Surrounded by Steel.
I enter this life.
Curious, bold and trusting.
I wait.

People come through.
They Stop and they Stare.
'Oh look, how cute,
that one over there!'

I leave these cold walls
for a place they call home.
At first I am loved,
then I'm alone.

Too busy they are,
with their fast, hectic lives
and then I am gone,
with only a Sigh.

Trusting, I go,
to the cold, concrete pen.
I just need a home,
So I wait again.

A man, cold as ice,
Says, 'he will do'.
He takes me away,
to a home that is new.

Tied to this box,
I sit and I wait.
Guarding their home,
is this dog's sad fate.

Ten yards of chain,
the extent of my world,
there is no love here,
just a dish and some food.

Through wind, Sleet and rain,
and cold winter nights,
I lie here just waiting,
for relief from my plight.

A soft, gentle hand.
A kind spoken word,
is all I would need,
So I wait, endlessly.

The days march on by.
I'm neglected and weak.
My fur is all matted,
my bones start to creak.

Sad and alone, I stand.
Til I can stand no more,
then I lie one last time,
head hanging low,
and I wait.

I breathe my last breath,
lonely and unloved,
cold and neglected
waiting no more.

Now another,
waits in my place.

If you can open your home this holiday season, consider adopting a pet. You'll be glad you did.