Dogcatcher and the Dog

Can animals regret? If so, I know what this one is thinking: ‘If only I’d ran the other way - If only I’d not stopped at that hydrant..’ Somehow I think he knows, he understands that his number is up. For who want a mangy mutt like this? Surely he is good for nothing but trouble... Yet I can’t shake this thought, staring into his eyes; it’s not right, what I do. What gives me the right to lock him up? For all I know, I may be a dog one day... But of course everyone knows dogs can’t feel. And I’ve a family to feed, things to buy. Once again I harden my heart - no regrets.