Jo Parsons

A beautiful poem about the role of a Puppy Raiser

Puppy Raiser

Hold the puppy.
Show him sights.
Offer rewards
For all the rights.
~ I am a Puppy Raiser

Measure the kibble.
Watch him wait.
Blow the whistle.
Clean the plate.
~ I am a Puppy Raiser

Pick it up.
Put it back.
Sprinkle the treats
When you get out the vac.
~ I am a Puppy Raiser

Off the counter!
Watch your slipper!
Do we have
The phantom shoe nipper?
~ I am a Puppy Raiser

Clip the bib.
Hold the lead.
Stop at the kerb.
Walk on and feed.
~ I am a Puppy Raiser

Trip to the vet.
Shower with treats.
Weigh-in, eyes,
ears and feets
~ I am a Puppy Raiser

Be a tree.
Be his friend.
His happy place.
His be all and end.
~ I am a Puppy Raiser

At the shops.
Passing the bread.
Working together
We softly tread.
~ I am a Puppy Raiser

Coffee stalls.
Freerun recalls.
Puppy classes.
Licky mats and rope tug hauls.
~ I am a Puppy Raiser

Show him the birds,
A bus and a lift.
And lovely things
that could be sniffed.
~ I am a Puppy Raiser

Say the cue -
Busy, yes, look.
Thank you
For the thing he took.
~I am a puppy raiser

Garden zoomies
Reluctant cat roomies
Stealth wet noses
Sleep barking noises
~I am a puppy raiser

All you imagine
And more besides
From wakening to sleep
You are his guide
~I am a puppy raiser

One of us
Bonded to me
He cuddles up
Part of my family
~I am a puppy raiser

Weeks build on days
Then months add up.
Growing strong,
He's more adult than pup.
~I am a puppy raiser

Too soon our last day
I wave him goodbye
He is amazing
And I try not to cry
~I am

Not the end,
Only the start.
Handle and harnessed,
he fills up my heart.
~I am the proudest

By Jo Parsons - Puppy Raiser to Yohan and Quentin