TOP DOG

It was Saturday morning at the station,
Gus fetched Chief the Star and Courier.
“It says they're still taking registrations
For today’s dog show at the Civic Center.”

“We could win five hundred dollars!”
Chief’s eyes lit up and jaw did drop,
“Preston, go buy a brand new collar,
While I run Gus to Best Friend’s Beauty Shop.”


Preston met them at the check-in tent,
“I found this real cute bow-tie collar!”
Chief said, “I bet he wins the best dressed pet,
It makes him look just like a scholar.”

“Hunting, hound, or herding breed?
What should we put down for his class?
There’s no way that dog’s a working breed …
His laziness is not surpassed!”


A spotted banner was unfurled,
And we heard a cheer from way up top.
Why, it was the roller skating car hop girls,
From Arthur’s Burger Joint and Custard Shop.

“Who's the one we love a lot?
Bright white fur with big black spots!
He's a friend to all of us!
There's no dog like our dog Gus!”


The dogs rose to the occasion,
And pranced around the ring with ease.
Except for our Dalmatian …
Chief had to tug at Gus’s leash.

The crowd applauded politely,
When a poodle jumped right through a hoop,
But Gus’s dancing was unsightly,
And Chief nearly flew the coop.


Gus then performed his cycle ride,
But it didn’t turn out like he’d planned.
That dog nearly was disqualified
When he crashed into the judging stand.

The competition was now finished,
And the crowd waited in suspense.
When the judge announced the winners,
We all took great offense.


“Our dog got 19th place???”
Enraged, Chief Dan protested,
“What a horrible disgrace!
There were only 12 contestants!”

Gus’s Most Colorful Pet award came as a surprise,
And there was yet another hidden blessing.
They gave that dog a consolation prize ---
A year of free obedience lessons!


As we were leaving for our station,
An older man approached our truck,
“I really like that young Dalmatian,
Would you consider five hundred bucks?”

“This dog’s been a source of great frustration,
And today he damaged the pavilion,
But he still earns our admiration,
And we wouldn’t sell him for a million.”


I woke up from my dream to learn,
That ungraceful dog was me,
My salvation I could never earn,
And the price He paid was far from free.

I’m overflowing with thanksgiving
Because the LORD did hear my cry.
For His Son’s sake I’m forgiven,
And I’m the apple of His eye.


David J Allen
March 23, 2005


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