March has been a difficult month.
Indeed, losing a pup is always terrible. We hold them so close, and they, too, love us back. We lost Millie (above) two weeks ago. Inoperable brain tumor. We lost our Lucy in August. To put down our deeply ailing pets is an act of kindness, honor, and heartache. Over the last few weeks, I’ve written a lot of stuff about our dogs. Thanks for reading and clapping and all the kind things you do. Much love, friends.
Sonnet 141 — a dog’s heartsong
Our dog patrolled her yard for one last time.
In vain, she tried to chase the birds away.
For years, a robust, canine gait sublime,
is now a stumbling frail at close of day.
We held her close and said one more good-bye
No bad will happen when you’re in our arms.
She shivered, then went limp. We closed her eyes.
Now, our dog will nae ever come to harm.
Her coat was damp with our fresh-fallen tears.
We held her near for minutes lasting days.
One last time, we scritched fuzzy, well-loved ears,
kissed her; and sent her off through teary haze.
The souls of dogs are righteous; pure and strong
Your soul be healed; please heed your dog’s heartsong.
- - — — -March, 2021
