I was blessed to have a poem I wrote be included in a Michelle Rayburn collaborative called Whiskers, Wags, and Woofs–Poems and Heartfelt Essays for Dog and Cat Lovers (Faith Creativity Books, 2024).

And more, “Which Pet?” was selected as a 2025 Selah Finalist in the “Poetry” category. Winners will be announced at Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference the end of May.

What an honor and a joy!

Since today–April 11th–is National Pet Day, I thought this the perfect time to share this poem with you, my faithful Penning Pansies followers.

Whether you love cats or dogs, or even if you’re not an animal person, I hope this poem will bring a smile.

**(And please read to the end for a Penning Pansies update regarding my merge to a new website, as well as an update regarding my debut novel, Gideon’s Book.)**

***

Which Pet?

 

It matters not that Dog is big, 

Nor that his teeth are large;

Cat thinks that she is royalty,

Yes, she’s the one in charge. 

 

Perched on a chair like it’s her throne

She oversees it all;

Then flicks her tail and cleans her face 

With one pink-padded paw. 

 

She has no fear when back is turned 

Away from furry beast, 

‘Cause Cat believes, in order and rank,

Dogs, of course, are least. 

 

It’s felines who rule, dogs who drool—

Of this, who wouldn’t know?

To them, she’d say with haughty voice,

“Yes, Cat is the star of the show!”

 

Then with a bow of her tiny head

She resumes to lick her bib; 

But with a sigh, Dog shuts his ears 

To feline’s prideful fib.

 

For he knows the truth, tho’ he won’t make a peep, 

Allowing Cat to conclude 

Over canines they reign (tho’ he thinks her insane!) 

And to him, she is very rude. 

 

But because he’s peaceful, humble to boot,

Dog rests his weary eyes, 

Dreaming of walks and bones and balls,

And again, he smacks and sighs.

 

To him, it’s not needed to argue or boast

To clear up confusion or fog, 

‘Cause if it were he who had to pick,

He’d certainly choose… a dog.

 

But the question remains: What would you choose

If you could pick a pet?

A furry friend is a special thing–

All gifts from God, heaven-sent!

***

Father, thank You for the joy pets bring! We see Your creative hand in these creatures You’ve entrusted into our care. May we be worthy of the calling–showing love and compassion upon them just as You called Adam and Eve to care for and name the animals from the beginning of time. What a blessing and a privilege! Amen!

***

**Maureenmillerauthor.com is my name website domain name and the site is in the works! I’m excited to share this with you, Penning Pansies friends. Stay tuned for more, including a gift for you when you subscribe. I’ll keep you posted, and I thank you in advance for your support!**

***

Oh, and one more (ahem!) little thing– Gideon’s Book is due to release by Mother’s Day. More on that too! Beyond excited!