Prescription: Canis Lupus Familiaris

Introduction:

A few years ago, there was a large dog in the window of a small, locally-owned coffee shop named “Zoot’s”Café in Camden, Maine.  He always brought his man friend with him, too.  One day the man was alone and not too happy about leaving his dog at home.

He explained to me that a law requiring that ONLY "service" dogs in stores had to be enforced by the owners of the coffee shop and that his dog had to stay home.

I thought to myself; What if his DOCTOR wrote him a prescription requiring that the dog remain with him at all times?  So I wrote this poem for them that same day while at The Brass Compass restaurant in Rockland, Maine:

Rx: “Canis Lupus Familiaris”

Prescription:     

 “ Take one large dog, keep it with you all day, sleep with it at night, and call me in the morning”

 

He really didn’t need a dog.
His life was full, alone
But this time it was different
As he took the big boy home.

At first, they stared in wonder
“Who are you?” “Why am I here?”
He wondered if it was a mistake
But, soon, it became quite clear.

They each needed someone, closer.
Yet neither could ever choose.
One, the larger, lacking speech
The other, seeking a muse.

Now both are happy joined
At hip, in car, in bed.
No words need be spoken
Just a touch on a velvet head.

Things change as time and laws evolve

Most dogs are not always welcome.

The separation hurt them both

lonelier than before and then some.

He had to leave the big boy home

As he pursued career.
Depression grew in both of them
Concern grew into fear.

He went to see the Doctor.
He brought the dog along.
He never needed help before,
He just knew something was wrong.

The Doctor looked at the man
Then, down at the hound.
He had never seen a sadder case
He put his stethoscope down.

“I see the problem clearly”
The Doctor said with heart.
You two must be together
Both fail when kept apart.

He then picked up prescription pad
And wrote a single line:
“Take this dog with you everywhere.”
You both will be just fine!

F. Thomas Crowley, Jr.

Written at The Brass Compass restaurant

Rockland, Maine

2008