Poetry and reminiscences about dogs

Here are a few miscellaneous bits and pieces. some poetry and dog stuff, But I would like YOU to add something, it can be a piece of poetry, a photo of your favourite dog, or a memory of a beloved pet, or just anything to do with Collies.

e.mail me at dogdays1uk@yahoo.co.uk and I will try and include it for you.

here is something to go on with.

Soliloquy For Jet

I wrote this to my boy on the 30th June 2005, how was I to know that not so long after you would be gone from me…….back to the Welsh hills and valleys perhaps? I'm so sorry I never got the chance to say goodbye
Jet 27th May 1993 – 15th September 2005

I look out of the window and see you lying there by the gate, nose pointing up the path., nothing unusual in this,

it is becoming more and more the norm with you, but again I wonder, why?

What makes you always prefer to be on your own, whether it’s lying in the porch when I bring you indoors, or as now, in the garden?
What are you thinking of my boy? Do you wish for the hills and valleys of your home in Wales where you were born,

do you feel the confines of a domestic home too claustrophobic, perhaps you dream of the sheep that you could have rounded up,

the streams to be forded, the dykes to be jumped? Instead you have been asked to do my bidding which is so alien to your instincts,

having to learn the commands of heel, watch, find, that we use in competition obedience.

The timeless commands of your birthright, ‘way to me’ ‘come bye’ nothing but a misty memory.

If you do remember these things my Jet, and mourn the loss, I am so sorry.

You touched my life so briefly and so lightly, sometimes I hardly realized you were there

but when you left, you left a space as deep and as wide as the ocean,

I miss you so much my lovely black boy.

Time hasn't eased the passing, I doubt if it ever will.

Whisper's Poem

Author Arlene Phillips for Whisper at 17

I've had enough, let me go
I was born long long ago
My coat that was once my joy and pride
now looks just like an old cow hide
You've shaved my rump, to free it from dirt
very hygienic, but too cold to sit
The tail I once gaily waved in the air
now hangs like a rat's, limp and bare
My face was so pretty, black and white
now looks like frost in a January night
Teeth like old tombstones, snagged and rotten,
crack a bone?, a luxury forgotten
Let me go, I've had enough,
of grooming and brushing and all that stuff
My eyes are dull I can hardly see
I topple over when I squat to wee
My breath it smells like I've swallowed a rat
when we've parted, you won't miss that

At 2 am I need a wee, and then a poo at 4
I'm sorry I forgot to go at ten, when you put me out the door
It makes no difference if you praise or scold
I can't hear a word so can't do what I'm told
My legs drag the ground , and my belly hangs low
is it any wonder I'm so slow
Wait for me, don't walk too fast
if I rush too much, my heart won't last
When I try to hurry and quicken my pace
tall grass, and low branches, hit my face.
Let me go. I've had enough
Of walkies, bally, and all that stuff.
I was so bold, independent and sure
now I'm old and feel insecure
So don't get so cross have some care
be patient with me , I'll get there.
Let me go, I've had enough
of walks and playball and all that stuff.
Now you've read this, do you wonder
why I'd rather be four feet under?

Bless her she was such an independent feisty little girl

but she wore age well.

sleep tight both my lovelies till we meet again.

oooOooo

The Gift

On taking your beloved dog for the final merciful act

For all dogs who are special

You’re giving me a special gift, so sorrowfully endowed,

And through these last few cherished days, your courage makes me proud.,

But really, love is knowing when your best friend is in pain, and understanding earthly acts will only be in vain.

So looking deep into your eyes, beyond, into your soul,
I see in you the magic that will once more make me whole.

The strength that you possess is why I look to you to-day, to do this thing that must be done, it is the only way.

That strength is why I have followed you, and chose you as my friend, and why I have loved you all these years….. My partner to the end.

Please understand just what this gift you’re giving means to me, it gives me back the strength I’ve lost, and restores my dignity.

You take a stand on my behalf, for that is what friends do, and know that what you do is right, for I believe it too.

So one last time when I breathe your scent, and through your hand I feel, the courage that’s within you, to grant me this appeal.

Cut the leash that binds me here, dear friend, and let me run, once more a strong and healthy dog, my pain and struggle done.

Please don’t despair my passing, I won’t be far away, forever safe within your heart and memory I’ll stay.

I’ll be there watching over you, your ever faithful friend, and in your memories I will run……a young dog once again.

To Karen In Memory of Cuda 25^th August 2004

ooooOoooo