The hopeful run to the gates of their kennel runs to greet each person to walk by, they clamor, frantic barking ringing off the concrete walls as they scream “pick me, pick me”. Some get lucky and their frantic barking and excited jumping catch the attention of someone walking through, others spent their time sitting quietly hoping to be noticed.
At one time I might have joined in the frantic activity, but as time has gone on I’ve lost hope of finding a home outside my concrete kennel. I haven’t always lived here but memories of home grown fainter as time goes on.
My first memories, after being separated from my mother, are of chaos and noise, too many people and too many overwhelming scents. And then just when I thought I’d be overwhelmed completely there came a voice that soothed my mind, I wanted to run up and claim the soothing presence as my own but my litter mates had similar thoughts. Looking up I found my companions in madness pressed up against the front of our enclosure vying for the attention of the soothing one. Thinking it hopeless I remained where I was, my head on my paws, my eye unconsciously begging for attention.
Something about me must have caught the soothing one’s notice for I was soon picked up and cuddled close. Licking everything in reach in appreciation I took pride in being held and let my tail wag to show it. The soothing one continued to carry me and soon I had a stiff feeling band fastened around my neck with a soft metal jingle.
