Why Own A Dog?

Why own a dog? There's a danger you know,

You can't own just one, for the craving will grow.

There's no doubt they're addictive, wherein lies the danger.

While living with lots, you'll grow poorer and stranger.

One dog is no trouble, and two are so funny.

The third one is easy, the fourth one's a honey.

The fifth one's delightful, the sixth one's a breeze,

You find you can live with a houseful of ease.

So how 'bout another? Would you really dare?

They're really quite easy but, oh, Lord the hair!

With dogs on the sofa and dogs on the bed,

And crates in the kitchen, it's no bother, you've said.

They're really no trouble, their manners are great.

What's one more dog and just one more crate?

The sofa is hairy, the windows are crusty,

The floor is all footprints, the furniture dusty.

The housekeeping suffers, but what do you care?

Who minds a few noseprints and a little more hair?

So let's keep a puppy, you can always find room,

And a little more time for the dust cloth and broom.

There's hardly a limit to the dogs you can add,

The thought of a cutback sure makes you sad.

Each one is so special, so useful, so funny.

The vet and food bills grows larger, you owe BIG money.

Your folks never visit, few friends come to stay,

Except other "dog folks" who live the same way.

Your lawn has now died, and your shrubs are dead too,

But your weekends are busy, you're off with your crew.

There's dog food and vitamins, training and shots.

And entries and travel and motels which cost lots.

Is it worth it you wonder? Are you caught in a trap?

Then that favorite one comes and climbs in your lap.

His look says you're special and you know that you will

Keep all of the critters in spite of the bill.

Some just for showing and some just to breed.

And some just for loving, they all fill a need.

Your life-style has changed. Things won't be the same.

Yes, those dogs are addictive and so is the dog game.

- Poet Unknown

(deleted 2 paragraphs from original poem)