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 little 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 - a cherished memory.
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 one and the new.

The kids and I would grab a rug, 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 didn't understand, although I tried and tried!

The walks stopped, one by one; they said they hadn't the 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 to keep from going insane.

So they brought me to the shelter but were embarrassed to say why.
They said I caused an allergy, and then they each kissed me goodbye.
If I'd only had some training 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 a worker say.
Does that mean I have a second chance?
Do I go home today?


If you read the poem thru, then you understand why it's so important that you
realize the responsibility that goes along with pet ownership. If you're
unsure whether you'll be able to deal with the mischief that dogs and cats get
into, it's best not to buy a cat or dog. Domestic animals have as much right
to this planet as what we do, and they deserve to be in a happy family
environment as well. They are very much capable of having feelings, and when
they're abandoned or sent to the shelter, they're suddenly without a family.
Before you buy a dog, cat, parrot, or other domestic pet, try to imagine
yourself in this situation where you're abandoned and no longer are a part of
a family. Then, when you decide that it's a situation you wouldn't want to be
in, ask yourself this: Can I commit myself to this animal for the rest of it's
natural life?



Groveshire Yorkshire Terriers, Newfoundland, Canada

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