War Dog Poetry

A DOG'S PLEA

Treat me kindly, my beloved friend, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of mine.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me learn.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.

Please take me inside when it is cold and wet, for I am a domesticated animal, no longer accustomed to bitter elements. I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.

Feed me clean food that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger.

And my friend, when I am very old, and I no longer enjoy good health, hearing and sight, do not make heroic efforts to keep me going. I am not having any fun. Please see that my trusting life is taken gently. I shall
leave this earth knowing with the last breath I draw that my fate was
always safest in your hands.

Author Unknown

THE VIETNAM WAR DOGS

We walked point and patrolled bases
and hunted down the enemy.
We did it all just for some
love and affection.

We saved so many lives;
and the troops all thanked us greatly.
However the army didn't see our value
after the war.

Most of us were put down
some of us were given away.
Just a handfull of us made it home
and we were all forgotten except by those we knew well.

But now we and our handlers
have a memorial to our names.
And now we stand with honor
next to our other canine war brothers.

--A poem by me