Man's Best Friend Poem by Mark Heathcote

When I was a child, I had a Rough Collie dog
It visited pensioners on the council estate
And became an incredible friend and mate
Dogs are amazing; they-leave-me agog.

A dog can be taught-to-sniff-out coronavirus
And other-serious life-threatening ailments
Detect when an epileptic might-take-a seizure
And help arrest some no-good dodgy-geezer.

A police dog can be a courageous lifesaver
Between-rival football teams, a pacemaker
But the honey badger is the most fearless creature
It'll fight off much larger predators, a lion and a hyena.

A dog can be a loyal friend until the end
But can often be owned by some blockhead.
Such animals as these are a lifelong friend
So please, please don't bully or torment.

Remember all the good things they do
Remember, they are man's best friend
A dog is loyal; they'll stick to you like glue
They're not just a miniature Shih Tzu trend.