Jo Parsons

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