They Call Me Ralphie

They call me Ralphie, and I think who
Why do I need a new name?
Where were the tags to identify a Beagle boy like me?
Must I loose the other name I use to answer to?
I suppose this name is fine
I will adjust, I always do

They call me Ralphie
I kinda like the sound I think, and grateful to be called anything, especially when dinner is served
Always excited, never finicky, a hound dog after all
And I eat every morsel like it is my last
For I have gone without food before, and that's no life for me

They call me Ralphie
They care about dogs like me, and wonder
What happened to my home, my humans, my life
I was so scared, cold, and lonely in that awful shelter
When they came for me that day
They showed me kindness, reassurance and understanding

They call me Ralphie, and I think it's sorta nice
Though I do not know why they came for me
At the shelter and not a youngster
But with a wag in my tail and a pep in my step
I happily went with them
Maybe they are the family I long for

They call me Ralphie
I want to play and keep up with the other playmates
Even though they are younger than me
This yard is full of doggies, squirrels, wonder and excitement
But why do I feel so tired?

They call me Ralphie
Even the nurse said I was sweet,she smiled and weighed me
The doctor petted me, and found the lumps,
He took samples, drew blood and shook his head
Why does he look so sad?

They call me Ralphie
I dream about treats, those squirrels & rabbits and
Barking at the mailman
And big meaty bones
But I snooze a lot these days, and time goes by too quickly

They call me Ralphie
The squirrels taunt me from the tree limbs, but I don't recognize my own bay,
There is a lump in my throat, and my voice is horse
My lip is so swollen and it won't close anymore, and I drool a bit
They snuggle close, gently stroke my head, dab the drool, and tell me they love me

They call me Ralphie, so softly through their tears
I know they will not leave me, 'cause they're just not that way
They say I must leave them though, but promise we'll meet again one day
When the sun peeps through the clouds, spring petals bloom, and the grass by the pond is green
Tenderly thay speak to me, while I lick the salty tears from their cheek, and drift into deep sleep

They called me Ralphie and kissed me goodbye
They said I was proud, and handsome, I was special n sweet,
I was brave and smart, and now I would know for sure
That I was a Beagle, their precious dog
That was loved

-Ralphie

biography