I would’ve died that day if not for you.
I would’ve given up on life it not for your kind eyes.
I would’ve used my teeth in fear if not for your gentle hands.
I would have left this life believing that all humans don’t care.
Believing that there is no such thing as fur that isn’t matted;
Skin that isn’t flea bitten;
Good food and enough of it;
Beds to sleep on;
Someone to love me,
To show me that I deserve love, just because I exist.
Your kind eyes, your loving smile, your gentle hands, your big heart saved me.
You saved me from the terror of the pound,
Soothing away memories of my old life.
You have taught me what it means to be loved.
I have seen you do the same for other dogs like me.
I have heard you ask yourself, in times of despair, why you do it.
When there is no more money, no more room, no more homes,
You open your heart a little bigger, stretch the money a little tighter,
Make just a little more room – to saveone more like me.
I tell you with the gratitude and love that shines in my eyes,
In the best way I know how,
Reminding you why you go on trying.
I am the reason;
The dogs before me were the reason;
As are the ones who come after.
Our lives would’ve been wasted,
Our love never given,
We would die if not for you.
