Dog Thumbs; A Fantastic Wish

This is Charlie and his dog Chunk

Whose fur was black just like a skunk.

Charlie loved Chunk and Chunk loved Charlie

Everyday together was like a party.

They would play all day,

And Charlie would pretend things that Chunk would say.

Charlie and Chunk were the best of friends,

And when together the fun never ends.

Having fun with Chunk is what Charlie loved best.

They got to play while mom did the rest.

The responsibility of having a dog is large,

So now mom is making Charlie take charge.

Charlie’s new tasks are walking Chunk and giving him food…

Even if he’s not in the mood.

He has to pick up Chunk’s toys and bathe him too.

He even has to pick up old, stinky poo.

When it came to the work Charlie whined and wailed.

He thought its Chunk who should work, and then he bailed.

Charlie left Chunk’s dishes without food and water,

And the poo and the walks, Charlie wouldn’t even bother.

Mom asked him to do better, and he thought, “Oh, Brother,”

“Why can’t she do it? Sounds like a job for mother.”

She said, “It’s your dog, so you do the work.”

Charlie looked at Chunk and thought, “You big, slobbery jerk.”

Charlie went to bed, mad at his pup.

He hung his head down before turning it up.

Charlie looked at the stars, feeling remiss.

He took all his hopes and made a wish.

“I wish I may, I wish I might,”

“I wish this wish I wish tonight.”

“Playing is fun, but work is dumb.”

“I wish, I wish my dog had thumbs.”

Hoping Chunk would do all the work, Charlie went to bed.

Soon Sleep took hold, and today left his head.

The very next morning Charlie had awoke

To a great big, surprising, furry paw poke.

Waking up early gets Charlie bummed.

Except for this morning, because Chunk had thumbs.

Charlie played with Chunk, making a rumbling racket.

Then he taught Chunk things like how to zip up a jacket.

They plowed down the stairs, and shouted, “Mom, Look!”

Charlie even taught Chunk how to open a book.

Mom was impressed, but said, “Charlie get dressed.”

They ran up to his room to do their best.

Charlie taught Chunk how to clean up his own drool,

How to load a backpack, and how to catch the bus to school.

The kids on the bus were in awe with what Chunk could do,

And were a tad bit jealous that their dogs couldn’t too.

Charlie entered the school feeling very confident.

‘Cause Chunk got praise and a lot of nice compliments.

During class Chunk was taught how to write,

How to read, and how to be polite.

He was taught how to open doors and turn on lights.

Chunk then learned how to discern wrong and right.

At the end of the day the two felt uber cool,

As they got on the bus to head home from school.

When they got home mom said, “Now it’s time for study.”

Charlie said, “You got it.” Turned to chunk, “Let’s go, Buddy.”

They ran through the living room and up the stairs.

Excited as ever was the jovial pair.

Up in their room, Charlie began teaching.

And for Chunk, it’s his full potential he’s reaching.

Chunk was a brilliant dog with an appetite for learning.

Once he could read, the pages never stopped turning.

After they finished studying multiples of fours,

They went outside to start their chores.

They picked up the poo, pulled weeds, and collected toys.

In a now clean backyard stood two accomplished boys.

After that endeavor they went in the kitchen

Where Chunk did some other things that Charlie was wishin’.

Chunk was able to get his food and water all by himself,

And even helped Charlie put things on the shelf.

After all’s said and done, the friends retreated off to bed.

Charlie went to sleep, but Chunk studied instead.

Then the next morning as Charlie dressed up for school,

Chunk was in the garage already working with tools.

He worked with the hammer and messed with the pliers.

He even used both types of screwdrivers.

With his smart puppy brain he made changes to his collar.

Before he would bark, but now he could holler.

He could whisper and speak and yell if he wants.

He recited the names of Charlie’s uncles and aunts.

Charlie went to the garage and asked, “Ready to go?”

He added, “Time for School.” But, Chunk simply said, “No.”

Charlie stood shocked, and said, “Okay, you big stinker.”

He went off to school while Chunk stayed home and tinkered.

Chunk made his talking collar, clothes, and even a hat.

He made a robotic dog to chase the neighborhood cats.

Chunk’s tummy grumbled for something to munch,

So he stepped away from work to get a bit of lunch.

Chunk started to miss Charlie, and he felt the blues,

So he tried to distract himself by watching the news.

TV’s mediocre so he made a new medicine.

Then came an announcement on “How to be the new president.”

He put on his puppy suit and shoes, and headed to DC

Where he would try to be the first president of his species.

He went around the White House, shook hands and ate crumbs.

The world fell in love with Chunk the talking dog with thumbs.

They loved him so much it was a landslide election.

President Chunk had America’s affection.

He sat at his desk for the first order of business,

And said that all good kids get puppies for Christmas.

He said, “Dogs live inside and should be treated so regal.”

“Oh, yeah, by the way…Cats are now illegal.”

Now every person has a puppy and kittens are against the law.

It’s time for the dogs to have the upper paw.

President Chunk had the power and so he decreed

That every puppy out in public must have their people on-lead.

When Charlie came from school he was handed his leash,

And was fitted for a collar, then sighed to himself, “Sheesh.”

Chunk took Charlie for a walk and played ball in the park.

Then made sure to be home just before it became dark.

Chunk cooked the food, and fed mom and Charlie dinner.

They raced to finish their food first, and Chunk was the winner.

Chunk did all the dishes, and cleaned up the kitchen.

Then he tended to the things that needed a bit of fixin’.

Now that Chunk does everything Charlie’s life is real tame.

He kicked back to relax, but thought, “This is actually lame.”

“Life is so boring with nothing to do.
I can’t believe I’m ‘bout to say I’d rather pick up Chunk’s poo.”

“I’m sorry I was lazy and took it all for granted.

I’m sorry I complained and raved and ranted.”

“Now I see that even though I was mad

I should have been happy with everything I had.”

“There’s two sides to life: the work and the fun.

Before we can play, there’s a job to be done.”

A sad, somber Charlie turned his head to the sky,

And caught a glimpse of a shooting star with his eye.

He thought of lessons learned, and how life is rich.

Charlie closed his eyes tightly and made a wish.

“I wish I may, I wish I might,

I wish this wish I wish tonight.”

“I still love to play, but I’m happy to work some.

I’ll help out more so Chunk doesn’t need thumbs.”

Charlie was spent, he stretched with a yawn.

He sprawled out sleepily and went to bed on the lawn.

Morning came as it took night’s place,

And Charlie awoke to a wet nose on his face.

Some hot dog-breath and some licks on the cheek.

Charlie opened his eyes, and he could hardly speak.

Chunk didn’t have thumbs, a briefcase, or any glasses.

It seemed to be a dream as he wiped sleep from eyelashes.

Normally he got ready slower than molasses,

But today he was ready in a couple of quick flashes.

Charlie had his homework done and cleaned up with the broom.

He even fed Chunk before mom came in the room.

Charlie told mom, “Chunk’s hairy and makes a mess.

So, I thought I’d clean it up, and, wow, that’s a pretty dress!”

Mom smiled down at Charlie the way that she does,

And Charlie hugged Chunk not because things were back to the way they were…

… But just because.