Teeth are bared against the bars of the cage,

saliva dripping down to the ground

and blending into the matted, shed hairs.

Cages stacked on top of one another.

Each containing a defenceless creature

all so deeply yearning to find an escape

causing them to accept the hands of any owner.

The rabid dog looks around,

noting how all the others are chosen-

Some for brief inspection but most are taken for long periods of time or

never re-enter the cage.

It cannot remember the last time someone remembered to refill the food

bowl or clean up the drool.

In the end, there is no logical option but

curl up in the corner in a bed of remains,

Licking away at permanent wounds until resignation creeps in.