Border Collie
Zipper was the runt of a litter from our neighbors dog.
Their mother dog just was running around in their yard
when the puppies were almost 6 weeks old and she just
fell over dead. They didn’t know why. The puppies
had to go somewhere so I took the runt.
She had serious health problems in the beginning and
the vet didn’t think she would live but with determined
doctoring on my part she pulled through.
She was the sweetest dog we ever had.
She loved everyone but was very devoted to us
and protected us when she felt the need to do so.
Then one hot summer evening when my husband and son
were at a baseball game I went outside with her.
She was three years old. She walked down to the edge of our
property let out a moanfull howl and fell over.
I ran to her side and carried her up a large hill to the front
of our house. She died in my arms.
The vet said she probably had an inherited heart
ailment from her mother.
Oh what a very sad time for us.
I wrote the following poem in her honor:
Zipper
Zipper a baby you were to me,
So helpless and frail you seemed to be.
The Doctor told us all we had to do
To keep you alive and when we were through,
You were a wonderful addition to our family,
Always so friendly and sweet as could be.
I’ll never forget how you’d squeak your toys.
Oh what a racket but what a happy noise.
Flop on the bed you’d go,
Not really caring if you were on “Dad’s” toe.
And speaking of “Dad’s” tasty feet,
You always loved chewing them oh what a treat!
Corey was your boy and you would guard him as such.
You didn’t like sharing your family too much.
I’d sit on the bench at the foot of the bed,
I’d turn around and see your sweet little head.
Always so sweet and loving you were
Even though I’d fret about all that fur!
But taken away from us too soon
Was your precious presence and sweet barking tune.
My heart aches to see you and hear you again.
To hear your sweet snoring and barking but then
I realize I’ve heard then for the last time here
Again some day we’ll meet with a happy tear.
The minutes and hours and days will go by,
But for you my dear doggie for years I will cry.
Mary Beth Wunderlich
| Zipper |