Cherokee

FREEDOM - AT LAST!

Cherokee (Green) Kohr

My name is Cherokee and I’m a racing greyhound,

the best looking breed - just look around!

I live on a track and I was born to run,

I race to win, but I run for fun.

I rise at six, day after day

and work, work, work - there’s no time to play.

When I’m not in my crate, I’m on the track

running for my life - there’s no looking back!

My job is to beat all other dogs to the line,

and I must prove I’m a winner, time after time.

I work very hard, and this sport is no game,

I must focus on the lure and ignore any pain.

Lately my trainer’s been shaking his head

and mumbling something about ending up dead.

It seems that I haven’t won, or even placed

the last couple of nights that I have raced.

I do my best to catch that lure,

I give it my all - of that I’m sure!

So why can’t I win or get second place

and return that smile to my owner’s face?

At night I dream of a place where I’m free,

and someone who loves me, for just being me.

But then I wake up and remember what’s true,

that when you stop winning they get rid of you.

I’ve watched friends and littermates come and go,

but where they end up none of us know.

They look so sad as they walk out the back door,

their tails tucked under, and heads to the floor.

But sometimes a mysterious woman comes in

and greets us all with a heart-warming grin.

Her name is Chris Makepeace and she is very wise,

you see love for greyhounds when you look in her eyes.

She checks us over and gives us a pat,

then she introduces us to a cranky old cat.

Those that behave and don’t growl or bite,

get to leave with her - sometimes that same night!

What happens to them I can only guess,

but I hope she comes for me when I get in that mess!

Now the sky’s growing dark, and the moon’s just a sliver,

my heart starts to pound, and my legs begin to quiver.

As fans take their seats and the crowd starts to cheer,

my trainer says “no boy, tonight you stay here”.

What’s going on - why can’t I race,

and why does my trainer have a sad looking face?

Is this the end? Have I chased my last lure?

Could it be my turn to go out that back door?

All I can do is hope and pray,

that Chris Makepeace comes for me today.

All night long I worry and fret,

I haven’t seen her - she isn’t here yet!

Breakfast comes and goes, and I start to loose hope,

my head hangs low, and I begin to mope.

Then I see the face I’ve been waiting to lick,

I just know I’m the one she is going to pick!

She looks at me with a grin on her face,

and says “lucky boy, you’ve run your last race”.

When you leave here with me you’ll be safe and sound,

and headed for a life fit for retired greyhounds!

As I left with Chris, my head was held high

and my heart was filled with hope as I said goodbye.

Next thing I knew I was out the front door,

to start a new life - one without a lure.

I spent several days at the kennel with Chris,

and although it was relaxing, I thought of those I missed.

After some calls I was on my way,

to a family who would love me and want me to stay.

I got on a truck and traveled all night,

I was starting to get crabby - the accommodations were tight!

The driver stopped somewhere several states away,

and after stretching my legs I was off to PA.

I was greeted with smiles and lots of affection,

but I still wasn’t sure about this inter-state connection!

Personalized Greyhounds, what the heck is that?

And where am I going? I want to see a map!

The ride was exciting, there was lots to see,

and I saw passers by looking oddly at me!

When we came to a stop, the door opened wide,

and Peggy Levin took a peek inside.

She said “Where are my babies? Oh, aren’t they sweet!”

and with that, I jumped to my feet.

I followed her down and around to the gate,

and then I jumped into my very own crate.

She washed me and fluffed me and cleaned out my ears,

and did what she could to calm all my fears.

The very next day she taught me the stairs,

and she said that my family soon would be there.

Before I knew it my family had come,

they hugged me and kissed me - my new life had begun.

Could this be true? Is this reality?

Will someone finally love me for just being me?

As I jumped into the car and we drove away,

I knew that it was a very special day.

It was the beginning of my life as a retired greyhound,

filled with biscuits and love and toys to throw around!

Although I have grown lazy, I still do my best,

to do what I can to save the rest.

For as comfortable and as loved as I am today,

I will never forget the all the others who stayed.

As I look to the future, I remember the past,

and I thank everyone for my freedom - at last!

Enjoy your true freedom... In Loving Memory

July 22nd, 1994 to November 18th, 2007