My  family brought me to their home ---
Cuddled in their arms.

They cuddled and smiled at me and said I was full of charm..
I sure do love my family, especially the boys and girls.

They played with me and laughed with me and showered me with toys.
The children loved to feed me, they gave me special treats.
They even let me sleep with them all snuggled in their sheets.
I used to go for walks, often several times a day.
They even fought to hold the leash, I am very proud to say!

These things I'll not forget – a cherished memory.
I now live in a 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 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 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 they each kissed me goodbye.

If only I had some classes, 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 the worker say.
Does that mean I get a second chance…..

Do I go home today?

~ Author Unknown