"MAXDOG" is now available on Amazon.com!!
Click HERE for the 'Print-on-Demand' version
Click HERE for the Kindle (USA) version
Click HERE for the Kindle (UK) version
Caryl Moll's author page on Amazon, click HERE

Dear Readers and faithful friends,

After a number of years of wonderful blogging, this blog has effectively become dormant - except for occasional updates regarding my book, MAXDOG. I have left this blog as a legacy to my dog and a place of sanctuary where we can reflect upon his life. Take your time, peruse the pages spanning Max's 18 months in cyberspace. Feel refreshed and uplifted because his story is an amazing one of..."LIVING LIFE TO THE MAX!"
My activities have now moved on to my new blog entitled "LIVING LIFE TO THE MAX". Please join me there where you can read about my family and canine companions. I also invite you to visit MAXDOG's FANPAGE on FACEBOOK. You can follow the specific links by clicking below:

* 'LIVING LIFE TO THE MAX: click HERE
*MAXDOG'S FACEBOOK FAN PAGE: click HERE
* MAXDOG, the book: click HERE

If you would like to follow me on a deeper, spiritual level, then I invite you to visit my more personal blog:

May God bless you and thank you for following me!
MAXMOM IN SOUTH AFRICA

MAXDOG's CHRISTMAS TRIBUTE

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

YOU'LL BE A DOG, MY PUP!

Adapted from the poem “IF” by Rudyard Kipling, 1865 - 1936


























YOU’LL BE A DOG, MY PUP!

If you can find a household that is a happy home
And adopt its styles and ways,
And honour all its human hands
So that you will be there for many days,

If you can find the Master of that home
And sniff out exactly what He needs,
And learn His cues and all His tasks
To purposefully carry out His deeds,

If you can “Fetch!” on His command,
And “Down!”...and “Stay!”...and “Wait!”
Or jump through hoops on His demand
Or bark at strangers at the gate,

If you can tune your ears to sounds
Which maybe have no place,
And puckle your nose to stay alert,
Or wag your tail to start the race,

If you can sniff the air for a change of scene
Or read the news on a trunk of a tree,
And guard your bones, but share your treats
And celebrate when you are free,

If you can growl or huff and call His bluff
And ask to soon be fed,
Or lie at His feet when the day is done
And know that it’s time for bed,

If you can bare a bath – to clean your fur –
To make you spruce and bright,
To accompany Him with a heart assured
To show off His delight,

If you can do all this without a slouch
And know your Master’s thumb is up,
Yours is the Earth and everything in it
And – what’s more – YOU’LL BE A DOG, MY PUP!

Caryl Moll (July 2009)

10 comments:

Paxton said...

Hi Max

Paxton here. Just stopped by to see how you and your family are doing. Sounds like you are having the same trouble as me with humans. Can't live with them sometimes, and can't live without them either.

Mummy is doing much better now and, yes, I do give her plenty of licky-licks - all over her face too!

Also, I think this poem is totally awesome and love it! Nice touch to your blog.

I am glad to be back online again and look forward to many happy ongoing chats.

Until next time, keep it wagging!
Woof
Paxton

Dino and Family said...

Hi Max, love your pics! Glad I found you! Have a great week! Love, Dino

Clive said...

Brillant!

We absolutely love that - Max!

lots of woofs
Clive

Hamish Westie said...

Love the new version of 'If', and wonder what Mr Kipling would make of it! Gail and I are now trying to think of other famous poems that could be similarly transcribed!
Cheers, H.

Paco,Milo, Maya and mommy Simona said...

Awwwwwwwwwwwww.....
what a great post dear Max!!!
we really love it!!!
And you look soooooooooooooo gorgeous in this photo!!!!!
thanks for sharing!!!!!
Sure all of us deserve a very very very special place where live called HOME!!!!!!!!!!
We love you and hope to hear from you soon!!
Sweet kisses and licks to you and to your family!!!!
SMACKKKKKKKK

Augie and Ti's mom said...

That was lovely, Max :)

Stella said...

Your "take" on IF was wonderful, Caryl! You are a most talented writer!

Kisses,

Stella

Lorenza said...

Beautiful! Thanks for sharing it!
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza

Golden Daily Scoop said...

Hi Max, loooove the poem, thanks for sharing. Hope all is well!!!

xoxo
Miley

Amber-Mae said...

Hey Max & gang! We love that poem! Thanks fur sharing.

Smoochies,
Solid Gold Dancer