One of our supporters wrote this for us just after last Christmas, well its getting to that time of year again and unfortuantly the poem still rings true You'll have to excuse any errors I can't see the screen for tears.

A Christmas Box

Christmas had just one week to go
I was one of five puppies in a pet shop window
People smiled at us as they passed by
We were all for sale for them to buy
They rapped on the window and we all jumped about
“Aren’t they beautiful” we heard children shout

The day came at last, I was lifted out
“Can I have that one, Dad?” I heard a little boy shout
They took me home and made such a fuss
It was quite a long way ‘cos we went on a bus’
They patted my head, said “what a nice pet”
They didn’t even grumble when I made the floor wet

I was bathed and powdered and cuddled up close
Given pills and tablets and a medicine dose
Christmas passed by, and then New Years Day
Then I got the ‘gut’ feeling' I'm in the way’
No longer was I cuddled and then fussed over
I was just called ‘that dog’ instead of ‘our Rover’

I tried to be good, I was never sick
But now and again I received a sly kick
There was one time, when I was locked out all night
It was freezing cold and I got such a fright
They always fed me, one meal a day
But for some reason or other, no-one wanted to play

They were very quiet today, they turned me out in the wet
Put a string round my neck and took me down to the ‘vet’
I had had all my jabs, against every infection
But they put me up on the table, gave me another injection
I felt grand this morning but now I feel lousy
My head’s spinning round, I’m beginning to feel drowsy

This is a very sad story, unfortunately it’s true
You wouldn’t like it if it happened to you
So when you buy a pet, will you please remember
It’s yours for life, not just for December
When you read this, no doubt you will frown
I feel a bit tired, I think I’ll go and lie down
I’m nearly asleep, but I really did try
I’ll close my eyes now, God Bless and Goodbye

Jim Armstrong

i know what you mean about the tears

A lovely poem - if you see what I mean. Sadly, as you say, still true.

I hope that makes a few people think before going out and getting that dog as a Christmas present,. So sad.

So sad and so true - this should be printed in big letters in every shop and newspaper.

This is heartbreaking .

I'm actually going to send it in to our local paper and ask them to print it before Christmas. Hopefully it might make some people think twice.

hope you dont mind but ive posted this to everyone at freecycle who recieves group emails, if it stops just one person it helps

also posted it on gumtree

nice one Marie.


I am rooring

I'm literally crying my eyes out here. Read it out to OH and he's crying too.

What a poignant poem.

crickey - blubbing away here

what a lovely poem - will read it to my girls tomorrow

blubbering here in Cumbria too!!

Alisha