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Kira ~ who rescued who?

A chain fixed around your neck, tethered to a tree. 

With no more than its links that kept you from being free.

The limit wasn't just the space, your mind suffered too

No love, no trust, no companion ever sat with you.

 

Circles were the limit of the direction you could go

No interactions, no teachings of who was friend or foe.

No warm touches, no scratches behind your ears.

Only yelling and beatings for your first six years.

 

While on top of your dog house one quiet day,

An AC Officer came to take you away.

One more circle would have ended it all

You were so tangled you couldn't even stand tall.

 

 

— Tink (Tink), Jun 18, 2026

About This Poem

Editing Stage: Rough draft

About the Author

Region, Country: Pennsylvania, USA

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Critiques

Tigger Kaz

Tigger Kaz

1 month 4 weeks ago

Sad imagery

Perfect words, and great rhyme, to describe something so sad. 

 

Tink

Tink

1 month 4 weeks ago

There's more to come!

Thank you for reading Tigger!! Thank you for your kind words!! There's more coming. I have to dig out my rhyming dictionary for this one!!

I can't wait for your thoughts when the story plays out!

Yours in Ink,

Tink

Geezer

Geezer

1 month 4 weeks ago

Hey...

why did you stop? I wanted to know the ending of the story! Has she been adopted? I've known too many "backyard" dogs, dogs that are never let in the house, because they get too wild! Well, sure, it is a big deal for them, they are happy, jumping around, and the next minute, they are back outside looking at the house, like what happened? it sounds like they are still having fun...

I think you better go back and write another story about how she has been adopted and living a great life. ~ Geez.

Tink

Tink

1 month 4 weeks ago

because...

There is a TON more to this story!! I stopped because my eyes were heavy and I needed to pause to take breath and get my butt to bed. Spoiler alert...Kira led the best life with her limits (will explain as the story plays out) and holds a GIGANTIC piece of my heart. She taught me soooo very much and I can't wait to share! I'll send you a picture...

Thanks for Reading Geez!!

Yours in Ink,

Tink

Obadiah Grey

Obadiah Grey

1 month 4 weeks ago

"then" ?,,,, "than" ?,, a…

"then" ?,,,, "than" ?,, a bit pernickety I know!

The previous keeper of the dog ought be shot.
As for Who rescued Whom,
I rather think that You rescued Her,
then She set You free.,,,,, hopefully.


Obi

Tink

Tink

1 month 4 weeks ago

Hi Obi

Nice to meet you!!

Thank you for reading!!! There is so much more to the story, and I can't wait to hear your thoughts once it's finished.

You're close, kinda...

Yours in Ink,

Tink

Mark

Mark

1 month 3 weeks ago

Comment on Kira

Tink the poem powerfully captures the bleak reality of animal neglect, specifically focusing on the physical and psychological toll of tethering a dog. The title, “Kira ~ who rescued who?”, introduces a redemptive arc, suggesting that while the speaker saved Kira from her chain, Kira ultimately brought profound meaning or healing to the speaker's life. This creates a beautiful contrast with the stark, heartbreaking imagery of the stanzas that follow.

The imagery of the "chain" and "circles" serves as a poignant metaphor for helplessness and stagnation. The poem shifts beautifully from the physical constraint—the literal length of the chain—to the psychological cage it creates ("your mind suffered too").

The final lines touch on a deeply insightful aspect of canine neglect: the loss of socialization. By noting that Kira had "no interactions, no teachings of who was friend or foe," the poet highlights how isolation strips an animal of its ability to understand and navigate the world, making the eventual rescue even more profound.

To elevate the poem's professional polish and natural rhythm, a slight adjustment to the grammar and syllable flow in the second couplet would enhance its impact.

The word "then" should be "than" to correctly indicate a comparison.

The phrase "that kept you from being free" feels a bit rhythmically crowded compared to the clean pacing of the opening line. Streamlining the wording can make the line hit harder emotionally.

 

Fixing this minor typo and smoothing the meter ensures that the reader remains fully immersed in the emotional gravity of Kira's story without getting tripped up by the phrasing.

Image removed.
Tink

Tink

1 month 3 weeks ago

Thank you Mark!!

what a compliment!! I need to tell Kira's story and plan to finish it.

It fills my heart to know that i was able to create an impact. I DEFINITELY what your feedback as i continue!

It is awesome to have you reading and comment on my work again!!

Thank you!

Live, Love &  Laugh

(And don't forget to Write!!)

Yours in Ink,

Tink

 

Mark

Mark

1 month 2 weeks ago

I came back for your edit

It looks Good Tink.

You might want to consider a few things.

With no more than a few links...  (rolls off the tongue a little better)

Maybe a space between the No Love and Circles line? (putting them close like that creates a bit of a stumble)

Stay on it!

Mark

Tink

Tink

1 month 3 weeks ago

Thank you T!!

There's more coming!! I hope you will continue reading!!

Live, Love & Laugh!

(And don't forget to Write!!)

Yours in Ink,

Tink

Mark

Mark

1 month 1 week ago

Your spirit suffered too??

Wow looks great Tink!

I would wrap it in a knitted shawl.  Give it a warm bath in flea soap then rinse it with warm water.  Give it some dogfood with fresh egg then off to the Vet!

I would need at least 1000 in my pocket. With that I know I could maintain it.:

If the dog is alert, walking, and has no visible wounds, a baseline "all-clear" visit to a standard clinic typically ranges from $250 to $500.

Because this dog was chained up, the vet will focus heavily on parasites and basic immunity. Here is a realistic approximation of how that total breaks down:

  • Physical Exam Fee ($50 – $150): The base cost just to get in the door. The vet will check the dog’s teeth (to estimate age), listen to their heart and lungs, check for skin infections or flea dirt, and look for physical signs of neglect or chain injuries around the neck.
  • Core Vaccinations ($60 – $120): Because a stray’s medical history is a mystery, the vet will treat them as unvaccinated. They will need a Rabies vaccine (usually legally required) and a DHPP combo shot (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza).
  • Heartworm & Tick Panel ($35 – $75): This is critical for a dog that lived outside on a chain. Mosquitoes transmit heartworms, and if a dog was left unprotected, they are at high risk.
  • Fecal Exam & Dewormer ($50 – $100): Outside dogs almost always carry intestinal parasites (like hookworms or roundworms). The vet will test a stool sample and give a broad-spectrum deworming medication.

If the dog has been neglected on a chain, the bill could climb if they find any of the following common issues:

  • Flea/Tick Treatment ($20 – $40): A one-month immediate dose of preventative to kill any active pests.
  • Heartworm Treatment ($500 – $1,500+): If the heartworm test comes back positive, treating it is a multi-month, expensive medical process. (If it is negative, you’ll just pay around $15–$20 a month for preventative pills).
  • Antibiotics/Ointments ($40 – $100): For skin hot-spots, fly-bitten ears, or neck sores from the collar/chain.

 Dewormer) often for flat rates between $140 and $200.

 

😘😒❤️👌🙌

Stats on the dogs fix are from Gimini Google and Free!

Mark

Tink

Tink

1 month 1 week ago

and that's the low end!!!

You aren't lying!!! 

there's so much more to come with this tribute! Spoiler alert, we had to put Kira down May 27, 2023, at 13. She had aggressive cancer. She taught me so much and she holds a BIG piece of my heart. this is tough for me...

Live, Love & Laugh,

(and don't forget to Write)

Yours in Ink,

Tink

 

Jane

Jane

3 weeks 3 days ago

Wow...

This is actually so sad but so beautifully written. I wanna be able to write like you!! I love it!

Tink

Tink

3 weeks 3 days ago

Thank You!!

So I work with wolfdogs, and this is one we rescued from a very bad situation. 

There is so much more to this piece. I'm having a hard time writing it as it is making me face a very emotional situation.

Spoiler alert!! We lost Kira a couple of years ago to cancer. I have been trying to write her story to honor her. Her and I were close. I was one of less than 6 people she accepted and trusted. My profile picture is Kira & I.

I will be adding more to this, so please keep checking back.

And you write beautifully! All of us can do better and we are here to help each other. If ever you need help on a piece, or want an opinion or a different set of eyes to look at a piece, please just reach out!! I'm not ever far away!!

Yours in Ink,

Tink

Shayne

Shayne

3 weeks 3 days ago

painfull

i love the way you conveyed such a heavy message. The images i got in my head were sad and conveyed the message that that pain was inexcapale

AS

A.J. Sanders

3 weeks ago

More!

The AABB rhyme scheme was very well executed. I did find myself stumble a bit with flow, but the pacing within the plot was pleasurable. The message as I seen it was distress and abuse alleviated by an outside compassionate hand. The abrupt end at the arrival of hope left me both intrigued as well as shocked. I was left wondering, "Will there be more or is it over?". Over-all I enjoyed the poem. 

Tink

Tink

3 weeks ago

Thank you AJ!!

This is a work in progress. It's a very emotional subject for me, and i am finding it difficult to write this out in one shot.

I work with wolfdogs and Kira was one of them. She came from a horrible place and trusted less than 4 people in her lifetime. I happened to be one of them. We lost her three years ago to cancer and I have to tell her story to honor her. Kira is in my profile picture.

There is much more to come. Please check back!

Thank you again!! Please let me know where it was that you stumble so I can see if I can adjust it.

Live, Love & Laugh,

(and don't forget to Write)

Yours in Ink,

Tink

AS

A.J. Sanders

3 weeks ago

Reply to Tink

Anytime Tink!

I'm sorry for your loss. My condolences.

To immortalize your companions story. What a special, deeply heartfelt memorial.

I have fallowed your poem and am excited to see what's to come.

 

 

Places I stumbled :

Stanza 1 Lines 3 & 4

Stanza 3 Lines 3 & 4

I do not mean to overstep, and truly hope it's okay if I give a couple suggestions on the places I stumbled. 

Stanza 1 Line 4 :

"No love, no trust, and no companion ever set with you"

or

"No love and no trust, no companion ever sat with you"

Stanza 3 Line 4 :

"Your entanglement so severe you couldn't even stand tall"

 

 

Hope it helps and am greatly looking forward to the future of this ballad.

A.J.

Mark

Mark

2 weeks 6 days ago

Tink

tethering may be too complicated a word for the poem. Maybe write by it's deffinition? 👌😁

E

EyeAmI

6 days 15 hours ago

A moving piece.

This poem you wrote, did so many things right. I felt like I saw the story in motion. 

The ending line of the first stanza was my favorite. 

Whether this was inspired by some truth or not, I would like to see more, especially with that consistent rhyme scheme! 

E

EyeAmI

6 days 15 hours ago

A moving piece.

This poem you wrote, did so many things right. I felt like I saw the story in motion. 

The ending line of the first stanza was my favorite. 

Whether this was inspired by some truth or not, I would like to see more, especially with that consistent rhyme scheme! 

Tink

Tink

5 days 18 hours ago

Howdy! It's me, Tink

Thank you so much for reading and commenting on this one.

I am struggling to finish this one, as it is an incredibly emotional thing for me. Quick background, I am a caretaker and tour guide for a Wolfdog Rescue. Kira was a special wolfdog who had HORRIBLY LOUSY "homelife" and was rescued by an ACO and brought to us.  She didn't trust many people, and was the first one I worked with and we were able to bond. We lost her to cancer. I miss her dearly!!!

I will continue to work on this as I want to tell her story because she meant so much to me. My profile picture is of her and I.

Thank you again for your kind words! I can't wait to hear you take as I finish this piece!

Live, Love & Laugh!

(and don't forget to Write!!)

Yours in Ink,

Tink

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