A Shelter Dog asks God
Author: Joan C. Fremo
Published on: July 29, 2001
Dear God,
What is "Time"?
I hear the sadness in the voices of workers here.
They say my "Time is up",
that they have to make room for yet another dog.
My "Time" is up. I don't know what that means, God.
I only know that my new friends are so sad,
and the more I wag my tail---the harder I
try to make them feel better---the sadder they become.
I know I have heard that word "Time" before,
but I don't understand.
When I was younger, my people would say
"Time to play!" They would throw the ball, and I would run fast.
Sometimes I brought it back to them,
but other times we'd end up chasing each other having fun.
I remember "Time to eat".
My people would put down a bowl of food,
and I would enjoy dinner, wagging my tail in joy.
There was also "Time for your walk".
My boy would put my leash on, and we
would go walking together, visiting the neighborhood
and enjoying each other's company.
When I was younger I thought "Time" meant fun.
Or maybe Love?
I don't understand. "Time" must mean something else,
but how can it change, God?
Before I came here, I heard my people
say, "No time to feed you now, boy.
Later, when I get home."
Sometimes my family would forget,
and there was no food in my bowl.
Does "Time" mean when my belly hurts?
My people said there was no time for walks.
I tried to hold it all day long-- but God, I just couldn't anymore.
When I finally had to go, it made my family very angry.
Does "Time" means anger? Or maybe Loneliness?
My family said they didn't have "Time".
They didn't have time to play,
or time to take me to the vet,
or time to go for walks.
They didn't have "Time", so they brought me here.
Maybe I was right ... They said they didn't have time,
and if "Time" means Love, how did they lose it?
Did I do something wrong?
God, I think my new friends are sending me to you.
Do you have "Time"? May I sit on the couch?
Am I a good Dog, God? Is it "Time"?
