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 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 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 backyard, 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 ?