Puppy Fever

When I get a fever
not temperature rising
another kind
it is for a baby.

Only this time
it wasn’t that
but puppy fever.

The part of my heart
where love for animals
is stored
pleaded with me to open it
to another dog
looking past the heartbreak
of those gone.

In the midst of searching through
dogs rescued and for sale
I found one.
Her Border Collie face
pulled me in
faster than any book;
my heart longed for her.

I knew she would be worth
every minute, every mile
of the round trip
nine-hour drive.

A sweeter than pixie sticks
packed full of energy
personality.