Do I Go Home Today?

by Sandi Thompson

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, they 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 that 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,
And this I didn’t 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 then kissed me goodbye.
If I’d only had some classes, as a little pup,
I wouldn’t have been hard to handle 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?