MAX

When I was a puppy, we were best friends. You'd tickle my tummy and we'd go for runs together through the park. Even though I was much faster than you, I'd always stay by your side. You'd tell me I was the best dog in the world. When I did something wrong you'd tell me off but soon give in and pat my head. I'd win certificates at obedience schools and curl up next to you at night. 

Then I got a bit older and you found yourself a girlfriend. She'd get cross with me and pushed me away. Even so, I stayed loyal and obeyed her. It wasn't long before you guys got married and had kids. Oh how I longed to look after them too. Their cute button noses and silky locks of hair. But your wife didn't trust me and thought i'd hurt them, so you locked me in another room all alone. 

You began to ignore me more and more as I grew older. You had a job and didn't have time for me. Every night I'd sit with your daughter waiting for you to come home. I'd curl up next to her when she got scared. She would tell me her secrets and worries and I'd listen, just like I did with you. 

Then came the day when you and your wife were offered a job far away and had to move into a home that didn't allow dogs. You shut me in a cage and put me in the car. I didn't understand. Then we pulled up outside the animal shelter. You carried me indoors. I saw the tears in your eyes and licked your hand telling you it was going to be okay. You filled out the forms, not looking me in the eyes. You refused to take my collar. "Take good care of him" I heard you say. You said goodbye and then you were gone. 

Everyday when I heard footsteps I'd run to the fence hoping it was you and that you had changed your mind. I watched as little kids walked by taking home cute puppies, not even looking at me. I soon lost hope and sat in the corner refusing to move. 

One day a woman came into my cage. Someone to take me home I thought! I was so excited I lick her hand. She takes me into a small room, a tear rolling down her cheek. "I'm so sorry" she whispers and injects me with a cold fluid. I lay down and begin to grow tired. My bones grow weak and my mind begins to blank out. With my last bit of energy I wag my tail and think of you, you let me down. How could you?