The Dogfather: Do I go home today?

(I make no apology for reproducing this anonymous poem I discovered among my dog files. It sums up the plight of many of the dogs I meet in my work)

My family brought me home today cradled in their arms,

They cuddled me and smiled and kept me safe and warm

They played with me for hours and showered me with toys

I sure do love my family parents, girls and boys.

The children love to feed me and give me special treats

They even let me sleep with them –all snuggled in the sheets

I used to go for walks, several times a day

They even fought to hold the leash-I'm very proud to say.

These are things I'll not forget-a cherished memory

For I now live in a shelter without my family.

They used to laugh and praise me when I played with that old shoe

But I didn't know the difference between the old and new

The kids would wave a rag at me and encourage me to tug

I never knew that it was wrong to chew the bedroom rug.

They said I was unruly and made me live outside

This I never understood no matter how I tried.

The walks stopped one by one, they said they hadn't time

I wish I could have changed things; I wish I knew my crime.

My life became so lonely in the back yard all alone

I barked but no one listened I was banished from my home.

Then they brought me to the shelter too embarrassed to say why

They said I caused an allergy and each kissed me goodbye

If only I'd had classes when I was just a pup

Then I'd have been a better dog when I was all grown up.

"He only has one day left," I heard a lady say.

Does that mean I have a second chance.

Do I go home today?

Read more training tips on Vic's website.

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The Dogfather, Vic Barlow