Monday, December 30, 2013

Bridge....

While I was absent from Blogville, working overtime to evade our dreaded, nasty, no fun at all stomach flu, {I am now officially feeling confident that I'm "in the clear", as that phrase goes!! Score!!} I'm afraid that I lost a dear Friend. Bridget passed away on December 23rd. As every animal lover knows all too well, euthanizing a beloved canine is the most difficult decision that any Mama {Or Daddy} can do. Why? Must I even ask? Losing a beloved canine truly feels as though you've just lost your child. And, sadly, only "dog people" understand such valid, profound, real thoughts/feelings/emotions. I get it. We get it. Bridge was Lynne's "Heart Dog", an irreplaceable just-like-her companion. So. In loving memory of Bridget, I dedicate this poem.

Swing on by to their Blog, {http://2chihuahuagirls.blogspot.com/} and send your love!!   

JUST A DOG
 
~Unknown Author~
 
From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a dog,"
or "that's a lot of money for just a dog."
They don't understand the distance travelled, the time spent,
or the costs involved for "just a dog."
Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog."
Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog,"
but I did not once feel slighted.
Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by
"just a dog," and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch
of "just a dog" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.
If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you probably understand
phrases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a promise."
"Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship,
trust, and pure unbridled joy.
"Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience
that make me a better person.
Because of "just a dog" I will rise early, take long walks and look
longingly to the future.
So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog"
but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future,
the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.
"Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts
away from myself and the worries of the day.
I hope that someday they can understand that its' not "just a dog"
but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being
"just a man" or "just a woman."
So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog,"
just smile,
because they "just don't understand."


8 comments:

Sketching with Dogs said...

Raelyn
Your post is so beautiful and made me cry. You have described exactly how it feels to lose your beloved companion. The little friend who doesn't care what you look like, whether you say something stupid or if you just want to sit quietly and not make conversation at all. Someone who loves you unconditionally forever. What more wonderful thing can anyone ask for in life.
Thank you my dear friend.
Lynne x

Unknown said...

Terribly sad to have lost sweet Bridget. She will be missed so much by her family. Bless her and we know she is running free and fast over the rainbow bridge and is pain free.
Best wishes Molly

Deidre said...

I'm so sorry! It's devastating to lose a furry friend.

Someone once told me that in (a) Native American culture they believe fur friends, after the die, always remain around our feet to protect us.

Mary Lou said...

Lynne....
Thank-you for the comment, Friend!! And you're welcome!! ;)
"You have described exactly how it feels to lose your beloved companion. The little friend who doesn't care what you look like, whether you say something stupid or if you just want to sit quietly and not make conversation at all. Someone who loves you unconditionally forever. What more wonderful thing can anyone ask for in life.". That was very, very good, Friend!! Hugs!! ;op

Mary Lou said...

Molly....
Thank-you for the comment, Friend!!
"We know she is running free and fast over the rainbow bridge and is pain free.". Yes.... ;op

Mary Lou said...

Deidre....
Thank-you for the comment, Friend!!
"It's devastating to lose a furry friend.". Indeed. ;op

Abby said...

Raelyn-- just wanted to drop by to say Happy New Year! Best wishes for a fabulous 2014!

Mary Lou said...

Abby....
Thank-you for the comment, Friend!!
"Just wanted to drop by to say Happy New Year! Best wishes for a fabulous 2014!". Thanks, Friend!! I'm currently running on five hours' sleep, because I stayed awake past midnight with Rose as bottle rockets literally exploded above our great room roof!! We were both a bit terrified!! Hee, hee, hee.... ;op