Dallas

It was a sad week at my household.

We said goodbye to a loved one, a friend, faithful companion, a precious family member. His name was Dallas and he was our family dog.

An eleven pound miniature pinscher that stole every heart he ever came into contact with.

He had a face that just invited a smile.

He was my wife’s best friend and I’ll admit I teased her at times that she cared more for him than she did for me.

Truth be told Dallas was a lot easier to get along with.

I’d shake my head when she put a sweater or a holiday Santa suit on him, but I did enjoy when he wore his football jersey and watched the game with me.

He was small in stature but back home he would take on the biggest neighborhood dog and would invariably grab a chew toy that was bigger than his whole head.

I miss him.

I miss him more than I can truly express in this column.

I’ve always enjoyed this poem by Colleen Fitzsimmons

and would like to share it with you.

I stood beside your bed last night, I came to have a peep.

I could see that you were crying, you found it hard to sleep.

I whined so softly, as you brushed away a tear.

“It’s me, I haven’t left you, I’m well, I’m fine, I’m here.”

I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea.

You were thinking of the many times your hands reached down to me.

I was with you at my grave today, you tend it with such care.

I want to reassure you that I’m not lying there.

I walked with you towards the house as you fumbled for the key.

I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said “It’s me”.

You looked so very tired and then you sank into the chair.

I tried so hard to let you know that I was standing there.

When the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,

I’ll rush to greet you and we will stand together side by side.

I have so many things to show you, there’s much for you to see.

Be patient, live your journey out, then come home and be with me.

Goodbye Dallas and thank you for the gift of unconditional love.

See you out there.