Free To A Good Home Poem by Sheila Estes

I once had a mother, I don't remember her name
I do know she lived outside on a chain. I had brothers and sisters but they all were sold.
Then you came and took me home.

You were a young couple and always I was fed.
You taught me tricks and trained me well. We went everywhere
Together, we even shared your bed.

Two years later and you say I'm getting a little brother.
I'm very excited and lay my head on Mommies tummy to hear the baby grow.

Today my little brother came home! I am so excited and love him oh so much.
You say get away, don't touch.

I now spend lots of time alone now and you don't play with me anymore.
You say I will be better off in a new home. You call the shelters but they are all full.
So you list me as "Free to a Good Home" and you say no dog fighters cause I'm a good dog.

Today a man and little boy showed up. You said he seemed really nice and handed over my leash.
We drove off and maybe you shed a tear. Maybe you were just happy to be free of me.

When we get to his house I'm so scared, all these dogs are barking at me.
The man jerks me out, yells and kicks at me.
Is this the good home you had in mind for me?

My new home has a big heavy chain and I lay in mud.
I very seldom get food and there is something scary about the shed.
I wish you would come for me, do you think of me and my new good home?

The man drags me off to the scary shed. The inside smells like blood and fear.
There is a big mean dog who he says I must fight. I don't fight, I love other dogs,
I'm a good boy. You taught me well, remember? The man says its ok that I don't want to fight.
He just wants his prize fighter to practice on me.

Now I lay dying, dumped on the side of the road. Every part of body is punctured, my ears are shredded, the bones in my leg are crushed and my muzzle is half ripped off. You probably wouldn't even recognize me, but if you came for me I'd use my last bit of strength to wag my tail for you. I'm a good dog.

This rain is cold and as the light fades from my eyes I wonder if you are safe and warm in our bed? Do you think of me and the "good" home you found for me? If you knew what would happen would I still be there with you?