one of the puppy’s
favorite playthings
is a squeaker stolen
from another dog toy

the red plastic disc
bounces and baubles
in such an entertaining manner
the puppy can’t help but be
engaged

add to that the squeak for its original purpose
(a squeak she never really squeaked
when it was part of a pre-made set)
and the size perfect for her to fit
in her little puppy mouth;
this seems to be the perfect toy

she entertains herself for longer
than with any other toy
(ice cubes come close)
but its tiny size makes it the perfect prize
for the under-the-couch vortex

so she still sends up needing us
not to play with
but to rescue
this toy
as she gets it stuck
under couches,
under shelves,
behind radiators,
and between couch cushions,
and all in all, it’s a pretty good toy
for a needy puppy

(i’m just worried about the day
her mouth and throat grow
and the squeaker becomes
more choking hazard
than entertainment,
but who knows—
maybe this is the size this puppy will be
forever!)