You Are The Answer

You Are The Answer

Good morning, may we help you, is how we start our day,
"You won't kill them?" are the first words you say.

They're female, mostly female, nine in this litter,
I gritted my teeth trying not to sound bitter.

You bring LIFE to us and briskly come in
The novelty now faded along with your whim.

You smile as you offer what to you seems a present,
We smile right back and try to be pleasant.

Your gift is the third since our office just opened,
We're your last resort--but but you were just hoping

For a miracle--nine people to rush in
And choose each pup for a friend.

Our heart has grown heavy--our soul quite sad
You thought we would thank you and surely be glad.

Glad to relieve your careless mistake,
To appear in six months for another retake?

We're a shelter, a place for unwanted animals,
Where everyone loses when so many gamble.

Humane workers are desperate, weary, forlorn
Concerned for those that should not have been born.

This is not what we wanted to be,
Please understand--don't you see? Won't you see?

You have made us a slaughterhouse of goodwill,
You must pause--consider what we feel.

The hurt that's inside because we do care
About those nine pups you have over there.

Bouncy and cuddly, cute--so much more,
But you only shrug as you walk out the door.

You left for us to make the decision,
Which ones will die or go right on living.

Only one out of ten will be given a home
And for how long a time will she belong,

To a family who chooses, for what ever reason,
To return her to us when she is in season.

History repeats, for she will have been bred
She trembles it seems with fear and with dread.

The face of each worker can plainly be read
Because they know she soon will be dead.

We feel that we love her more than you
There are so many, what else can we do?

You point your finger and say, "Oh, the shame,
You put them to sleep, you are to blame."

Little do you realize how we try not to hate you,
And strive with much effort to educate you.

You didn't stay 'til the end to see us weep
When we had to take them and put them "to sleep".

Euthanasia--a kind death, by definition,
Less birth would be kind, is our declaration.

But you go on in your merry ole way,
Forgetting too soon and without much delay

That you cause the problem--YOU are the SOURCE,
You just won't admit it, of course.

We give our best for the animals and you
Although the thank-yous are sparse and quite few.

Love and concern carry us through every day
We need your help ! THERE MUST BE A BETTER WAY.