19/06/2025
Hot Pavement, Heavy Paws.
We set off out, just me and him,
His lead was on, his tail did skim.
The sun beat down, no clouds in sight,
A proper scorcher — full on might.
I had my trainers, socks and all,
But he walked barefoot, proud and tall.
He didn’t moan, he didn’t fuss,
Just trotted on behind the bus.
But then I saw his little dance —
A hop, a skip, a worried glance.
He paused mid-step, then looked at me,
His paws were hot — I failed to see.
I checked the path, I touched the ground,
It sizzled up without a sound.
I’d brought him out in midday blaze,
The hottest time of summer days.
A whimper came, a tiny plea,
That crushed the heart inside of me.
For dogs don’t shout, they never scold,
They just endure — brave and bold.
He'd walk through fire to make me glad,
But here I was, the careless lad.
He trusts me more than I deserve —
It’s me who’s meant to have the nerve.
A bloke walked past with pint in hand,
His bulldog chilled beneath a fan.
Another pushed their pug in shade,
While I stood still, a bit dismayed.
So here's the truth — don’t be a clown,
If you can’t walk barefoot through town,
Then don’t drag your dog out for fun,
In blistering heat and blinding sun.
Go early morn or when it’s cool,
Don’t let him suffer ‘cause you’re a fool.
His paws aren’t boots, they feel the pain —
So think ahead — don’t walk in vain.
Let’s give them walks they love to bits,
With shady trees and grassy bits.
They give us love, both near and far —
The least we owe’s a softer tar.
🐾☀️
