Do I Go Home Today?

My family brought me home cradled in their arms. 
They cuddled me and smiled at me and said I was full of charm. 
They played with me and laughed with me and showered me with toys. 
I sure do love my family, especially the little girls and boys.

The children loved to feed me; they gave me special treats. 
They even let me sleep with them - all snuggled in the sheets. 
I used to go for walks, often several times a day. 
They even fought to hold the leash, I'm very proud to say.

These are the things I'll not forget - a cherished memory. 
I now live in the shelter - without my family. 
They used to laugh and praise me when I played with that old shoe. 
But I didn't know the difference between the old one and the new.

The kids and I would grab a rag, for hours we would tug. 
So I thought I did the right thing when I chewed the bedroom rug. 
They said that I was out of control and would have to live outside. 
This I didn't understand, although I tried and tried.

The walks stopped, one by one; they said they hadn't time. 
I wish that I could change things; I wish I knew my crime. 
My life became so lonely in the backyard, on a chain. 
I barked and barked all day long to keep from going insane.

So they brought me to the shelter but were embarrassed to say why. 
They said I caused an allergy, and then they each kissed me goodbye. 
If I'd only had some training as a little pup. 
I wouldn't have been so hard to handle when I was all grown up.

"You only have one day left",  
I heard the worker say. 
Does that mean I have a second chance? 
Do I go home today?