Sunday, May 21, 2006

Goodbye Bailey

“Be there at 4 p.m.,
don’t be late,
Friday afternoons are busy”.
They would squeeze her in
between the poodle with bad teeth,
and the Rottweiler with bad manners.
I know she quit eating two days ago.
I know the fur on the back of her legs
can’t hold anymore blood from her bowels.
I know…
I know…
but I’m the one that threw the ball,
fed her scrapes of steak and bacon,
watched her eyes multiply 7 x 13.
Now I’m the one
that has to make sure,
she’s on time
for her last appointment.
I wish we could be late.

(for the best dog ever)

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

My condolences.

Kai said...

neat:)

Nick Zegarac said...

It's never easy to let go of something or someone we love...but when the end has come it would be selfish to hang on. Take care in knowing that all that could have been done - was; all that you could give - you did; and finally, that the suffering of it all has come to a peaceful end.

sage said...

sorry about your dog... but great poem.

Borut said...

I remember my little Piko, dying of old age at home...

Russell Ragsdale said...

Such suffering breaks the heart; I remember making this trip! My condolences.

floots said...

these words are now in granite
my heart goes out to you
(it's not long since my pal pincher departed - i hope they meet up)

dsnake1 said...

It's like losing a good friend.
This poem is a great tribute to her.

Joyce said...

A sad time but I am sure the dog had a wonderful life.

polona said...

my condolences, pat. she must have been special ...

a great tribute, so damn well written i can't keep my eyes dry...

Fragmented said...

touched me well, this one did... my condolences pat :(

losing a dog might seem petty to others, but Its not. here's a hug *huuuuuug*

Pat Paulk said...

Thanks everyone. We had two beautiful cockers and lost 'em both in the last two months. Never had 4 legged critters burrow into my heart like those two did.

Pris said...

oh Pat...when we had to put our first dog to sleep, my husband actually keened and I couldn't stop crying for days. I love this poem. It says it so well.

Masago said...

hear ya...

Carol said...

Oh, this is so sad Pat. That pain haunts every pet owner.

steve said...

they can be so forgiving and hopeful - at least, the ones I've known up to the end. Helps me appreciate the one we have now - thank you, Pat

David Herrle said...

amazing, albeit sad piece...

Lukas Abrhm said...

ouch. can't hang with this. brings back some bad schwag.

Anonymous said...

we are sorry dad....Love you.

Anonymous said...

I wish you could have too...We love you.