Do I Go Home Today ?

[Lisa B]

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 - 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.

They brought me to the shelter, but were embarrassed to say why.
They said I caused an allergy, then they each kissed me good-bye.
If I'd only had some classes, when I was just a little pup,
then I would be the dog they want 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?

One final thought –

With the Christmas season upon us, a new puppy is eagerly anticipated by many boys and girls. If you are considering helping Santa bring a new member into your household, please consider his/her future. After all, would you discard your child if they ‘misbehaved’? A puppy, like a child, is constantly learning and will make mistakes. It’s even harder for them, as they don’t have the child’s ability to communicate; they only have the ability to love absolutely and unconditionally. Perhaps this season, instead of supporting the puppy mills out there, you could instead choose a dog that someone else has thrown away. Visit your local shelter and save a life. Thank you

[Doubleyolk]

Great post Lisa.

[Lisa B]

Joe!!!!!

[birdmom1]

OK, Now you have me crying!!!! That is just so sad!

[Valo's Moirana]

that sure brought tears to my eyes.... it's sooo true, and it upsets me that people decide to get pets WITHOUT considering ALL that comes with it (ie that the pet lives for years to come and that care is required all this time, that you have to make sacrifices - i had so say good-bye to my planned 5mth trip after graduation... wouldn't be able to leave my baby alone)

great post lisa - now if we could only spread it out ALL OVER THE PLACE, so people don't do stupid things for christmas *dream*

"Many have forgotten this truth, but you must not forget it. You remain responsible, forever, for what you have tamed." Antoine De Saint-Exupery

[WeLuvBirds]

Fabulous post....permission to copy and post on my blog page and elsewhere???? I will spread this message where ever I can.

Michelle

[catschair]

Amen! I had to stop volunteering at an animal shelter years ago because I could not deal with the shortsighted people. I will pass this one along as well. Your feathered & furry kids are lucky to have you!

[Irish]

I've seen this before. Having a lot of dogs, one tends to hang with other dog people, and this one gets around a lot. It ALWAYS makes me sob. It is, in part, why we have so many living here with us. It's definitely why I can no longer go into shelters and look at all those hopeful eyes. Many--especially the BBDs (big black dogs) have no future in those places. Thank Dog for Petfinder.

If I could have only one wish come true for Christmas, it is, and has been for many years, that EVERY dog should find a wonderful, forever home of its own. Would that everyone would take time out to THINK before they bring home that wriggling, adorable bundle of skin, fur and puppy breath....

[Conure & Macaw Mom]

That is very sad but so true. There is so many unwated animals in the world. All my dogs are fixed. If they weren't, I would have tons more cause I would want to keep them all. I get to attached. Crystal

[whosoever]

wonderful post.