(Terrier)
August 3 1999
We named him Skipper because he was found tied up on a little boat
bobbing up and down on the River Thames.
His owner was no where to be found and so we
looked after him until his owner came forward to claim him back.
That was 10 years ago. His previous owner never called for him.
We kept Skipper and he soon became my best friend.
My brother and sister both worked away from home
at that time and so I was 9 years old and Skipper became my family.
When I was sad Skipper was there for me.
He listened to me and laid with me.
We played footie together and he was always bursting my ball
but what the heck I didn’t mind
because I had a play-mate a friend a confidante.
For 10 years he followed me everywhere
waiting for me to come home from school and
then waiting for me to come home from work
always wagging his tail the moment he saw me.
At night time he would wait for me to stand up from the
chair and he would be halfway up the stairs
begging me to go to bed because he was tired.
What a friend he was a little terrier with a great big heart
full of love.
And then the day came he had a terminal illness and was in pain.
This wasn’t my playful Skipper. He was so sad.
I could see the sadness in his eyes and
then I knew that I had to do what I had to do.
We laid together that morning
and I told him all the things that were in my heart.
I knew he felt the same way.
The vet then came to the house and Skipper knew it was time.
He was ready. With such a heavy heart
I held Skipper so close to me and tightly talking to him
all the while then his frail little body fell silent and he slept.
How I would give anything just to touch him
and feel him once more. I miss him so much.
He knew it was so difficult for me to do this deed,
but grateful because he would be at peace and pain free.
If heaven holds the key to happiness
I know Skipper will be up there eating his way
through big chocolate clouds.
I will see him again one day. I am sure of that
but in the meantime his memory will stay with me forever
and I’ll never forget my truly best friend.
Growing up with Skipper
is the sweetest memory I will hold forever.
Colin
| Skipper |