They say that dogs are loyal
I tend to disagree
They have no other option
They can’t leave or run free
~
We bring them into our lives
They don’t have a choice
The dog does not complain
Because they do not have a voice
~
They can’t pack a bag
Or slip away by night
they must stay, whatever
And simply face their plight
~
Life is based on chance
A roll of the dice
Live with someone horrid
Or live with someone nice
~
Dogs depend on us
And what we choose to give
How we meet their needs
Decides how happily they live
~
Don’t we owe it to them
To do the best we can
To give them all they need
So that dog can live with man
~
We can give so much more
Than water, warmth and food
There are many more activities
Which we could and should include
~
Give the dog an interest
Give them something to enjoy
Like playing with a doggy friend
Or a box they can destroy
~
Take them to the river
To the fields and through the mud
Let them be a dog
And do the things dogs should
~
Let them play and run
And sniff and then to seek
Give them all the things they’d ask for
If they could only speak
~
~Shay Kelly~2018~
Shay Kelly is the author of Dog training and behavor: a guide for everyone and Canine Enrichment: the book your dog needs you to read