I wrote this poem about a dog at a local animal shelter that I have had the pleasure of meeting while volunteering there.

So this is what it 
feels like to be 
loved by a shelter dog.

Her short black fur
covers my
volunteer shirt.

Her walls are
broken down
just as mine are,

her trust in me complete, 
as she seeks out affection 
and takes treats from my hand.

I only have
a few minutes 
to spend with her 

as there are 
other dogs to 
tend to, but I try
 
to stretch my time 
with her out as 
much as I can.

She has touched my 
heart in the few minutes 
we have spent together.

I only hope that 
someone else will 
see what I see in her.

Process

The inspiration for this poem was wanting to capture Mother Gothal’s spirit and personality in a poem for the reader. She is such a pleasure to be around and interact with and I wanted this to come through in my writing.