Moving On (In Memory of My Pal Buddy)

You adopted me, and not as a puppy
Fully-grown you were,
  with many emotional and physical scars
And although life had not always been kind
   you were never stroppy
Your spirit too big to let the pain mar.

You always sought the love your first owner
   freely gave
He taken from you in that accident that nearly
   killed you, too
From that point on your life turned topsy-turvey, tossed about by life's waves
Love, affection, food and shelter often denied, your despair grew.

By the time we met, your anxiety you couldn't control
If you found love, you wouldn't be separated for fear of losing it again
You instantly decided I was the one by whose side you'd stroll
My friend for the rest of your life, confidant your choice was sane.

We bonded instantly and you became part of my family
However, you always feared the loss of this new home
At your insistence you accompanied me daily
From me you chose never to roam.

Your love you gave unconditionally
You chose the role of the protector and man of the house
My brave and loyal boy, literally
No matter how big the intruder, you would be roused.

Now the time has come for you to leave me as your first owner left you
I find myself conflicted, wanting to hold on but knowing you must go
So through my tears, I prepare the note and take the coins out too
Placing them in the envelope that I tie to your collar, visible when you walk to the bow.

The ferryman will take it and know whom he is to deliver you to on the other side
From my selfishness, I will continue to cry and morn my loss
But you will be reunited with the first one you loved and by his side you will stride
Basking in his love and friendship-shaking off the earthly pain as dross.

To my pal, Buddy

Your human "mom" and poodle sister Agatha miss you.
You may have been considered a rescue dog, but you're the one who rescued me.

◄Return

Posted April 9, 2008