DYING DOG
Lurking in the shadows the beaten dog sat,
Too sore and weak to move to a dry mat
Just a few yards away, some comfort to give,
Maybe he had a few more painful hours to live.

A child ran round the corner, tripped and fell
Over the poor creature, he could not tell
What it was, he just heard it give a sad cry,
He looked and saw the poor thing about to die,

Dad! there is a dying dog all beat up and sore,
Look at those whip marks and his poor paw,
There were sad tears in the boys bright eyes
I hurt him more, can you hear his awful cries?

The father carried him to the car, went to a vet
One of the worst beating the vet had ever met,
When the dog heard kind words felt a gentle hand
He relaxed and he tried humans to understand.

No charge tonight for this dog, he’ll not live long
Take him home, keep warm indoors he does belong,
Give him some love and caring before his life is done,
At least he will die in peace a little kindness done.

Their own cat and dog snuggled close to the dog,
Warm blankets over him, to the fire an extra log,
Volunteers stayed awake all night to show some care,
Humans who loved were at last his to share.

Against all odds he lived but could never jump or run,
Never romp through the field to bark at the sun,
He walked with a hobble but how his tale did wag
As the owner of their dogs and cat often used to brag.

They never found the owner, of that poor dying dog,
I am glad I did not know him or I would want to flog
Him until he himself knows what pain was all about,
I’m wrong to think that way, but let him watch out.

(Millicent) Ann Margetson January 19, 2004