Diary of a Rescue Dog - Mange (Part Seven)

My new master is asleep on the couch,
surrounded by empty bottles from the night before.
My stomach is rumbling, my mouth is dry -
I haven't eaten for days.

I no longer have my crate
for I live in the cupboard beneath the stairs,
but sometimes I think my master forgets I am here.

I used to jump all over him each time he let me out,
but I no longer do that since he kicked me hard
and I fell straight to the floor.

His paws are much bigger than mine, you see,
and the back two have heavy shoes that hurt my ribs,
so I learned that when he says no, I must do what I am told.

I still toilet inside the house,
for he never lets me out.
He beats me just the same
no matter the secret places I find.

I'm six months old now,
made up of skin and bones,
my fur has been going missing,
my master says it is mange -
apparently it makes me look real strange.

I spend my days cowering alone inside my cupboard,
and the only friend I seem to have
is a shadow on the walls.
He only appears every now and then,
but he is the only friend I've ever had
in this terrifying world that I still can't understand.

Saffie
24

12/5/15