My family brought me home cradled in their arms.
They cuddled me and smiled at me and said I was full of charm.
They played with me and laughed with me and showered me with toys.
I sure do love my family, especially the girls and boys.
The children loved to feed me, they gave me special treats.
They even let me sleep with them - all snuggled in the sheets.
I used to go for walks, often several times a day.
They even fought to hold the leash, I'm very proud to say.
These are the things I'll not forget - a cherished memory.
I now live in the shelter-without my family.
They used to laugh and praise me when I played with that old shoe.
But I didn't know the difference between the old ones and the new.
The kids and I would grab a rag, for hours we would tug.
So I thought I did the right thing when I chew the bedroom rug.
They said that I was out of control, and would have to live outside.
This I did not understand, although I tried and tried.
The walks stopped, one by one; they said they hadn't time.
I wish that I could change things, I wish I knew my crime.
My life became so lonely, in the backyard, on a chain.
I barked and barked all day long to keep from going insane.
So they brought me to the shelter but were embarassed to say why,
They said I caused an allergy, and then they each kissed me goodbye.
If I'd only had some classes, as a little pup.
I wouldn't have been so hard to handle when I was all grown up.
"You only have one day left." I heard the worker say.
Does that mean I have a second chance?
Do I go Home today?

By Sandi Thompson

*** Pepper: You do get to go home today. Today is the first day of the rest of your wonderful, wonderful life. Today you were rescued by a beautiful woman named Nora and she is going to love on you tonight until your forever Mommy, Shannon, can come to get you tomorrow. Shannon is going to love you forever in the way a dog is meant to be loved. You'll be given all of the devotion and affection that a dog deserves because Shannon and her family know that a dog is not "just a dog" that they are members of their family. They know that it's your due to be trained and well-fed, walked and groomed, given good vet care and lots and lots of toys and treats.

Technically, your new extended rattie family here have not yet "met" you, but we already love you too and we can't wait to see you and your new family. You'll even get to have a rattie brother, Mario, who is delightful little doggie who will help you fit into your new home.

Kisses, Pepper, from me and Daisy