giveaway/)

Well the APPA have picked their winners! They had over 1,200 entries! We are so excited to see that so many kids wrote about the joy and happiness their pets bring to their lives. Because you know all us pets think the same way about our families too! So today I wanted to share a few of the poems and to say great job to the winners!

Coach
By Jaidyn of Tampa, FL (5th grade winner)

For years I’ve watched your ears stand up on your head.
As you waited each morning for me to get out of bed.
Your fluffy fur is so white, I knew when I picked you, you were just right.
When you walk in the sunlight and your little paws begin to run.
I feel nothing but joy and so I begin to hum.
And you seem to bark along, music makes you happy too.
I can’t imagine how sad I would be if my life didn’t include you.
Every night when I go to bed my heart feels bright.
I can’t help but smile when you snore at night.
Coach, Coach, Coach
Do you know that I care about you?
Do you love me as much as I love you?

That Very First Day

By Savannah of Newton, NC (8th grade winner)

I’ll never forget the first time I saw your precious little face,
And saw your liquid eyes, warm as hot chocolate in a wintry place,
Saw your wagging tail, and your tiny black nose,
And felt your puppy fur, as soft as the petals of a rose.
You cocked your little head, and licked me on my chin,
And then you smiled at me with an adorable puppy grin.
Now when I awake, the first thing I race to see,
Is that same puppy smile glowing up at me.
Though now it’s on a muzzle that’s growing old and gray,
It’s still the same smile I saw that very first day.

You leap up to greet me, eyes shining with love,
You rest your head upon my side, as gentle as a dove.
Then for a bit I’ll stroke your head, and rub behind your ear,
And then I’ll begin to walk away, and call for you to “come here.”
You follow me on lively paws, still jovial as a pup,
That reminds me that though ten years have passed, and your almond eyes have clouded up,
You’re still the same puppy, playful and gay,
Whose eyes I gazed into that very first day.

You’re my wonderful dog, with a spirit both docile and free,
And every day how much happiness and laughter you bring to me!
For ten years you’ve taught me to be the best person I can be,
And you’ve done that by loving me unconditionally.
I look forward to many more years with you by my side,
For I know that’s where you’ll be as long as you’re alive,
And I know if you could speak, this is what you’d say,
“I’m so glad I got you that very first day.”

 

 

About the author

Rachel Phelps

Rachel Phelps, “America’s Pet Parent,” is an award-winning writer, photographer, and certified dog trainer. She keeps busy managing the career of her Internet celebrity dog Preston from Preston Speaks. Her three Westies — who think they are mini-humans — and three cats rule the house. To learn more about Rachel go to: Rachel Phelps Website

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