Gotcha

After Sadie crossed “the bridge” in 2022, I’d had enough

“I’m not ready to go through that again,” I said

“I need a dog in my life,” my wife implored

With my resigned sigh and a nod, the search began

Those brown eyes stared at us from the screen

“She’s the one,” said she

“How do you know?” said I

“I just do,” said she

It’s June 11th and off to Maine we go

Foster Mom assures us all is fine

The dog offers no such guarantee

My wife’s hopes are high, I straddle the fence

Maybe the dog will be mean, snarling and snapping at us

My reluctance will prove justified, I’ll have more time

Dogs are a huge commitment

For twenty-two straight years, they’ve held us captive

All that dog hair filling every nook

Need to feed them twice a day

Bathtime, nail trims, vet visits, tick checks

All for a dozen or so years, if we’re lucky

GPS brings us right to the simple home

We exit the truck, slamming doors

No barking comes from the house

I wonder if this is the right place

“Come in, welcome,” Foster Mom says

We enter and are immediately attacked

By wagging tail, wiggling butt, and a generous tongue

I topple from the fence and fall in love

Happy “Gotcha Day” Kimmie-Girl!

Whatever you are, consider pet adoption and be a good one!

-Dave