Me – 24 then, young and hopeful.
Diane brought him back from work one fall afternoon.
We call him Pippin. Floppy-eared pup. Too small to get up the concrete stairs.
I carry him into our new home.
“What a funny dog you are.”
Five pound bag of potatoes. Overnight he ate every one.
No one believes it.
Knotted rag – it’s his favorite.
Growling, he slap, slap, slaps it on the floor.
Play with me now!
Under the basement stairs we kill a big rat.
We bonded that day.
All black shepherd – not a white hair on him.
Pride of the neighborhood and he knows it.
We run together till it’s time to go home.
He’s hit by a car – near death
Diane is gone now – both of us so lost.
Me – 38 then, sad Spring.
His hips have worn out. He’s tired – ready to go home.
For a time, we traveled together.
On the last morning, I carry him down the stairs.
Very touching poem, beautifully executed. Everything understated and power-packed. Many years ago, I also had a puppy that not several days later was killed in front of the house in the street traffic. I didn't even have time to get to know him. Then later, I had a cat that travelled with me around the world. She (Mimi) lived to be over 24 years old. There was no sorrow in her passing; she had earned the right to go. Thanks for this wonderful posting. John
Pippin made a huge impression on your life and I'm so glad you wrote this poem for him. What adventures you had! A 5 pound sack of potatoes? What a feat!
I was so shocked today that my Pomeranian, Jazz, died, I immediately wrote the story of his tragic death and then posted it here in the story section.
I can empathize with you. I got my precious shih tzu Blackie when he was 4 months old. We had 11 beautiful years of him fetching and playing with his squeaky toys. It was a whole new world having a pet to look after and love. Oh. how I love him. At 11 years old he got cancer. I had to make the awful decision to have him put to sleep. It hasn't been the same since. I miss him every day. I know you miss your Pippin too. May God heal our hearts.
A dog never stops loving, so faithful until their last day.It would be a wonderful thing if people would care for each other as much as you care for your pet and he for you. It is unconditional love, the best I ever had.
Very sentimental piece of writing, L.J. Yeah, I have had quite few dogs I watched leave this world. I have a special place in my heart for each and everyone of them, going all the way back to the first dog I ever had. Scooter. So named because she only had three legs. She gnawed the left hind leg off when she got imprisoned in a mechanical trap in the woods. She had almost bled to death by the time she got home.
The city of Savannah, Georgia, long celebrated by tourists and natives alike for its charm, beauty, and cultural diversity, adds another jewel to its fabled crown. ELEMENTAL: The Power of Illuminated Love is a celebrated gift book by two of the city’
Share
Print
Save
Follow
I was so shocked today that my Pomeranian, Jazz, died, I immediately wrote the story of his tragic death and then posted it here in the story section.
Ron
I can empathize with you. I got my precious shih tzu Blackie when he was 4 months old. We had 11 beautiful years of him fetching and playing with his squeaky toys. It was a whole new world having a pet to look after and love. Oh. how I love him. At 11 years old he got cancer. I had to make the awful decision to have him put to sleep. It hasn't been the same since. I miss him every day. I know you miss your Pippin too. May God heal our hearts.
Love and blessings,
Linda