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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, Jun 18, 2026

About This Poem

Editing Stage: Rough draft

About the Author

Region, Country: Pennsylvania, USA

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Critiques

Tink

Tink

1 month 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 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 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 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 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 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 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

3 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 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 week 6 days 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 week 5 days 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

 

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