A Shelter Dog asks God...
Author: Joan C. Fremo
Published on: July 29, 2001
Dear God,
What is "Time"?
I hear the sadness in the voices of workers here. They say my "Time
is up", that they have to make room for yet another dog.
My "Time" is up. I don't know what that means, God. I only
know that my new friends are so sad, and the more I wag my tail---the
harder I try to make them feel better---the sadder they become.
I know I have heard that word "Time" before, but I don't
understand. When I was younger, my people would say "Time to
play!" They would throw the ball, and I would
run fast. Sometimes I brought it back to them, but other times we'd end up
chasing each other having fun.I remember "Time to eat". My people would put
down a bowl of food, and I would enjoy dinner, wagging my tail in joy.
There was also "Time for your walk". My boy would put my leash
on, and we would go walking together, visiting the neighborhood and
enjoying each other's company.
When I was younger I thought "Time" meant fun. Or maybe Love?
I don't understand. "Time" must mean something else, but how
can it change, God? Before I came here, I heard my
people say, "No time to feed you now, boy. Later, when I get
home." Sometimes my family would forget, and there was no food in my
bowl. Does "Time" mean when my belly hurts?
My people said there was no time for walks. I tried to hold it all day
long--but God, I just couldn't anymore. When I finally had to go, it made
my family very angry. Does "Time" means anger? Or maybe
Loneliness?
My family said they didn't have "Time". They didn't have time
to play, or time to take me to the vet, or time to go for walks. They
didn't have "Time", so they brought me here.
Maybe I was right... They said they didn't have time, and if "Time" means Love, how did they lose it? Did I do something wrong?
God, I think my new friends are sending me to you. Do you have
"Time"? May I sit on the couch? Am I a good Dog, God?
Is it "Time"?
