TO JOE
BORN A DOG, DIED A FRIEND
I remember when you first came into my life and home. You were so small and cuddly with your tiny paws and soft fur.
You were the runt of the litter and what some may have thought was being timid really was the nice and gentle disposition you had.
When you were six weeks old, old enough to leave your mother, you came to live with me.
You bounded around the room with eyes flashing and ears flopping. Once in a while you’d let out a little bark to let every one know that this was your territory.
When you were scolded you just put your head down and looked up with those innocent eyes as if to say, I’m sorry.
As you got older, you protected me by looking out the window and barking at everyone who walked by and attacking the mail as it came through the mail slot.
When I had a tough day at work, you would be waiting for me with your tail wagging, just to
say, “Welcome home, I missed you.”
You never had a bad day and I could always count on you to be there for me. Whenever I came home I could look up at the back bedroom window and you were there
looking out and waiting.
When I sat down to read or watch TV, you would hop up to be on my lap or lie down by my side, looking for attention.
You never asked for anything more than to have me pat your head so you could go to sleep with your head on my leg. The littlest things made you happy. Just a simple walk
was great for you.
As you got older you moved around more slowly. Your sight and hearing failed. Then, one day, old age finally took its toll and you just couldn’t stand on those old wobbly legs. But you waited for me to come home so we could say good-by.
Once I told you that it was ok, you did not have to stay and suffer for me, you went to a better place where you are young again.
In your almost 20 years, you taught me about loyalty, unconditional love, forgiving and forgetting and,
holding no grudges.
Most of all, you taught about doing because of love and not out of fear, there was no master/subject.
Joe, I miss you. I love you. I know we will meet again.
| JOE |
| 19, Oct 1998 |
| Alan |