The poem is written from the perspective of a dog whose owner has been too busy to spend time with or properly care for the dog. As a result, the dog has destroyed various items in the home out of boredom and frustration over not receiving attention or being taken for walks. The dog prays to God, lamenting that it has not received a bone in three weeks since its owner has been too occupied to care for it properly.

1. Canine Confessions
By Trisha Barry Copyright 2003
Dear Lord, it’s been three weeks since my last bone
I scattered dirty laundry and left socks (with new holes) strewn
My owner’s been busy; no one is at home.
What Dalmatian or Chow can throw the first stone?
I’m stuck in these four walls, prisoner in my own home.
Dear Lord, it’s been three weeks since my last bone.
I can’t repent with an “Our Father,” for eating the scones –
I wagged my tail [made not a sound], slunk low to the ground.
My owner’s been busy; no one is home.
We used to go to the park and play, now he just moans:
There’s no time for the weary. And on so it goes –
Dear Lord, it’s been three weeks since my last bone.
He threatened to leave me on the “doggie highway” (alone)
When I made his favorite pillow into a goose-crossing zone.
My owner’s been busy; no one is at home.
I just chewed the paper and then his new fleece throw.
Can someone translate the Hail Mary into canine tone?
Dear Lord! It’s been three weeks since my last bone.
My owner’s been busy. I need a new home.