Tribute to a War Dog (Chapter I)

They took me from my Mom at eight weeks or so,

and brought me to this real secure place, but I really didn't want to go.

While other pups back home got to romp and play,

I was busy learning things like, Sit! Down! and Stay!

There was one guy they called my handler, I think his name is Mike.

He wore the same thing every day, on his arm was sewn five stripes.

He came and got me every morn before the sun was up.

Out of this place called the kennel, it was me and five other pups.

He would take me to do my business, then pat my head when I was through.

Sergeant Mike was a little strange; the other handlers were too.

Then my favorite time of day, when Mike would yell let’s eat!

Me and the five other dogs, we were ready for our treat!

After all the food was gone, they would actually let us play,

Chasing ropes and balls and wrestling, what a way to start the day!

Then, it was time to get serious. We always knew it was time,

when they put a choke chain around our neck and made us stand in line.

They made us climb through tunnels and walk up wooden frames.

These army guys are kind of different, even more strange are their games!

After running this thing they called the course, Mike would take me off with him,

To a metal building, marked explosives, it looked like an old gym.

They would hold this powder under my nose, then they would make me sit.

Then pat me on the head again, yelling “good boy, yes, that's it!”

I would do this every day, they said I was the best. Then one day they took me out back,

I wore a tan and brown camo vest.

As soon as I got back there, I started to smell that smell.

The scent that I was to sit down to, I knew it all too well.

Mike looked at me and said where is it boy? Go have a look around.

I found where the scent was really strong, they had it buried underground!

I sat down like they taught me to, to show Mike what I found.

Then I heard Mike scream out “yes!” He jumped three feet off the ground!

After three more months of this, I heard them say it's time.

They put me on a giant plane, me and this handler of mine.

The flight seemed like forever, I thought it would never end.

Then it was time to go to work, me and my handler friend.

This new place was dusty and everywhere was sand.

And everyone I was near had a rifle in their hand.

I heard them talking about me, said I was the best around.

Can someone point me to the water bowl in this sandy little town!

They didn’t have a kennel there; Mike let me sleep at his feet.

Woke up before the sun came up, and he had me something to eat.

Then he said, “let’s do this. We have a job to do,

We must clear IED alley, just me and you.”

He took me to this dusty trail with piles of dirt everywhere.

He packed us a canteen of water, for he and I to share.

I smelled that smell that makes me sit. I knew it all too well.

Mike said “find it for me, boy!” He was excited, I could tell!

I started on my journey, had my nose to the ground.

Barely had gone a half a mile and look at what I found.

There’s that smell that makes me sit. It's what I am supposed to do.

Then Mike whispered stay right there, don’t make another move.

Then at once a shot rang out, what was I to do?

Then it felt like my leg was on fire, Mike come and pull me through!

Mike grabbed me by my harness and held me to him tight.

He said “bud you're going to make it, don't give up now, fight!”

He called someone on the radio, said, “we need help right away.”

In flew a Blackhawk copter, he came to save the day!

First he destroyed the snipers that put a bullet in me.

Then he hovered above us as a jeep came and helped us to flee.

I passed out from the blood loss, but then I finally came to.

Had no idea where I was, my leg I could barely move.

A guy they called the doctor said, you are lucky to still be here.

I just needed to know if Mike was ok, that was my biggest fear.

The doctor assured me he was ok, that wasn't enough for me.

Then I heard his voice, somebody open the door, I need to see!

There he was my very best friend. Then I tried to stand.

Then Mike tried to warn me, saying, “stay still if you can!”

The bone in my leg was shattered. It will never be the same.

They said something about a Purple Heart and a war dog hall of fame.

Yes, this shattered leg it bothers me, but compared to some this problem is small.

I was actually a lucky one because, many don't come back at all!

(Jerry Wayne Baldwin; from “This K-9 of Mine”;
Author's note: "Dedicated to All military personnel past or present on two legs or four! Thank you for your service!")

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I would like to thank Jerry Wayne Baldwin for his kind permission to publish his poems on my blog.

The book “This K-9 of Mine: Poetic short stories from a dog's point of view, plus a few from the owner's vantage point, too.” is available as Kindle version here.