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 - a 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 back yard,
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?
NEWBIE BREEDER
I want to be a breeder
A breeder's what I'll be
Although I'm kind of ditsy
It doesn't look hard to me
I don't like the breeding part
I don't like it at all
The female's kind of short
And the male's way too tall.
She doesn't like the male
It's obvious you see
Now I'm supposes to put her
Across my aching knee.
Oh great, he's got it now
I hope that I can last
My backs about to break
One hour now has passed.
Well the messy part is over
I'll just sit and wait
For all the puppies I will have
They'll all be first rate
I don't like the whelping part
I don't like it at all
What an awful mess they make
To deliver something so small.
Well the whelping part is over
I haven't slept a wink
Do I really like this?
I'm too tired to think.
Now all my work is done
What else can there be
I'll just sit and wait
For buyers to come and see.
Oh darn they messed the papers
How was I too know
That something so small,
Could go, and go and go.
You mean I have to feed them?
How hard can it be?
I'll mix it up in the bowl,
Put it down for them to see.
Slow down you little devils,
You each have a space
Oh no, that one fell in.
It's all over his face.
They use to look like puppies.
Now they're an awful mess
Would someone please tell me,
When I can get some rest!
Now that they are older
My pocket book is looking thin
I used to have some money
Then the vet bill came in.
Now finally it is time to sell them.
I'll love the selling part.
The hard jobs are all over.
The phone calls will soon start.
Oh here comes the first buyer.
A young lady and her son.
What did she mean when she said,
She wanted two for the price of one.
To the people I've seen to-day,
I'm tired of saying NO
Then there are the idiots
Who make appointments and don't show.
I don't like keeping puppies
I don't like it at all.
Their appetites have grown
Since they're no longer small.
Now six months have passed
And I'm on bended knees
Still picking up the poop
>From remaining puppies.
I said it didn't look hard
Now I say it with a smile
I won't be trying this again
Not for a very long, long while!
By: Carol Kufner
Go to more poems