off to the rescue shelter on a snowy March day
missed Bella 
the 13-inch beagle departed in October age 15
time for a new companion dog 
the plan was a miniature
breed like Bella was 

jar of dog biscuits on the entrance counter 
harmonies of low and high pitched barking 
a pug 
a collie 
a shepherd 
a poodle
large kennel crates with names 

the tall man & squat wife in puffy north faces
baby talk & pointing
searched both front back areas
the wire hair terrier seemed promising
but not ready for adoption

out to the cold blue van sad-faced
remembered a brown dog 
appearing hopeless for adoption
stuffed in the way back out of sight
back in for another look
but not in the choice parameters
of a miniature

a chocolate brown mix pit bull & Labrador
Staffordshire bull terrier
sign on crate - Molly
written under - mellow with some bad manners
if you don't want a dog
don't look them in the eyes & of course
took her home

seven years
the best dog ever
five months ago
cancer, the vet, held
trusting eyes for the last time

rescue








3.1 10/10