The Phat Lady is about to sing.

Sometimes when browsing the Internet you find something that leaves any further words unnecessary. This small poem may not win any Pulitzer Prize, but it sure does express itself. So, without further ado:

A Chained Dog’s Plea

I wish someone would tell me

What it is that I’ve done wrong.

Why do I have to stay chained up

And left alone so long?

They seemed so glad to have me

When I came home as a pup.

There were so many things we’d do

While I was growing up.

But now the Master “hasn’t time.”

The Mistress says I shed.

She doesn’t want me in the house –

Not even to be fed.

The children never walk me –

They always say “Not now.”

I wish that I could please them –

Won’t someone tell me how?

All I had, you see, was love.

I wish they would explain

Why they said they wanted mine –

And then left it on a chain.

– Edith Lasson Johnson

Please – never, never, never leave your dog alone on a chain. If you want him near you while you’re working or playing in the yard, a tether is acceptable (if he’s a runner), but leaving him alone on a chain while you’re away is leaving him alone as helpless bait for any adversity that might come along. If you love him, break the chain habit! He deserves better.

Phat Cat SpecialDon’t miss out on having the best-designed cat in the window(s)! Our entire feline population – currently residing in their own “cat lounge” for viewing – is specially priced at only $10 each. Our round, somewhat firm phat ladies, along with our robust gentlemen of leisure, are spayed or neutered, with all shots current (except rabies, which must, by law, be given by a veterinarian). These guys really need more exercise, having been kept captive within the walls of their mini-castle. It’s just in time to put them to work, cleaning up your yard (of mice, moles, and other icky things.)

Dog training offeredMark your calendars now for a FREE dog training class at the Humane Society. Classes are for all dogs adopted from our Shelter. Trainer is Tina Woodworth of Chinook. Classes are scheduled for June 11 and July 9 at the Shelter. All classes begin at 1 p.m. Be sure to call early and request the date you would like – all dogs must be pre-registered in order to attend.

Annual rummage saleSpring Cleaning? Why not put your unused, “still-good” items aside for the Shelter’s annual Memorial Day Sale? Items are now being collected at the Shelter, or call Gail at 665-3771 to make drop-off arrangements. All items should be clean and in working order. (Please, no clothing or old suitcases.)

Thank you for making this annual sale such a success!

Wish list – Shelter needs

This week our Wish List includes:

Canned cat and dog food, dog treats for training.

Volunteers to walk dogs.

Paper towels, garbage bags, laundry soap

Computer ink cartridges – or a refill system – for an HP DeskJet 970 CXI (plus your empty cartridges that we can recycle.)

As you know, we are a community-supported Shelter and depend on your contributions to keep our doors open. Thank you so much for caring!

The South Pacific County Humane Society Animal Shelter is at 330 2nd Street NE, next to the County buildings in downtown Long Beach, phone 642-1180. Our mailing address is P.O. Box 101, Long Beach, WA 98631. Web site: (www.beachpets.com). E-mail: humane@reachone.com. We’re open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday. Monthly meetings, open to the public, are at 5:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. We are proud to be a No Kill Shelter!