Do I Go Home Today?

DO I GO HOME TODAY?
(Author Unknown)

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 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?

“It is a truism to say that the dog is largely what his master makes of him: he can be savage and dangerous, untrustworthy, cringing and fearful; or he can be faithful and loyal, courageous and the best of companions and allies.” ~ Sir Ranulph Fiennes