The vet told my Golden retriever, “You know, on your file, it says Nice”

My pup squinted his eyes as she approached and put the otoscope in his right ear

It was the fifth time we’d been there in a year 

My pup must have thought it was an entryway to paradise 

Maybe because of the jar of treats on the counter 

Despite all the medical equipment, he didn’t flounder 

He gave kisses to the staff

And he made a few of the ladies laugh 

His file was thick

Cleared of ticks

Up-to-date on shots

Refuser of rectal temps

I always find it amazing how my dog’s always giving me a glimpse of how one should probably exist 

Just in this moment

Even if it’s in getting your ears cleaned

Or your toenails trimmed 

These are the duties of men 

And there’s something to be gleaned

Like Milkbones dispensed in the end 

When I was in high school, the threat was always about what was in your folder

At the vet, it’s about what’s on it 

A catch phrase, a snapshot of your brief days 

My cat growing up was labeled as Hard to Handle

But she was never the center of a scandal

Just a little skittish 

I wonder if she thought about repentance 

For urinating indoors 

For scratching up the floors

Or eating others’ food

Or for her sassy attitude 

What’s on your file?

Be a Golden retriever 

Be sweet and make people smile