A Dog Poem

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 love 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
They even fought to hold the leash, I am very proud to say
These are things I’ll never forget – a cherished memory
I now live in the shelter- without my family
They used to laugh and praised 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 bedroom 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
My life became so lonely, in the back yard, 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 kissed me goodbye
If I’d only had some classes, 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 this mean a second chance? Do I go home today?

A Dog Poem by Sandi Thompson – 1991