Violent Dog

Nobody wants a violent dog. There are plenty of better choices, others that don't bite at the hand that feeds them. Except I'm not a violent dog. A sit huddled at the back of my cage, tail between by legs and face hidden beneath my claws. They step inside my safe space and move my things around. They force me outside with false promises and run their hands through my wiry fur. I don't cry, but my body is stiff and I can't look them in the eyes. They miss the warning signs and the way my lip curls at their touch. I'm not a violent dog, but I know why I bite.