Nobody's Dog

Today is the death day of nobody’s dog

Nothing will mark it but a note in the log

I’m faceless and nameless and no tears will fall

For I know in your world I have no worth at all

To you, my sweet someone, I’m a friend and a dear

We ran the wind daily and you held me so near

But the gate was left open – I chanced a walk on my own

I’d have cowered in fear if only I’d known

I know how you cried on the night that I strayed

I know how you searched,

I know how you prayed

But I went to a pound far far from our home

Where I crouched in despair in my kennel alone

I know that you phoned for I heard your dear voiceAnd I hoped you would hear me so I barked myself hoarseAlthough I’m a Lab cross with stockings all whiteOn their form I’m a Staff cross – the description’s not rightSo they said I’m not here and I sank to my bedMy kennel cough’s worse and I can’t raise my headThe rescue came yesterday but they hadn’t a placeFor an un-neutered cross breed with his mucus-streaked faceIf only you’d come to search for me hereYou would have known me at once, you would have sensed I was nearYou would have sorted my ills, you would have carried me homeAnd I promise our God no more would I roam

Now my eyes plead for mercy for my seven days are doneAnd I am waiting with dread for the final vet runNo arms will caress me as they inject me to deathNo words will comfort me as I take my last breathWhen the body man comes, it is fitting I’m foundIn a bin bag in the freezer in the depths of the poundThrown away like the rubbish - no respect and no shameDenied even the time to find you againMy loyalty and devotion they did cruelly betrayWithout microchip or nametag, I am just a dispensable strayOnce waggy-tailed, once proud, beloved and freeOh Dad look with pain at what mankind’s done to me!

Trudie James,

Doris Banham Dog Rescue