A shelter dog asks God ...

Dear God, 

what is "Time"?

I hear the sadness in the voices of the workers here. They say my "Time" is up, they have to make room for yet another dog. 

My "Time" is up. I don't know what that means, God. I only know that my new friends are so sad, and the more I wag my tail - the harder I try tomake them feel better - the sadder they become.

I know I had heard that word "Time" before, but I don't understand. When I was younger, my people would say "Time to play!". They would throw the ball, and I would run fast. Sometimes I brought it bak to them, but other times we would end up chasing each other having fun.

I remembered "Time to eat". My people would put down a bowl of food, and I would enjoy dinner, wagging my tail in joy. There was also "Time for your walk". My boy would put my leash on, and we would go walking together, visiting the neighbourhood and enjoying each other company.

When I was younger, I thought "Time" meant fun. Or maybe Love.

I don't understand. "Time" must meant something else, but how could it change, God? Before I came here, I heard my people said "No time to feed you now, boy. Later, when I get home." Sometimes, my family would forgot, and there was no food in my bowl at all.

 

Does "Time" means when my belly hurts?

My people said there was no time for walks. I tried to hold it all day long--But God, I just could'nt anymore. When I finally had to go, it made my family very angry.

Does "Time" meant anger? Or maybe Lonliness? 

My family said they didn't have "Time". They didn't have time to play,or time to take me to the vet, or time to go for walks. They didn't have "Time", so they brought me here.

Maybe I was right ... They said they didn't have "Time". And if "Time" means Love, how did they lose it? 

Did I do something wrong? 

God, I think my new friends are sending me to you. Do You have "Time"? May I sit on the couch? 

Am I a good Dog, God?

Is It "Time"? 

(Joan C. Fremo, 2001;

Author’s note:

“One of the most important things we can give our Pets is "Time". The time to love them, care for them, and train them. Animal Shelters and Humane Societies across the country are filled with Pets whose families didn't have "Time". Every year, the "Time is up" for 12 million companion Pets. Do you have the "Time" to make a difference?”)