Dogs on Training
By: Joy Ortiz
You never taught us
To heel and walk.
When we pulled relentlessly,
Keeling sideways,
Nails raking pavement,
Eyes rolling,
Tongues lolling,
You gritted your teeth,
Clutching the leash.
We panted in the shade
Beneath a parked car,
Refusing to stir.
Angry, you carried us home.
Our walks were over.
You never taught us
To sit and stay.
When company came,
We rushed to the door,
Joyfully barking,
Leaping and howling,
Scratching bare legs,
Knocking down children.
You angrily struck us,
Kicked us and grabbed us.
We yelped in surprise,
Angry, you locked us up.
Our greeting was over.
You never taught us
To give you space.
Whenever you sat,
We were lap dogs
Jumping on couches,
Begging for treats,
Licking your faces
And anything we could reach.
At night in bed
We prodded you,
Stretching, squirming,
Sticking our feet
Into your back.
Angry, you kicked us out.
Our snuggling was over.
You never taught us
To keep the house clean.
Every rug was a restroom.
Muddy paws
Never paused at the door,
But ran right in,
Leaving tracks
Yard-filth brown.
Long, clicking nails
Scarred sofa and floors.
Loose hair softly drifted,
Clinging and coating
All that you owned.
Dreadlocks grew thick,
And we stank.
Angry, you cursed us,
Cleaning the house.
You never taught us
Not to beg.
We hounded you
Relentlessly,
Whining and pleading
For leftovers, scraps,
Fighting, barking, growling
Over each fallen bite.
We stole food
At every opportunity
From tabletops,
Plates, bowls,
And out of the hands
Of small children.
Nothing was sacred.
Angry, you locked us up.
Our feast was over.
Here's the thing:
We're excited.
We greet.
We snuggle.
We live.
We eat.
We love.
...in our own way.
We do.
Nothing personal.
We never try
To be bad.
We're just dogs.
So maybe try
To snuggle more,
To play more,
To bathe us,
To greet us,
To feed us treats,
To love us.
Maybe
You can learn
To be less
Angry.
