We both take a walk through the park, my dog and I.
Through the green of the grass and trees,
and the glistening lake and the swans that swim
and the marvelous evening breeze.
The dirt ground is like a red carpet, as we majestically walk along.
The animals seem to step aside, and the birds do seize their song.
This is how special this walk is for us, the time that we share alone.
So sad am I as night crawls upon us, the unfortunate time to head home.
Slow and fearful he roams the street
For tommorrow, he knows only a crumb he will eat.
Every day, the dirtier he gets,
he isn't treated like normal pets.
Every morning, a window he looks through.
Now, it is then, he knows what is true.
The family treats their dog with uttermost care,
He sadly says, "This is truly unfair,"
So the next time you see a stray dog,
Don't hesitate to demand,
"Have you no home? I'll give you a hand."
Dogs come with many different personalities, shapes and sizes.
The bassett hound is wise too old for his years.
The briard listens well, though, where are his ears?
The golden retriever is a goof, the King of the Clowns.
The dachshund is a bright fellow, his brain too big for his pounds
If I were a dog owner, which I pray someday to be,
then which dog in the pet store would I wish to set free?
The French poodle would disgust me, with its ruffly, arrogant ways
If I bought an afghan hound, I would die laughing in two days.
The cocker spaniel looks all the words that mean adorable,
But I have learned from past owners that he can grow to be incorrigible.
The chihuahua seems too crazy,
the Saint Bernard a bit too lazy.
So which dog could be the right one for me?
Could it be that the one who is my better
is the Irish setter?
Yes, gathered in this majestic, flowing beast
are all the characteristics that make a wonderful dog, at least
Smart, faithful, loyal, playful, beautiful and graceful
Yes, you can take the chihuahua, retriever and dachshund to be some other's best friend!
The Doggy Named Sheppy
by Chrissy Denihan, age 12 & Tina Henrichsen, age 13
S & L: We have a dog named Sheppy.
S: She has dark brown hair and a mist of blue in her eyes.
L: She likes to play with balls and chew on the leash while watching T.V.
S: Her favorite food is macaroni and cheese.
L: She likes to crawl under the bed while we are at rest.
S: Now we will talk about ourselves.
S & L: Our names are Sue and Luo.
Sue: I like to put him in the bath.
L: And I like to take him out for a blast.
S: I hate to pick up his poo poo.
L: I hate it when he chews on my shoe.
S & L: But no matter what she does, she will always be my pal.
If I was a human, what would I do?
Maybe I'd have a kid or two.
If I was a human, how would I spend the day?
I'd go to a place where the palm trees sway.
If I was a human what would I say?
"Treat your pet well in every way!"
If I was a human, who would I want to meet?
A really big clown, with really big feet.
If I was a human, what would I eat?
Some water, soda and nothing but meat!
If I was a human right now, where would I go?
A luxurious trip to the toilet bowl.
If I was a human, what would I wear?
A suit and tie with slicked back hair.
My pal is a human, and so are you!
Oh, I wish that I can be one too.
But I'm a dog so becoming a human,
I won't be doin', besides,
I see a really big shoe to ruin.
I found a lonely dog one day
I asked him if he wanted to play.
He barked 'Yes!' he wanted to play all day.
His fur looked like gold.
He was curly and not too old.
He was a cute, a real canine beauty.
I knew I would never find one so sublime.
He was fun to cuddle except after he fell into that puddle.
I gave him a nice bath and his antics made me laugh.
Then I gave him some fresh kibble, which he ate without a dribble.
I asked him if he had a home, He barked sadly, 'I'm all alone.'
My dad said, "He can be yours if you feed him and walk him out of doors."
I saw a puppy very sad, so I went to ask my dad...
"Come on Dad, may I have that pup?"
He shook his head, no such luck.
I went to mom with cat named Harry.
She said, "You've got a pet, your spider, Larry."
Oh great! Oh nuts! Oh pooey me!
My mom forgot, he's just a flea
I went into my room and closed the door,
I put my books upon the floor.
I looked out the window, my face so long,
I looked at the store,
the pup was gone.
Artwork from top: Walking the dog by Alex Kendall; Copper by Jim Conner, age 8; Dog courtesy of Third Street Music Settlement; Oval Portrait by Lauren Gray, age 8; Fetch by Yui Sheng He, age 7
Lonely dog photo by Beck Underwood
