Excerpt:
THE BALLAD OF
DOUGLAS THE DOG
Douglas the dog
was a cute little chap
with a nice blue collar
and spots on his back,
His puppy dog eyes
would make you smile
and give him a hug
every once in a while.
He was very well known
for his bold and brave deeds
and he always helped out
any people in need.
He could often be seen
walking down the main road
carrying peoples shopping
and other heavy loads.
He once helped a kitten
who was stuck up a tree
by climbing to the top
past a hive of busy bees.
Then holding the baby
gently in his jaws
he struggled back down
to a round of applause.
Then there was the time
that he swam out in the lake
to rescue some cookies
that his neighbour had baked.
She’d dropped the tub
whilst crossing a bridge
but soon they were all
safely back in her fridge.
Everybody loved him
and patted his back
whenever the saw him
walking down the track.
The children would jump up
and shout with joy
hugging his neck, saying,
“What a good boy!”
But one day he fell ill,
had to stay in his bed,
so they took it in turns
to stroke his soft head.
The whole town was worried
and did all they could
to help him get better
as quick as he could.
Before very long
he was back on his feet
and everyone cheered
as he walked down the street.
They hugged him and stroked him
and said he was ace
so he answered their praise
by licking their face.
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