I was born today. One of 10. My daddy was very famous. I have lots of half brothers and sisters. My mother is very famous. Since she got famous, she has only had puppies. No more loving hands, no more fun trips...just puppies. She is always sad when they leave her.

I left home today. I didn't want to go, so I hid behind my mama and three litter mates that were left. I didn't like you. But one day they said I would be famous. I wonder, is famous the same as fun and good times? So you picked me up and carried me away, even though you were concerned about me hiding from you. I don't think you liked me.

My new home is far away. I am scared and afraid. My heart says "be brave." My ancestors were. Did they go to good homes like mine? I am hungry because I can't eat too much because it will be bad for my bones. I can't bite or snap when the children are mean to me. I just run, play, and pretend I am in a big green field with butterflies, robins, and frogs.

I can't understand why they kick me. I am quiet, but the man hits and says loud things. The lady doesn't feed me good things like I had with my mother. She just throws dry food on the ground then goes away before I can get too close for touching and petting. Sometimes my food smells bad but I eat it anyway.

Today I had 10 puppies. They are wonderful and warm. Am I famous now? I wish I could play with them but they are so tiny. I am so young and playful that it is hard to lay in this hole under the house nursing my puppies. They are crying now. I am so hungry. I wish someone would throw me some food. I am also very thirsty. I now have eight. They got cold during the night and I couldn't make them warm again. They are gone. We are all very weak. Maybe if I take them out on the porch we can get some food.

Today they took us away. It was too much trouble to feed us and someone came to take us away. Someone grabbed my puppies. They were crying and whimpering. So we were put in a truck with boxes in it.

Are my babies famous now? I hope so, because I miss them. They are gone. The place smells like urine, fear, and sickness. Why was I here? I was beautiful, like my ancestors. Now I am hungry, dirty, in pain, and unwanted. Maybe the worst is unwanted. No one came, though I tried to be good.

Today someone came. They put a rope on my neck and led me to a room that was very clean and had a shiny table. They put me on the table. Someone held me and hugged me. It felt so good! Then I felt tired and looked over to the last one who cared as I laid down. I am famous now. Today someone cared.

Author Unknown