Danny's Dawg

(A tale about a broke boy and his sick dog)

Danny's dawg cries out

her discomfort echoes through

the night's darkness

dissecting it in half

i curl up next to her

those sad eyes penetrate mine

her smooth blue-grey coat

against my cheek

i find a connection

matters of the womb says i

that can make you cry

i miscarried once

she will never have puppies

i recall Danny's irises

deep brown glaze, down trodden

his forehead furrowed

as Mr Vet adds up the cost

of saving a canine's life

an arm and a leg

a high price

my boy winced, he felt pain too

being without money sucks

my heart took a hit

cough up the money

my bank account suffered

i heard its anguish as the transaction

registered alarm bells

almost red

on reflection i was rewarded

with interest ten fold

that dog loves me and my Danny

has never forgotten what

could have turned into

a rotten ending

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

they are our family, and well worth it...his Solo act still goes on and on and brings smiles to her audience.
Heartwarming write...I remember when Elsie had cancer (my cat) I spent bundles to keep her going...
until she just said that's enough...but she was worth it.

[Chris Shaw]

You are so right Jacob. When it is a pet belonging to your household or a family member's pet, you feel that distress, you dig deep into your pockets. I know how much you loved Elsie. What a great companion she was. Now you have Hank and I have Myron, as well as Solo on a temporary basis. When Danny leaves his present apartment where pets aren't permitted I know it will be hard to say goodbye to her. She will still visit though :)

Chris

[Dhara_Ditzy Kat]

A tale of compassion for creatures who feel pain just as we do but have no words to speak of it. You have the kindest heart my friend and I read this poem with such joy! You taught the broke little boy such a lesson in humanity. Kudos!

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Ditzy Kat, our pets are indeed family. Thank you kitty for calling on this little write. Treats for you.

Chris

[Dhara_Ditzy Kat]

You are welcome my lovely friend. Thank you for the treats!

[Carola]

a heartwarming poem of someone who deeply cares about their pet's health, so nice to read that. there are plenty of people who are stingy with their money & can't be bothered to help.... 'cos it's only an animal. good to read the dog made it!

(your spelling of 'dawg' reminds me of a time when i was in texas USA & that's just the way the pronounced the word dog. it was so funny i couldn't help but laugh.)
cheerio carola

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you carola. So pleased you enjoyed this little poem. Yes, the use of dawg makes me smile too. I often use it these days.

Chris

[olla]

I just went through two.. my pup had liver damage last summer and bladder stones just a month ago.. I understand perfectly..he is my boon companion.. I have no idea what I will do when even what I can spend will not save him.. you poem is so right on..

[Chris Shaw]

Dear olla, you are indeed an animal lover. Your dog a great companion to you and I imagine the distress that your sick dog caused you. Hoping you have many happy days with your dog. Thank you for your valued visit.

Chris

[olla]

you're very welcome.. I didn't know until I found my Riley.. it's like having a two year old all the time.. I am never disappointed when I come to see what you are up to..

[Chris Shaw]

Danny's dog Solo is still with us. She is incredibly loyal and gives so much love. She recognises moods too. She can lift me when I feel down. I am so pleased your Riley gives you so much joy. Thank you for that lovely compliment. I am always pleased to hear from you. Stay safe olla.

Chris

[pinhead07]

Well worth the money, pets become part of the family, soon enough, I can imagine the smiles/grins when the dawg got well. I can relate, I thought I'd never see a vet's face, then my pet cat fell down from the terrace, somehow survived but started spewing blood, the vet couldn't do much and soon she expired, unfortunately, everyone that knew her cried. Recently there was again the need to see the vet, the pet cat had been injured in a fight with another, after almost a month, the vet managed to nurse him back to health, smiles all around.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you pinhead07 for sharing your own experiences about pets and vets. Yes, there can be na y tears for our beloved animals. I appreciate your visit. All good wishes.

Chris

[Ted Kniffen]

Heartwarming story at a time when the only news appears to be the VIRUS!!!. Sorry, I shouldn't yell. Our dog is 12 now and slowing down ... probably about as much as me. He was a rescue and it took several months for him to take a shine to me, but that is long gone. Now, he is not content unless he has the wife and I close by.
Our previous dog was a golden cocker who developed cancer that we fought for three years ... still get tears in my eyes thinking of him.

Thanks for the poem and thank you & Danny for taking care of the dawg.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Ted a fellow dog lover. So good to hear about your own lovely pets. Yes, I can understand those tears my friend. Thank you for your visit.

Chris

[Jimmy Yetts]

Like most people, I'm a sucker for happy endings.
Preserving life, so often, requires sacrifice.
The boy was willing to pay the price for his best friend.
Heartwarming tale!

[Chris Shaw]

Many thank yous Jimmy. So pleased to give you a happy ending here. I like happy endings too.

Chris

[gram linski]

gentle and sad and uplifting all at once, Chris, money well spent , there is no price for the enjoyment and happiness of the do that you and Danny love so much, good stuff

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you gram. That dog is a blessing. What love and loyalty they give. So happy we were able to save her.

Chris

[.]

Both a sad and uplifting poem, dear Chris. There is nothing more distressing than an ill or injured pet that requires veterinary attention. Even here in Paris their fees are ridiculously astronomical. It's like they are deliberately preying on the hearts of their patient's owners to get rich. I find it rather revolting behaviour. No doubt the bank account will be in the red for many months to come, though i guess a healthy pet and the smile and happiness of the child is priceless. This is such a truthful write and one that I can relate to from my own personal experience. Truth or fiction, this is another gem from your prolific mind and pen. Much enjoyed! :))

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Jamila. Pets are family and I have to agree with you the price of vetinary care is astronomical. Sadly back then when Danny and his dawg came home there was no pet insurance cover in place. He has taken that out now. Pleased you enjoyed the read.

Chris

[AJNJ]

That was money well spent. I cant think of a more worthy cause. I currently dont have a pet but I have had them as a lonely kid and I know where your words are coming from. Its the purest kind of love we can find. And they are so grateful too. Dogs are the noblest of pets and the best. Superb poem!

[Chris Shaw]

Money very well spent. Such love and loyalty we get from our pets. Thank you Pestonjee for your understanding response. Gratefully received.

Chris

[Dave Brown]

They are family..........

[Chris Shaw]

Of course they are Dave and you do anything to keep family happy. Thank you for your understanding.

Chris