Even in Your Doggerel

To WRITERS of humor this offers a hint:
If you wish to see your effusions in print
Don’t ever make fun of a dog.
Your neighbors and friends are legitimate prey;
For them your most venomous wit is o.k,
But never disparage a dog.
Attack your physician or preacher or banker
Or mother-in-law with illusory rancor,
But spare from your sallies the dog.
Deride, if you wish, the musician or painter
Or earnest professor (than whom none is quainter)
But never belittle a dog.
Employ to the limit your startling acumen
So long as your subject is merely a human —
He’s grist for your quill. Epilogue:

If you would be published, respect the libido,
The dignity, honor, and beauty of Fido.