DOGGERELLIES

I miss having a dog. I have had quite a few in my long life and I loved every one. The outstanding part of the relationship is that they loved me back --in spades! At my age, I’m not sure I have the wherewithal to make trips outside in the night, necessary visits to the vet and deal with the ins and outs of keeping my canine friend happy and secure. I don’t want a dog to outlive me and I don’t want to lose another one. Here are some verses for anyone who has ever loved a dog:

MEMO FROM THE DOG

I have tried and tried but it’s to no avail,

I cannot control my wagging tail

When I see you coming up the walk

And what I’d say if I could talk

Is I will love you till the end

Because you are this dog’s best friend.

SIGNALING INTENTIONS

While human smiles

Are all quite viable,

Wagging tails

Are more reliable

ANTICIPATION

I’m waiting! I’m waiting! I’m on high alert!

I’ve stared at my ball until my eyes hurt.

Oh, please will you grab it and give it a throw?

I’ll get it and put it right next to your toe.

And then we will do it again and again

Because, as you know, I will never say “when.”

THE HOMECOMING

Okay, so I chewed on your shoes a little.

And you might have known I would have to piddle.

The garbage can called me with smells to explore

So, of course, I dumped it out on the floor.

I’m delighted you’re home, I must confess,

But I’d rather not discuss the mess.

THE WISDOM OF BUGS

Bugs, our dog, was family. I hold her in my heart.

There wasn’t anything we did in which she had no part.

She brought us up when we were down and saw us through the worst.

With every breath she ever drew, her love for us came first.

One day when she was getting old, a dire illness came.

We fought with everything we had. There was no one to blame.

She told each person separately—a look, a touch, a lick—

“The pain is getting worse each day and I am very sick.

I know that you will be all right and that you love me, so,

You’re going to have to help me now because it’s time to go.”

BUGS’ BUNNY

Bunny’s our little Maltese.

Our love for her knows no bounds.

It’s amazing how grief can ease

And love carries on and compounds.

Pat D'Amico of Kirkland is a frequent contributor to Northwest Prime Time