Ode to an Abused Dog

Someone hurt you, hit you, beat you
would not give you food
The only water that you got
was from a muddy pool
And yet when help did finally come
though you were almost dead
You wagged your tail in greeting
and you tried to raise your head
What gave you strength or made you hope
what helped to see you through
The agonizing hunger
and loneliness you knew
Yet you forgave and took a chance
and graced us with your love
For us to know such spirit was
a gift from God above
-- author unknown