My puppy, Duchess

Update: Because of unforeseen and unchangeable circumstances, Duchess now resides with the family of my good friend Colin. I have complete faith that she will be happy there.

There are thousands of abandoned dogs across the country. If you have a home for a dog, please think of these poor creatures, please adopt.

DO I GO HOME TODAY

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

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 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.

These are the things I'll not forget

my cherished memory,

because I now live in the 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 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 that 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 that 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,

just to keep from going insane.

So they brought me to the shelter,

but were embarrassed to say why.

They said I caused an allergy,

then they each kissed me goodbye.

If I'd only had some classes,

when I was just a little pup,

then I would have been

a better dog when I was all grown up.

"You only have one day left."

I heard the worker say.

Does that mean I have a second chance?

DO I GO HOME TODAY?

~~Sandi Thompson