Alison Cassidy - For George With Thanks

We played at the park that afternoon
She chased a football, wagging her tail
And barking at the local kids who
Laughed and called her 'sausage dog'

That evening she stumbled on the stairs
And whimpered when I picked her up
By midnight she was shivering with shock
The vet diagnosed herniated disc

Next day she was paralyzed and incontinent
The specialist was aloof and kept us waiting
Suggested surgery and wouldn't guarantee it
His fee was two thousand dollars. We said no

The breeder said 'Give old George a ring'
George Schofield, chiropractor for dogs
Eighty-four years old. Works from home
In an open fronted shed. Charges ten dollars.

George Schofield, a nugget of a man
With stumpy fingers and heart of gold
Adjusted her spine and performed a miracle
In seven days, my dog was walking

Alison Cassidy

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/for-george-with-thanks/