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, laughed with me and showered me with toys
I sure do love my family, especially the girls and boys.

The children loved to feed me, they gave me special treats
They even let me sleep with them, all snuggled in their sheets
I used to go for walks several times a day
They even fought to hold the lead, I'm very proud to say.

They used to laugh and praise me, playing with that old shoe
I didn't know the difference between the old one and the new
The kids and I would grab a rag and for ages we would tug
So I thought I did the right thing when I chewed the bathroom rug.

They said that I was out of control and had to live outside
This I could not understand although I tried and tried
The walks stopped, one by one, they didn't have the time
I wish that I could change things, I wish I knew my crime.

My life became so lonely in the garden on a chain
I barked and barked all day long to keep from going insane
They brought me to a shelter and embarrassed to say why
They said I caused an allergy and then they said goodbye.

If only I'd had classes when I was just a pup
I wouldn't have been hard to handle when I was all grown up
"You've only one day left" someone said to me
Does this mean a second chance?
Do I go home today?

~ Sandi Thompson ~

He longs to be cuddled and scratched on the chin,
When it rains outside he just wants to come in.
He's been chained to this tree since he was a pup,
The only words he hears is usually shut up.

If it wasn't for food he wouldn't see them at all,
He wishes just once, he could go chase a ball.
He sees people walk by, just about every day,
If only for once, they'd stop by to play.

It's a lonely life from morning to night,
"Don't go near the dog, we don't know if he'll bite."
He barks for attention, but it doesn't work,
They just look and holler, "shut up you jerk".

His life's just a blank, with no time or season,
To keep a dog like this, there's just no reason.
They say 'man's best friend', and to most they are,
But this dog would be happy to be left in a car.

At least for a while he'd be off his chain,
It's a wonder some dogs don't go insane.
It's hard to believe they could be so cruel,
To treat a dog like this, they must be a fool.

A dog has a heart and needs some T.L.C.,
Not just food and water while tied to a tree.
With so much to give, for so little in return,
It's the dog's respect man should have to earn.

And for every dog that finds a new home,
I wish I could send with them this poem.
So their masters can read it and after they're through,
They'll realize that dogs have a heart too.

~ Author Unknown ~

My best friend closed his eyes last night,
As his head was in my hand.
The doctors said he was in pain,
And it was hard for him to stand.
The thoughts that scurried through my head,
As I cradled him in my arms.
Were of his younger, puppy years,
And Oh ... his many charms.

Today, there was no gentle nudge
With an intense "I love you gaze",
Only a heart that's filled with tears
Remembering our joy-filled days.
But an Angel just appeared to me,
And he said, "You should cry no more,
God also loves our canine friends,
He's installed a 'doggy-door'!"

~ (c) 1997 Mary Ellen Arthur ~