Gone to the Beach

Diane LeCrone

I drove on out to the shelter today
to purchase some Science Diet,
I saw no cars in the parking lot
and it was amazingly quiet.

I stepped from my car and,
with the door within reach,
I read a scribbled note which said,
“Gone to the beach.”

The handwritten note was
from all the staff,
And as I read further,
I just had to laugh.

Since all owners of pets
had them neutered or spayed,
This day that we’d dreamed of
and hoped for and prayed,

Had finally come,
so I stepped inside.
The cages were empty
the gates opened wide.

The goal had been reached,
all the pets had a home.
No more cruelty to see
no more strays on the roam.

Literally jumping for joy
and letting out a scream,
I startled myself
from this wonderful dream.

So it wasn’t true,
but it’s not too late,
If your pet’s not sterile –
call the vet, set a date.

If we all do our part
by stopping the chain,
of carelessly breeding,
then hope will remain.

For the shelter staff would
be truly overjoyed,
On the day they can say
we are unemployed.