Caution: The following poems may upset you and cause you to want to join your nearest rescue effort.
A dog sits waiting in the cold autumn sun.
Too faithful to leave, too frightened to run.
He's been here for days now with nothing to do
But sit by the road, waiting for you.
He can't understand why you left him that day
He thought you and he were stopping to play.
He's sure you'll come back, and that's why he stays.
How long will he suffer? How many more days?
His legs have grown weak, his throat parched and dry.
He's sick now with hunger, and falls with a sigh.
He lays down his head and closes his eyes.
I wish you could see how a waiting dog dies.
--by Kathy Flood
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.
They 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 the sheets.
I used to go for walks,
often several times a day.
They even fought to hold the leash,
I'm very proud to say.
They used to laugh and praise 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 I was out of control,
and would have to live outside.
This I did not understand,
although I tried and tried.
The walks stopped, one by one;
they said they hadn't time.
I wish I could change things,
I wish I knew my crime.
My life became so lonely,
in the backyard on a chain.
I barked and barked all day long,
to keep from going insane.
So they brought me to the shelter,
but were embarassed 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?
--by Sandi Thompson
I wish someone would tell me what it is
That I've done wrong.
Why I have to stay chained up and
Left alone so long.
They seemed so glad to have me
When I came here as a pup.
There were so many things we'd do
While I was growing up.
They couldn't wait to train me as a
Companion and a friend.
And told me how they'd never fear
Being left alone again.
The children said they'd feed me and
Brush me every day.
They'd play with me and walk me
If only I could stay.
But now the family "Hasn't Time,"
They often say I shed.
They don't even want me in the house
Not even to be fed.
The chldren never walk me.
They always say "Not now!"
I wish that I could please them.
Won't someone tell me how?
All I had, you see, was love.
I wish they would explain
Why they said they wanted me
Then left me on a chain?
--Anonymous