In the dim hall,
No barking
And no clawing on concrete.
With your chin buried in the pillow,
Staring blankly at the ceiling,
You were unaware your fate was sealed.

Gazing through the window,
Your shadow crept upon you,
There was no escape.

The sun ascended
And the oppressive heat hung in the air.
You stared through the window
And flinched.

The ticking of the clock,
Echoed in the hollow hall.
Then came the phone call.
They shipped you,
A thousand miles away from the smell of bleach
And cold bars.
You found a new home,
Wagged your tail,
Barked with delight
And tap-danced all day long.

When I called you,
You howled all night long.
Your soundtrack,
Oh, so loud.

Journeys spent on clawing challenging winding trails,
On steep mountains through endless rough barks,
With the salty sea breeze,
That cooled you with relief.

The sudden jolts of frantic speed,
A wide smile lit up your face.
And your stamping on the grass,
Your ears flopped.

Your brindle coat,
So soft,
Snuggling in the tangle of sheets.

A sneaky scavenger!
Chewed phones and flops,
So intrusive,
We laughed along.

The sea,
So fearful.
In time,
A wave of joy washed over you.
You uncovered rocks and shells
And dragged them to the shore.

Your face painted white,
Gray streaks marked your brindle coat.
The staircase,
The labored breaths
And your shadow cast on the wall,
Followed you along.
The stiff paws
And the painful sob that throttled your throat.

The heavy blanket embraced you,
Surrounded you with glittering stars,
You found a new home.