BET YOU CAN'T OWN JUST ONE!

Why own a dog? There's danger you know
You can't own just one, the craving will grow
There's no doubt they're addictive, wherein lies the danger
While living with lots, you'll grow poorer and stranger.

One dog is so funny, and two are no trouble
The third one is easy, the fourth one's a honey
The fifth's delightful, the sixth one's a breeze,
You find you can live with a house full with ease.

So how 'bout another? Would you really dare?
They're really quite easy, but Lord, the hair.
With dogs on the sofa, and dogs on the bed,
And crates in the kitchen, It's no bother, you've said,
They're really no trouble, their manners are great,
What's just one more dog, and one more crate?

The sofa is hairy, the windows are crusty,
The floor is all footprints, the furniture is dusty,
The housekeeping suffers, but what do you care?
Who minds a few nose prints, and a little more hair?

So let's keep a puppy, you can always find room,
And a little more time for the dust cloth and broom,
There's hardly a limit to the dogs you can add,
The thought of a cutback sure makes you sad.

Each one is so special, so useful, so funny,
The vet, the food bills grow larger, you owe money,
Your folks never visit, few friends come to stay,
Except other dog folks, who live the same way.

Your lawn has now died, and your shrubs are dead too,
But your weekends are busy, you're off with your crew,
There's dog food and vitamins, and training and shots,
And entries and motels which cost lots.

Is it worth it you wonder? Are you caught in a trap?
Then your favorite dog comes and climbs in your lap,
His look says your special, and you know that you will
Keep all of the critters, in spite of the bill.


Tom Wilson