If dogs cannot smell

butts they cannot nose well

to determine friend or foe

may as well be in hell.

 

Our airports, sans sniffers

would send drugs out unhindered

these same dogs, without owners

would be abandoned in hours.

 

No smell means no joy

taste is marred, meat is spoiled

treats seem like cardboard

training makes canines sore.

 

Oh, man’s best friend

even that would now end

smell brings these two together

without, this love dies,

bones a-scatter.

 

– Sandra Johnson, June 25, 2022