I am a township terrier, simply tossed away,

Like garbage in a landfill - I never had a say

Drains became my waterbowl

And rubbish dumps my restaurant,

Crushed my spirit and my soul,

Must survive, rest I can't

Skulk in shadows, can't be seen

Boots and stones can be so mean

Others nipping at my heels,

As we scavenge for measly meals

Disease is rampant, we've not had shots

We cower in your parking lots

And hope for scraps from doggybags

We slumber on newspapers and soggy rags

You don't notice, you ignore

God have mercy, I implore

I am cold, wet and alone,

Please help me God to find a home

Or take me quick, no one to miss me

My demise won't be a mystery,

A fleeting joy to hump some bitch

Then hit and run and die in ditch

No howl of outrage, not one tear spilled
 
For just another stray that's killed

 

                                    ~ Gumby Pana 2010
PLEASE, don't breed or buy while homeless / shelter dogs die!


      

 Prayer of a Stray ~ John Quealy


 

 
Dear God please send me somebody who'll care! I'm tired of running, I'm sick with despair My body is aching, it's so racked with pain And dear God I pray as I run in the rain
 
That someone will love me and give me a home A warm cozy bed and a big juicy bone My last owner tied me all day in the yard Sometimes with no water and God that was hard!
 
So I chewed my leash God; and I ran away To rummage in garbage; and live as a stray But now God I'm tired; and hungry and cold And I'm Oh so afraid; that I'll never grow old
 
They've chased me with sticks; hit me with stones While I run the streets; just looking for bones I'm not really bad God; please help if you can For I have become just another; "victim of man!"
 
I'm wormy dear God; and I'm ridden with fleas And all that I ever wanted; was an owner to please If you find one for me God; I'll try to be good I won't chew their shoes; and I'll do as I should
 
I'll love them; protect them; and try to obey When they tell me to sit; to lie down or to stay! I don't think I'll make it; too long on my own Cause I'm getting so weak; and I'm Oh so alone
 
Each night as I sleep in the bushes I cry Cause I'm so afraid God; that I'm gonna die I've got so much love; and devotion to give That I should be given; a new chance to live
 
So dear God please; oh please; answer my prayer And send me to somebody; who will really care That is dear God; if You're really there!

  
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 A dog sits waiting in the cold autumn sun,

Too faithful to leave, too frightened to run.

He's been here for days now, with nothing to do,

But sit by the road, waiting for you.

He can't understand why you left him that day.

He thought you and he were stopping to play.

He's sure you'll be back, and that's why he stays.

How long will he suffer? How many more days?

His legs have grown weak, his throat's parched and dry,

He's sick now from hunger and falls, with a sigh.

 He lays down his head and closes his eyes,

I wish you could see how a waiting dog dies.

  (Author unknown)


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Do I Go Back Home Today?

When my family first bought me to live within their home. They cuddled and they pampered me and groomed with brush and comb.

They played with me and laughed with me and showered me with toys. I sure do love my family, and all the tiny girls and boys.

The children loved to feed me; and give me special treats. They even let me sleep with them - all cosy in their sheets

I used to go for lovely walks, often several times a day. They even fought to hold my lead, I'm so very proud to say!

These are the things I'll not forget - a cherished memory. for now I'm in a shelter, bereft of 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 rag, and for hours we played tug. So I thought I did the right thing when I chewed that bedroom rug.

They said that I had lost control and would have to live outside. I didn't really understand this, though I really really tried!

The walks they stopped one by one; they said they had no time. I wish that I could change things; I wish I knew my crime.

My life became so lonely shackled to a metal chain. I barked and barked continually I thought I'd go insane.

So they took me to the shelter but were embarrassed to say why. So they said I'd caused an allergy, then said their last goodbye.

If only I'd had training, as a tiny little pup. I wouldn't have been so hard to live with, when I was all grown up.

You only have one day left", I heard the kennel man say. Does that mean I have a second chance? "Do I go back home today"?