never hesitate

never hesitate
when you see her face begging up at you
she’s named it already
when she saw the litter at the neighbor’s house
and after all it’s only twenty-five dollars
plus shots
vet bills
food
training
in six months this tiny puppy
with his eyes still glued shut
will be bigger than her

certainly never think
about the mess
she’s promising to clean faithfully
in her six year old lisp
even though you know
she isn’t the one
who will wake up at midnight
to let it out of the house
or clean the puddle

insist that dogs
don’t belong in people beds
have her pick out a cushion
to keep in the kitchen
but don’t be surprised
when there are
doggy hairs on her pillow
in the morning

remind her
that dogs eat dog food
(even if it does taste gross—
and don’t ask how she knows)
but they don’t like
brussels sprouts
lima beans
spaghetti
chocolate
ice cream
or tuna noodle casserole
but be aware there’s a reason
he lurks under the dinner table

and when he covers her face
in doggy kisses
don’t wince
or reach for the disinfectant
after all
neurosis is contagious

just be grateful
she didn’t see the cardboard sign
advertising rabbits