by Joyce & Paul Adamec
My run is still intact, the birds still need to be fed. The first fresh snow has fallen since...to cover my doggy prints. Biscuits in the cupboard, cherrios on the floor. My my how I loved them, especially when someone gave me more. Please wait! Not so fast. Don't put my stuff away. I've left them for a reason, you will come to understand. Howling at the horses, the squirrels in the yard, riding with daddy to the bank, and guarding momma's car. Little things that meant the world to you and for me. The things like those that seem so small were big for a dog like me. I'd put my toys away and you knew which ones I loved, my parrot and my mangled rooster both tied for number one. At night when the house was quiet and all the chores were done, you'd have my bed turned down for me to lay my tired bones. The morning couldn't come fast enough, or so at times it seemed. I'd look to see if you were fast asleep and run to get daddy. Disregard those last few days, I wasn't quite myself. I couldn't be that spunky dog I was when I was young. Age had crept up on us. Just like that evening had. I can't take away the hurt you felt, the helplessness that made you sad. I was ready for my passing. Our last day together was done. My life as a dog was filled with love and lots of affectionate talks. Thank you for being my companion, my owner and my friend. Don't let my spirit fail you both, for you need another dog to mend.
Written by: Kelli L. Garritano