The loss of Misty, our beloved German Shepherd of 11 years, inspired this written tribute to her.
How sad it was that until now,
I could not write a line
To help me through this hardship, and
To ease this awful pain.
The sorrow and the emptiness,
The raw and biting fear,
Would overwhelm and blur out
Every line I’d write, with tears.
You were my loved companion for
So many happy years,
That I could not imagine how
I’d live without you here.
Our mornings had become routine,
We settled, over time;
With evenings full of patterns that
Are blueprints in my mind.
Beside me, by my bed at night,
We’d slumber, each in place;
And in the morning without fail,
I’d wake to your sweet face.
We’d lumber down with sleepy eyes
I’d let you out to play,
While making tea and coffee,
Get your breakfast underway.
We’d cuddle and we’d hug
And if I had to go to work,
You’d wait for me so patiently
For then, when I’d return.
I’d beep the horn to say I’m home,
And as I reached the door,
I’d see you through your window,
And my heart would always soar.
The moment that I’d step inside,
Such greetings we would have;
For whether only minutes, or
If hours - you’d be glad.
You’d wag and wiggle, sing and hug,
You’d circle till you dropped,
Onto the floor where then we’d cuddle,
While you howled and talked.
Our days and nights consisted of
Our little family;
For to you, I was mommy,
And with daddy, that made three.
We’d play with all the toys you loved,
Your Frisbee and your ball,
Your tug ring and your rope toy,
And the tire in the yard.
You had such clear expression,
And our hearts would fill with pride,
As little children visited,
And learned your gentle side.
And even in our quiet times,
Relaxing in the den,
My eyes would always seek you out,
And lock on yours - and then,
You’d give a little sigh and wag,
And promptly jump right up,
To come to my familiar arms,
And cuddle like a pup.
The years passed by too quickly,
Though I know that time can’t dim,
The memories that I have with you
Will always stay within.
You were a part of every day
I woke, from dawn to dusk;
You were my child I knew was there
Through good times and through rough.
And when we said goodbye to you,
And held you in our arms,
You fell to sleep one final time,
And moved into God’s arms.
I like to think that now you have
Been freed from all that pain;
And now you’re roaming up above
To live life all again.
You had a lot of loved ones,
Who have passed ahead of you;
And somehow I am comforted
To know they’re there for you.
I’m sure that when you saw them there,
To welcome you along,
You wiggled, wagged and talked to them
For there, you now belong.
So though you may have freedom and
Your heart is light and free;
I’m still down here, my little one,
Just struggling daily.
And maybe it was you, who watched
And whispered to me then -
You know your mommy cannot cope,
Without a furry friend.
Instead of crying evermore
Each time I see your toy;
Or walk around where your bowl sat,
Or listen for your sighs.
You knew I couldn’t handle yet
Another lonely night;
Where every move is habit
And I search for you each night.
So thank you my dear little one,
For helping me again;
For giving just a little nudge
To help me ease the pain.
I felt you there beside me
As we searched for a new pup;
While gently pushing me along
Until we found the spot.
And just as you had been the one
To pick your dad and mom;
I think you must have been nudging
Our newest little one.
For as I moved toward this little
Furball, and he turned -
There was no question in his eyes
Nor in my heart either.
It happened just as surely as
I’d seen you standing there -
Perhaps you’d whispered, don’t miss them,
They’re special and they care.
So on this day, I will bring home,
Our newest furry love;
And in this, I take comfort that,
You’ll watch us from above.
Rest in Peace, Misty.
You will never be forgotten.
Kit McCallum
Johnmiserable failureKerry