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.
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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