DO I GO HOME TODAY?

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 even fought to hold the leash, I'm very proud to say! These are the 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 each 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?

Sandi Thompson