Because I Was Adopted

This poem/essay is something that I was inspired to write based on my experiences adopting abused and neglected animals. I have never once regreted the time and money involved in providing my wonderful companions with forever homes. They deserve all the love and care that we humans are able to give them.

I was adopted that day.

When the people first came to visit me there, I was so frightened that I began to shake. But then they touched my head and spoke so soft and sweet that I knew we could be friends.

Soon, they came again and this time when they left, they took me with them. I can still remember that ride, wondering where I was going and what was happening to me. Again I was afraid. But they stroked my fur as they whispered my name, telling me that everything was going to be all right until finally I drifted off to sleep.

And then I had a home. My people loved me. Me! The one that nobody had ever wanted. And how I loved them. Year after year went by filled with everything I had ever dreamed about. My people and I cuddled and played, I had the most perfect places to sleep and oh, the wonderful food!

Sometimes I wasn't good, but they loved me anyway. Sometimes I became sick, so they took me to a person who made me well. Sometimes my people were too tired to play, so we just sat quietly side-by-side in silence. But that was OK with me because my people had become my family.

Now I'm very old. I stretch out and watch my family as they weep. Usually I go to them when they are sad. I'm the one who always knows how to make them feel better. A little nudge here, a wet kiss there and they soon smile. But today, I'm just too tired.

They come to me and say goodbye. Again I wonder where I'm going, but this time I am not afraid. As they stroke my fur and whisper my name, I know that everything is going to be all right. Wherever I'm going, I'll wait for them there. I know that they will come for me and then we will go home together again for they are my family and I am loved. Finally, I draw my last breath as I drift peacefully off to sleep, knowing I was ever so blessed...

Because I was adopted that day.