Ten Poems about Dogs

Ten Poems about Dogs pays tribute to man’s – and woman’s – best friend.   Introduced by much-loved broadcaster and author Dame Jenni Murray, the poems reveal the great affection people feel for their dogs (and dogs for their owners).  In amongst alternately poignant and hilarious accounts of dog-ownership, are some slightly unsociable aspects, like the neighbours’ dog in Billy Collins’ poem, which barks loud and long every time they go out… .

Whether you are a dog-lover or need a peace-offering for your neighbours these poems make a wonderful introduction to the canine world as documented over the centuries in poetry.  As Dame Jenni Murray says in her Introduction,  “It’s such a relief to find wonderful poems like these and realise you’re not alone in your canine passion.”

The Dog
The truth I do not stretch or shove
When I state the dog is full of love.
I’ve also proved, by actual test,
A wet dog is the lovingest.

by Ogden Nash (1902 – 1971)

Contents

Ogden Nash, ‘The Dog’
Billy Collins, ‘Another Reason Why I don’t Keep a Gun in the House’
Linda Pastan, ‘The New Dog’
Siegfried Sassoon, ‘Man and Dog’
Andrew Barton (Banjo) Paterson, ‘A Dog’s Mistake’
Paul Yandle, ‘Dogs’
Susan Hamlyn, ‘Attila Takes a Hand’
Stevie Smith, ‘O Pug!’
Elizabeth Barrett Browning, ‘To Flush, My Dog’
George Gordon (Lord) Byron, ‘Inscription on the Monument of a Newfoundland Dog’

Illustrated by Beth Krommes

Donation to the Dogs Trust www.dogstrust.org.uk