The dog game (or: One more dog)

Why own a dog? There's a danger you know.

You can't own just one, for the craving will grow.

 

There's no doubt they're addictive, wherin lies the danger

While living with lots, you'll grow poorer and stranger.

 

One dog is not trouble, and two are so funny,

the third one is easy, the fourth one's a honey.

 

The fifth is delightful, the sixth one's a breeze.

You find you can live with a houseful, with ease.

 

So how 'bout another? Would you really dare?

They're really quite easy, but Oh Lord, the Hair!

 

With dogs on the sofa, and dogs on the bed,

And crates in the kitchen, its no bother, you said.

 

They're really no trouble, their manners are great.

What's just one more dog and one more little crate?

 

The sofa is hairy, the windows are crusty.

The floor is all foootprints, the furniture's dusty.

 

The housekeeping suffers, but what do you care?

Who minds a few noseprints and a little more hair?

 

So let's keep a puppy, you can always find room

And a little more time for the dust cloth and broom.

 

There's hardly a limit to the dogs you can add.

The thought of a cutback, sure makes you feel sad.

 

Each one is special, so useful, so funny,

The food bill grows larger, you owe the vet money.

 

Your folks never visit, few friends come to stay,

Except other dog folks, who live the same way.

 

Your lawn has now died and our shrubs are dead, too.

Your weekends are busy, your off with your crew.

 

There's dog food and vitamins, training and shots,

And entries and travel and motels which cost lots.

 

Is it worth it you wonder? Are you caught in a trap?

Then that favorite comes up and climbs in your lap.

 

His look says you're special and you know that you will

Keep all the critters in spite of the bill.

 

Some just for showing, and some just to breed,

And some just for loving, they all fill a need.

 

Winter is a hassle, but the dogs love it true,

And they must have their walks tho' you are numb and blue.

 

Late evening is awful, you scream and you shout

At the dogs on the sofa, who refuse to go out.

 

The dogs and the dog shows, the travel, the thrills.

The work and the worry, the pressure, the bills.

 

The whole thing seems worth it, the dogs are your life.

They're charming and funny and offset the strife.

 

Your lifestyle has changed, things just won't be the same.

Yes those dogs are addictive and so's the dog game!

 

(Author unknown)