8 Interesting Poems About Dogs You Need to Hear

Dogs have been beloved companions for thousands of years, so it’s no surprise that they’ve been written about with affection throughout history. From being hunters and herders to guardians and friends, dogs have won over the hearts of many people, including writers. To show their love for their pups, some poets put pen to paper and created beautiful lines that will let their dogs’ memories live on forever.

In this article, we look at eight interesting poems about dogs. Some are filled with humor, while others convey the sorrow of losing a dog, but one thing is for sure: You will be able to feel how much they were adored just by reading the words.

The 8 Interesting Dog Poems

1. “The Power of the Dog” by Rudyard Kipling

Rudyard Kipling was a prolific writer and animal lover. In the poem, “The Power of the Dog,” Kipling warns that giving your heart to a dog will end in heartbreak. The poem suggests that the bond that a person can have with a dog is so strong that their short lifespans will destroy a person the way that the loss of romantic love can. While the poem is written in a singsong manner, the message behind it is serious. The poem goes on to convey that while a dog’s death will eventually leave their owner grief-stricken, the pain is worth it to have their love while they’re here with us with these lines:

“When the spirit that answered your every mood

Is gone — wherever it goes — for good,

You will discover how much you care,

And will give your heart to a dog to tear.”

2. “Mother Doesn’t Want a Dog” by Judith Viorst

Judith Viorst’s poem, “Mother Doesn’t Want a Dog,” lets us see the world through a child’s eyes. The child wants a pet but their mother does not want a dog. In the poem, we see all the reasons that the child’s mother dislikes dogs, written in a humorous rhyme.

The end of the poem is surprising because we think that eventually, the mother will cave, and the child will have the dog of their dreams. However, there is another surprise waiting instead. One of the funniest reasons for the mother not wanting a dog is explained:

“And when you come home late at night

And there is ice and snow,

You have to go back out because

The dumb dog has to go.”

3. “A Dog Has Died” by Pablo Neruda

The beautifully heartbreaking “A Dog Has Died” thoroughly expresses Pablo Neruda’s grief over the loss of his dog. Using a very direct tone, the poem is presented as a eulogy and speaks of the expectations held for the dog in the afterlife. As many dog owners know, dogs give their all and don’t expect much in return. This poem speaks to that and the way that the dog knew how to give just what Neruda needed in his life.

“All his sweet and shaggy life,

Always near me, never troubling me,

And asking nothing.”

4. “Dog” by Lawrence Ferlinghetti

In his rather long poem, “Dog,” Lawrence Ferlinghetti shows us the world through a dog’s eyes. Showing the freedom and innocence that a dog has, along with the ability to always live in the present moment, the poem takes us through a dog’s day and ends with the idea that every living thing will view the world in different ways. It reminds us that everyone’s life and worldview are different based on their own experiences.

“The dog trots freely in the street

And has his own dog’s life to live

And to think about.”

5. “The Ballad of Rum” by Peter R. Wolveridge

This adorable, funny poem shows how one dog eventually became a guard dog in his way, much to his family’s delight. According to the author, this poem is based on a real dog that was a friendly Golden Retriever. “The Ballad of Rum” tells the tale of Rum the dog, which was much too friendly to ever fend off burglars. The surprise comes at the end of the poem when Rum ends up a hero in the most unique way. Readers can enjoy the humor sprinkled throughout the poem, like when a burglar enters the family’s property.

“He saw no alarms, heard no siren howling,

No guard dog for sure, there’d be barking and growling.

But Rum was awake and he’d seen him right,

Delighting with company this time of the night.”

6. “Puppy and I” by A. A. Milne

This famous poem was written by A. A. Milne, a novelist and poet who famously wrote the Winnie-the-Pooh stories. “Puppy and I” tells the story of a person who meets several characters on a walk one day. They all invite the author along to join them in their quests, and each time, they are turned down. Since the author chooses to only join the puppy, the poem speaks to the love that many people have for dogs.

“I met a Puppy as I went walking;

We got talking,

Puppy and I.”

7. “Best Birthday Ever!” by Zorian Alexis

This poem, “Best Birthday Ever!” is interesting because it’s written in an ABC form. This means that the author used each letter of the alphabet in order to begin each line. Zorian Alexis takes us through the surprise of receiving a puppy for your birthday after wanting one for years. We get to see the name considerations for this “bundle of joy” too.

“Winchester or perhaps Chester for short.

Xander or maybe a bold name like Cort.”

8. “My Puppy Is a Handful” by Ann Davies

New dog owners will relate to this poem, as “My Puppy Is a Handful” describes puppy ownership well. All puppies can be handfuls, and the author is experiencing this firsthand. The poem also touches on how dogs can cheer you up even when they are being mischievous.

“She bolts her food so quickly,

And barely chews at all.

She saves her chewing for the rug,

Our shoes and the kitchen wall!”

Conclusion

Dogs make us feel good and poems about dogs are great ways to convey the love and affection that we feel for them. We hope that you’ve enjoyed these interesting poems and may have even been struck with inspiration to write one of your own! Even if you’re not the best at putting pen to paper, your dog will love it — and you — unconditionally.

Featured Image Credit:Steve Pepple, Shutterstock