For Hanna

What morning when you waken

Is the right one to decide

That this dog will be forsaken

And no more with you abide?

 

A dog like this, she'll find a home

And what will be the harm

In telling all the children

That she'll be living on a farm?

 

As you bring her in and leave her

In her lonely metal cage

And act as though you have no choice

I feel a silent rage

 

What heinous thing has this dog done?

What has been her crime?

Or are there other things more pressing

And you don't have the time?

 

This dog who loved her master

And served him day by day

Has become an inconvenience

And has now been sent away

 

She keeps a faithful vigil

The tears in my eyes burn

While with trusting expectation

She awaits for your return

 

A dog like this will have no home,

No master will be found

For who will take an older dog

When younger ones abound?

 

Now at last her time has come,

And with a gentle nod

I'll cradle your dog in my arms

And send her back to God.

 

(Elizabeth Clark; August 1989 issue of the AKC Gazette)