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 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.

Oh, it was just so wonderful to be able to play and play and play.

 

They 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 ones and the new.

 

The kids and I would grab a rag, for hours we would tug.

So I thought I did the right thing when I chewed the bathroom rug.

They said that I was out of control, and would have to live outside.

This I did not understand, although I tried and tried.

 

The walks stopped, one by one, they said they hadn't 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 good-bye.

If I'd only had some obedience 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 the worker say.

 

Does that mean I have a second chance?? DO I GO HOME TODAY??

 

(Sandi Thompson, 1991)

 

*****

 
I would like to thank Sandi Thompson, BRAVO!PUP Puppy & Dog Training,

for her kind permission to publish her poem on my blog.