Toby, my love

You came to our house,
A little waif of a dog.
From a shelter that was a trifle tired of your
funny behaviors.
I remember when you came,
And I being at home,
was roped into feeding you,
making sure you went out to pee
and then making sure you came back in safe.
Our family of four loved you as we got to know you
Your lazy lounging on the sofa
And then getting up to bark at random passers by
We knew that you had not been loved
That you were not used to being petted,
mush less cuddled.
We wondered how your past must have been
and determined to fill your future with love.
You loved companionship.
You put on weight
and now walk up and down the stairs so well
You eat with relish  
And slurp the water in your bowl loudly

Toby, little one.
Welome to our family.