
Seeing the footsteps as people walk down the hallway
Little kids' hands pressed up against the glass door
Looking up and saying,
“I love that one,”
As they leave to go look at more
Dogs, Cats, Puppies, Kittens,
Bunnies
Every year
Trapped in the shelter for months at a time
Seeing people every day
Just waiting to make them mine
A dog waiting to be recused
To find a home
Where they are loved,
Safe, and happy
Never shoved
All the time dogs wait at a shelter
The thud of footsteps going by
People are out there,
Treating all kinds of animals poorly
Please be aware
All they want
Is to be a part of a family
So don’t taunt

Cassie Ainsworth is 12 years old and has lived in Seattle, Washington all of her life. She enjoys traveling, being outside, and spending time with her family and dog.
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Art by Jaden Flach, Brooklyn

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Art by Jaden Flach, Brooklyn