Fast forward a few decades, and I was inspired to write a poem about the Dar Dog Show, which I submitted it to The Daily Mail, one of our national newspapers. I was thrilled to see it published on Friday, 24th October, complete with a delightful cartoon, showing Bumble as I remember him best: bright eyed, ready for anything, and a dog full of love. He was certainly a personality dog, and we will never forget him.
In case it's a bit difficult to read my poem on the printed page, this is the typewritten version. I hope anyone reading this blog will enjoy it!
DAR DOG SHOW
The Dar-es-Salaam Dog Show was a splendid affair
With dogs of all shapes and sizes;
As they proudly paraded with heads and tails high
The owners were eyeing the prizes
In the shimmering heat, with coats neatly clipped
The poodles pranced daintily round
In obedience trials, the Alsatians went miles
Ahead of any old pet from the pound.
There were so many classes with all sorts of breeds
Long hairs and short hairs; and then
The pedigreed Afghans, Chihuahuas and bloodhounds
Were out on the leash from their pen.
The East African Standard photographer wandered
through the throng of the Dog Show elite;
With a pic in the paper, a moment to savour
An extracurricular treat.
Our Bumble, the Peke, had élan, he had cheek
A personality dog at his best;
Perhaps not quite perfect, but he had a surfeit
Of lion dog pride in his breast.
As each section vied for the chance of a prize
At long last the Pekes were called on;
And solemnly wound past the judges around
Hoping a prize would be won.
And then the long waiting; the judges debating
We trembled with anticipation
Then in measured pronouncement, we heard the announcement
And heard our names called, with elation!
For a third-place rosette, for a wonderful pet!
No wonder our hearts beat so fast;
And on taking our bow, it didn't matter somehow,
There were only three dogs in the class.
