Buster's Backyard

Buster's backyard is a wonderful place

For big dogs like Buster who need lots of space.

For running, exploring or playing a game

Buster’s backyard is the perfect domain.

The lawn is where Buster plays Frisbee and catch.

There’s the woods where we walk to find sticks he can fetch.

Then there’s the barn -- that holds plenty of secrets

And mice Buster often will play hide and seek with

But fun-loving Buster, has a mischievous side,

He sometimes goes off alone, unsupervised.

It’s then that it seems, Buster boy has a double.

Who leads him astray and gets him in trouble.

This morning, for instance, when I called Buster in,

What was he up to?  Where had he been?

His coat was all tangled with old grass and weeds.

He’d picked up some burs and some milkthistle seeds.

While he looked quite contented after his run.

I didn’t look forward to what had to be done.

I spread out a sheet on the living room floor

Found the comb, brush and clippers to help with the chore.

Then I called Buster over.  He stood on the sheet.

I started brushing his head and moved down to his feet.

I combed out the tangles. Removed the dead leaves

Clipped the burs that were matted, and brushed out the weeds.

It was quite a big job, but the really big plus

Is that Buster stood still; he enjoyed being brushed.

When I was all finished and his coat had a luster

I stood back to admire the new, improved Buster.

Just one thing remained with the grooming complete

A well-deserved Milk-Bone – his favorite treat.

Now look at Buster.  He’s soaked to the skin.

Look around the backyard.  Can you tell where he’s been?

All soggy and dripping, he’s icky to pet.

(“Don’t get too close.  If he shakes, you’ll get wet.”) 

Today’s sunny and bright though, it hasn’t been raining.

So how did it happen?  This needs some explaining.

Especially since Buster prefers to stay dry.

When the rain starts to fall, he’s the first one inside.

He’ll side step a puddle when there’s one in his path

He hides in the closet when he hears the word “bath.”

But even though Buster and baths don’t agree

For some reason, sprinklers are his cup of tea.  

When the sprinklers turn on, he races around

Chasing the water as it falls to the ground.

He doesn’t give up till he’s thoroughly wet

So toweling him off is just the first step.

After rubbing him down (the towels make quite a pile)

Then the hair dryer’s next, for a blow-dry and style.

Now Buster’s paws are all dirty and so is his muzzle.

But it shouldn’t be too hard to work out this puzzle.

I suspect there’s a hole somewhere, out in the yard.. 

Can you help me find it?  It shouldn’t be hard.

Is it out in the garden, underneath the spirea?

There are so many places.  Do you have an idea? 

Oh no!  It’s the tulip bed.  What a big mess.

Buster dug up the flowers. Would that be your guess? 

I  get out a shovel and fill up the hole.

I replant the flowers and hope they’ll re-grow.

When I’m all finished, everything looks okay.

I gather my tools up and put them away.  

But we need something else at the scene of the crime.

Do you know what it is?  A “No Dogs Allowed!”  sign.

Buster’s come back with his nose sore and scratched.

He’s probably been bothering the black and white cat. 

There are 3 little claw marks that aren’t very deep.

They should heal up nicely, I’d say, in a week.

He’s done this before so I know how to handle them.

I’ll play veterinarian and carefully bandage them.

Out comes a washcloth, the ointment, some gauze.

I have to work quickly, the reason’s because

Mr. Buster gets antsy.  He wiggles and squirms.

And keeping him still is like holding a worm.

In just a few minutes, my doctoring’s done.

The scratches are covered – well, all except one.

The patient’s recovering now, taking a nap

I hope he’s not dreaming of chasing that cat.

He needs to remember to mind his own business

Or next time, his injuries might be more serious.

But don’t get me wrong, I really should mention

Buster’s not always in need of attention

He’s not usually scratched up or dirty or wet

I’m usually quite happy that he is my pet

And times when I take him out for a long walk

And I watch as he sniffs out a squirrel to stalk

When he's warm from the sun and smells fresh as the wind

I'm thankful I have a companion like him.