Your Petstore Pup

Cherish your new petstore pup -
Stand always by his side.
Mend his ills and give him hugs
And lots of fun car rides.
Feed him well and let him run
To build his body strong.
Play with him and give him treats.
Love him his whole life long.

You'll soon become his hero.
He will not ask you for much.
He'll trade his lifelong loyalty
For your kind word and touch.

Count him among your blessings,
As you are his blessing, too,
But then please do just one thing more
When every day is through.

Take time to look into his eyes
Each night you tuck him in.
I bet you'll see reflected there
Two other pups like him.

They've never had a family,
Soft bed, good food, nor fun.
They live life out in a wire box -
And never get to run.

They suffer searing heat at times,
At others freezing cold,
As weeks and months and years drag by
While they are growing old.

So think about his mom and dad
Who shine there through his eyes,
And remember all the mill dogs
Who are paying with their lives.

If they had ever had a chance,
They'd have grown up like him, too,
With years of love to give and get
Before their lives were through.
You'll never see them face to face -
Such miracles are rare -
But pray for your pup's mom and dad,
`Cause someone ought to care..

Shannon McClure
Addie's Safehouse
© 2000