And posting also if I may in honor of the many beautiful memories of the dogs I knew best, on and off the farm: Happy, Seurat, Wings, Heidi, Melon Collie, Bear, Renoir, Bach, Marie and my heart, Kate.
Thanks to Joe 6-Pack for the thread which brought it to mind. Reading The Last Will, and re-reading it from time to time since I was a boy, has given me great comfort and happiness. May it do so for you. Enjoy.
Golux
I love you Nick.
I’m Still Here
Friend, please don’t mourn for me
I’m still here, though you don’t see.
I’m right by your side each night and day
and within your heart I long to stay.
My body is gone but I’m always near.
I’m everything you feel, see or hear.
My spirit is free, but I’ll never depart
as long as you keep me alive in your heart.
I’ll never wander out of your sight
I’m the brightest star on a summer night.
I’ll never be beyond your reach
I’m the warm moist sand when you’re at the beach.
I’m the colorful leaves when fall comes around
and the pure white snow that blankets the ground.
I’m the beautiful flowers of which you’re so fond,
The clear cool water in a quiet pond.
I’m the first bright blossom you’ll see in the spring,
The first warm raindrop that April will bring.
I’m the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine,
and you’ll see that the face in the moon is mine.
When you start thinking there’s no one to love you,
you can talk to me through the Lord above you.
I’ll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees,
and you’ll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze.
I’m the hot salty tears that flow when you weep
and the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep.
I’m the smile you see on a baby’s face.
Just look for me, friend, I’m everyplace!
Author Unknown
Darn, now I have seven dogs to hug, and two more next week (not counting the random ones I see).
Thanks for posting. I first read this years ago. And now as an owner of an increasingly deaf 13 year old Sheltie, I can relate.
One thing I had to laugh at, though. Even though he was writing through his dog - and far from a young man - Gene still had to take a shot at his father (”the old man”) and his pitiful addiction to bum real estate.
Thanks for posting. I first read this years ago. And now as an owner of an increasingly deaf 13 year old Sheltie, I can relate.
One thing I had to laugh at, though. Even though he was writing through his dog - and far from a young man - Gene still had to take a shot at his father (”the old man”) and his pitiful addiction to bum real estate.
Bump
Dog love is eternal (1940 obit!)
So here’s to Nick, who we never knew. God Bless him and all who loved him.
And to our beloved departed pooches, in no particular order:
Kobe (GSD), Walter (English springer spaniel) Duke (GSD), Duchess(Collie), Tiger(GSD), Heather(Collie), Muffy(Pug), Baron (GSD),Dumpy(Pug), Snuggles(Pug), Butkus (English Bulldog), Ditka (English Bulldog), Jack(Yellow Lab) & OLay (short for Old Lady)(white Shepherd)
A virtual lifetime of rescued dogs and endless memories. Every one holds a special place in our hearts. One couldn’t replace the other, yet they all are part of our family story. Rather, the are part of the chain...the kiddies remember events based on which pooches were around. And our herd of furry dearly departed are truly missed.
On the other side: dogs are not children. Check out someone who lost a dog, then spend time with someone who lost their child. I’ve been through both, and it’s not at all the same thing. One of my friends lost her daughter 17 years ago, and we all gather to mourn & remember every year, If you and your pals are gathering to mourn a dog after 17 years, you may need professional help.
Fire away, “pets are just like children” groupies.