by darlene tait
Bear was a gentle giant. He was known as a huge, friendly, shedding, smelly, handsome and slobbering dog who took over the landing of our stairs as a puppy. Every visitor had to step over him - he did not like having to move for anyone. He was my constant companion following me from room to room during the day. When I wasn't around he often slept in my closet where the scent was strongest. His life wasn't particularly easy. Hip displacia and arthritis at an early age curtailed his physical activities. Congestive heart failure took the enjoyment out of his last few weeks but he tried valiantly to stay and take care of his family.
As my loving husband says "If there is a stairway to heaven, be assured Bear will be on the landing".
BEAR
April 27, 1995 - September 25, 2002
The landing sits empty
where a puppy once lay
he had no idea
he would outgrow it one day
As the limbs grew longer
and the body grew big
the landing got smaller
but it was his it was his
He cared not a slobber
that he got in the way
or created a hazard
it was his he would stay
We learned to step over
that shedding machine
because we loved him
he was a Tait family dream
His way was so gentle
but he could give you a fright
if he thought you unfriendly
youd witness his might
But toddlers and babys
were only at risk
from a tongue that could toss them
as Bear slopped a kiss
The years were too short
for this gentle old brute
and now the landing sits empty
and the Taits hearts do too.