The Dogs Were All Sleeping

By Lisa Radcliff (written for a puppy club Holiday party, originally with names of pups sitting around the training circle)

The dogs were all sleeping, the kennels were dark; in my dreams I was running and let out a bark. I woke myself up and looking around; I wondered what adventures might soon abound

To my right was a little Sheppie named Trudi; to my left her sister Tulip was sleeping. And down on the end, to the left of the door; Thor, Titan, and Thundar sprawled on the floor. Right across from them, Timber, Trent, and Taurus were resting, tired from training and our playtime wrestling

We had grown up together and now we were here; we had left behind all that was dear The meetings and outings, right from the start; the train rides and hay rides and walks in the park We left behind toothmarks on Dad’s right shoe; and there may be some left on the kitchen chair, too. We learned our commands and all the right things; having right manners and the praise it brings

The van picked us up and we hopped right in; thinking we left for just another spin But this ride was different, I could tell right away; and we ended up here for an extended stay I left my family behind, what would they think; they had trained me so well, and I left in a blink

I soon met my trainer and then I could see; I was in the right place, right where I needed to be She taught me things like my left from my right; and explained I was special, to give someone their sight I learned about overhangs and cars turning right; and tried really hard to get everything right

Today when she left, she said tomorrow’s the day; I will meet my new master and be on my way My training was done, the right person was here; I knew I could do it, I had no fear So I am left waiting for the right time to come; to use what I’ve learned and guide someone home.