But soon the games were over. They left me all alone. What would I do? I was so bored, and so I chewed the phone. And then I shook “Dad’s” slippers. Such wondrous fun I had! --Until my folks came in the door. Oh, wowy were they mad!

They scolded and they yelled at me; they hit me with the broom. I was so very frightened that I ran from room to room. I piddled on the carpet, and I messed behind the door. I ran into the basement, where I threw up on the floor. I hid behind the furnace, but they heard me when I cried. They said that I was wicked, so they tied me up outside.

I howled and cried for hours. I begged for one more chance. I thought “she” might take pity and come to my defense. She came out to untie me. I welcomed her with licks. I rolled, and sat up pretty; I went through all my tricks. But I was not forgiven. She took me to the pound. My cellmates were a poodle, a shepherd, and a hound.

That night I heard them saying, “Tomorrow we will die. They cannot keep us longer.” . . . and then I heard them cry.

When I awoke next morning I felt so all-alone. I looked for my companions, but it seemed that they were gone. I was so very frightened. I trembled and I shook. And then I heard the “keeper” come. He brought some folks to look. My heart began to flutter when I heard a voice so sweet. Perhaps they’d come to get me. . . . I struggled to my feet. I strained my ears to listen, to hear what all was said; but soon the voices faded: they’d gone inside instead.

Just then I saw the poodle. SHE was the one they chose. I crawled back to my corner. My fears of “doom” arose. I knew I wasn’t pretty, and my last “folks” called me BAD. I supposed my life had ended. That made me very sad. My “time” was almost over--I’d been here several days. I ate; I slept; I worried, my mind a fuzzy haze.

Then “keeper” came to get me. Was it now time to die? I felt so awfully frightened, but I tried hard not to cry. And then I heard some voices—so excited and so gay. “Yes! That’s the one. It’s him we want. Let’s take him home today.”

I thought I must be dreaming. Could they be meaning ME? Were they some "doggy angels" who had come to set me free? My ears went up. My tail I wagged. My heart just leapt for joy. There, standing by the kennel was a woman, girl, and boy. They led me from the kennel. They smothered me with hugs. I nestled in beside them in the car. I felt so snug.

And now my days are happy. I romp; I play; I hike. The children call me MIGHTY, and the lady calls me MIKE.