12/10/2026
Thank you Kaelan for this beautiful poem written for our beautiful dogs waiting for homes
"I Sit for You, Will You Stand for Me?
I sit alone with a broken heart,
While fear and rumours tear me apart.
I hear footsteps and lift my head,
Dreaming of a home, a place to rest.
Perhaps this time, they'll look my way.
Perhaps this time, they'll choose to stay.
My tail beats softly against the floor;
I dream of paws beyond this door.
But once again, they turn and leave.
I watch them go, too hurt to grieve.
I cannot understand their goodbyes,
Or why they never meet my eyes.
Why do you pass me?
Why won't you stay?
Why am I always the one
You walk away from?
I still believe that someone will see
The loving heart inside of me.
A place to belong, a hand held near,
A home where I am wanted here.
I watch the children laugh and play
With dogs who leave with them that day.
Their eyes shine bright, their tails swing free,
While no one stops to look at me.
Then little footsteps stop outside.
I lift my head; my tail swings wide.
A child looks in, and hope takes flight.
Perhaps I'll leave this place tonight.
But then an adult pulls them near.
The words that follow cut through the air:
βNo, not that one.β
The little footsteps turn away.
I only wanted to run and play.
I search my heart for what I've done.
I only wanted to be someone's one.
I retreat to the corner, head held low,
Where the cold is all I'll ever know.
I close my eyes, too tired to weep,
While doors keep closing in my sleep.
Another name. Another door.
Another dog is home once more.
I hear their footsteps disappear
And wonder why no one wants me here.
I dream of warmth, a hand to hold,
A safe place when the nights turn cold.
A gentle voice: βYou're home at last.β
A love that makes me whole at last.
I never chose the name I bear,
Or asked to live beneath your stare.
You judge my face before we meet,
Then leave me waiting on these feet.
Look past the label, past the fear.
Look at the heart that's waiting here.
I'm not the monster you believe;
I'm just a dog with love to give.
I still wag my tail, still hope you'll see
There's so much more inside of me.
I have so much love I've yet to share;
I only need someone who cares.
So here I sit beside this door,
Still hoping you'll come back once more.
I sit for you.
Will you stand for me?
By Kaelan Naidoo