When I wrote this, I had just finished ensuring the last of another group of pets that someone abandoned with me would have a chance at more promising homes. No matter how many times I see this play out or how many reasons I hear, I can’t help but wonder how and why people can be so heartless and careless toward animals. This poem reflects what is on my mind when I see things like this go on.

When, How, But Why?

When you walk away and transfer the load
Do you forget it’s your hand she wants to hold?
When you place them in another’s care
Do you feel the burden they bear?

When you turn around and go
Do you know you’re now their foe?
When they look into your eyes and beg
How do you have strength to even move a leg?

When you know he counted only on you
How can you entrust him to someone new?
When you’ve held them close in loving arms
How do you not find enough in their charms?

When you walk away from your pet for keeps
How do you not fall victim to the weeps?
But the landlord says no or the husband hates cats
But the cost is too high or your wife hates rats

But you’re moving today or you don’t like that he chews
But you only like kittens or there’s a show that he’ll lose
But he ate up a shoe or other normal pet habits
That you failed to research before buying rabbits.

When you know it’s alone your fault
How do you not decide to then halt?
When you know that you took her home
How do you decide to let that bond roam?

When you know he might die in a cage
How does that not put you in a rage?
When you know haven’t done what you should
How do you then not do what you could?

When you leave them with a shelter or friend
How does your heart even begin to mend?
When he was a part of your home and heart
How does leaving not tear you apart?

When you walk away that last time
Is your last thought your pet or your dime?