Let’s hear it for the Helldogs, the dogs who are never quite ours,

who never fully  submit.

Who can cause trouble anywhere,

roaring at passing dogs, Howling at sirens and trucks, leaping over and under fences,

snatching food off of counters. Terrorizing mailmen and the men in the big brown trucks,

which Helldogs hate. The dogs

who would love to behave, but just can’t quite. Who want to be trained, but won’t quite be trained.

Who come when they can when they can, not when they must.

Who are not cute or cuddly.

Who bear watching, are faster than us, one step ahead of us, can make trouble in the blink of an eye,

who want to be loved but can’t submit. Here’s to them, big hearts and much trouble.

Sometimes I think we love them the most.