Togo: A narrative Poem

 Our family welcomed a new member on July 27, 2023. The following poem was written by me on August 6, 2023.

TOGO

Ten days ago, I was inspired

to check out the adoptable dogs

at the local shelter. To my surprise,

there was a Siberian Husky

in need of adoption.

I showed my wife the listing

and asked if we could go

immediately and see him.

When we arrived at the shelter,

he was brought out to meet us,

happily trotting out

as if auditioning for a new part.

He was absolutely stunning,

with black and white fur,

and gorgeous icy blue eyes.

My wife had expressed

her concern that her dog,

a male chihuahua,

would rebel at having another

male dog in our household,

but when she saw the husky,

all she said was let’s rescue him.

I knew it was a risk but felt

it was necessary as the husky

had been abandoned by its

former owners after over five years

because of a “housing issue.”

Neither of us could wrap

our heads around the fact

that this wonderful companion

had been abandoned

and left in a cage in the shelter.

I’m sure the poor dog wondered

what he had done wrong

to deserve his fate.

We paid his adoption fee and left to buy

him a harness. He was so happy

to be traveling to his forever home.

His name had been Thor, but I

had a bad experience with a mean

German Shepherd named Thor

when I was a child so I decided

to rename him Togo, which was the name

of a Siberian Husky lead sled dog

who took part in the famous diphtheria

serum run to Nome, Alaska, in 1925.

Since then, Togo, other than growling

at other animals who come too close,

has not uttered a peep. No barking,

howling, or talking back as other

huskies are known for. He is simply

an amazing creature and we

already love him so much.

It’s been ten days since we rescued

him and he expresses his appreciation

by spreading his love to everyone.

We simply couldn’t let him languish

in a cage when we had so much love

to give him. He is just that special.