Dog rescuers are always the first to see the emotional toll that being dumped at a shelter has on a dog. They handle the abandoned dogs with compassion and responsibility, something often lacking in the people who discard their pets. That’s what inspired the following poem, written by anonymous, but no doubt by someone who witnessed the heartbreak of dogs left at the shelter, and the hope that follows when a dog it adopted.
The beautiful poem has been circulated widely over the years, coming in slightly different versions:
I Adopted Your Dog Today
I adopted your dog today
The one you left at the pound
The one you had for seven years
and no longer wanted around.
I adopted your dog today
Do you know he’s lost weight?
Do you know he’s scared and depressed
and has lost all faith?
I adopted your dog today.
he had fleas and a cold,
but don’t worry none.
You’ve unburdened your load.
I adopted your dog today.
Were you having a baby or moving away?
Did you suddenly develop allergies or was
there no reason he couldn’t stay?
I adopted your dog today.
he doesn’t play or eat much
He’s very depressed, but
he will learn again to trust.
I adopted your dog today.
And here he will stay.
He’s found his forever home
and a warm bed on which to lay.
I adopted your dog today.
And I will give him all that he could need.
Patience, love, security, and understanding.
Hopefully he will forget your selfish deed.
-Author Unknown
This poem reminds me of another beautiful one written by Janine Allen entitled “I Rescued A Human Today.” If you liked this poem, please share it with your friends and family!
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