Sep. 14, 2021

The Trials of Dobby

Scooped up from a carpark at a few days
manged, carried carefully to the kennels

Fostered then adopted in less than two weeks
he shivered and shook his way into our lives

From lovable pup to affectionate tan terrier
he anthromorphed into the favoured one

Until and until . . .

Harvey’s arrival dropped him down the pecking order
created a stand-off with occasional growls

Then before peace negotiations could begin

Walter appeared shunting our canine further
The situation demanded interventions

Walks, treats, attention, affection to offset
humiliation – it worked well

Except but except . . .

Dorothea burst into his world a crowning last
defeat or so we thought because in a little time

the animal bug caught up . . .

without warning or preparation
Armeow, a tabby kitten of weeks - down from the North -

colonised his narrowing world
Our now middle aged mutt lost out again

She taunted him till they had to be separated
His eyes would widen, gaze lengthen in desperate appeal

Finally, he sniffed round this curiosity and was lost
His sole response - a tired familiar accommodation

Peter Clarke