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 fought to hold the leash, I’m very proud to say!

These are 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 they 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?