Charlie ...

Today's Nashville Banner shows a poodle sitting sadly in his cage at the shelter. The article speaks of families forced to give up pets because they can no longer afford dog food and vet bills. Poor dog ... Poor children home crying ...

Thinking of Mandy, I went in search of something she wrote when she was about fourteen or fifteen ...

I LOVE this poem.


CHARLIE AND ME

My very first dog ... I still have him today.
I was only two when he came to stay.
"Oh boy!" I happily said.
"Oh no!" Dad replied with great dread.
A white fluffy poodle ... I named him Charles.
We had lots of fun. We had a few quarrels.
I dresssed him up in my favorite doll clothes
and put Mom's lipstick on his darling nose.
I put his ears up in cute ponytails
and painted red polish on his little nails.
Charlie and I always knew how to share ...
He slept on my pillow like he belonged there.
I used his dog brush to style my long hair
while Charlie sat watching from my rocking chair.
Peanut butter and jelly ... what a delight!
I shared mine with Charlie. Bite for bite.
A Miss Piggy toothbrush followed each meal.
It was easy to use. Not such a big deal.
I brushed all my teeth so pretty and white
and then I brushed Charlie's without too much fight.
We've been through a lot ... Old Charlie and me.
He's my favorite dog. He always will be.