  Seen me? Of course you have seen me before. I can’t count the times I have been at your door. Where do I live? Why, everywhere, here! My name? Well, I own it is rather queer; Some call me “good fellow,” or “Fido,” or “Tray,” But I come just the same, whatever they say. Am I ever lonesome? How can I be When acquaintances everywhere whistle to me? Hungry? That’s something I’ve never yet known, For friendly hands toss me sweet bits or a bone. Cold? Oh, never! for doors everywhere Are opened to shelter my silky brown hair, For I am everybody’s dog! And what do I give for this treatment so kind? I drive home the lost cattle and sheep that I find; With the children and babies I tenderly play, And faithfully keep them from going astray. And many an ill-natured tramp I have sent Away from the game on which he was bent. As a boy, and better than some I could name. I bark in the night when danger is near, And if I’m in the house no sleeper need fear. What! be your own dog? Do you think ’twould be fair To stay here with you when they all need my care? No; I’ll come every day for a minute or two But now I must go for I’ve so much to do; For I am everybody’s dog! |
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