He lies in regal state – in the paths we consider common.
~ for Webster, our companion and friend
These are the sad days…
the days when your dog’s life are about to end;
the days when winter’s wet breath lends
a deep depressive moisture to the
animal spirit within,
enduring what it’s like in the
transformation into something else.
These are the sad days…
the days when memories are about to become
all that we have left of a living creature
and their unconditional acceptance of
who we are in the grandeur of life’s intercourse
that will have to suffice.
These are the sad days…
the days when thoughts of death come in waves
of denial mixed with the inevitable inability
to touch this noble creature again –
not in the way that we know it now –
grasping only at premonitions and dreams
of what it might be like on the other side.
These are the sad days…
the days when we’re about to come
face to face with our full emotional grief
and the variations of our belief that all good
things turn into greater living spirits.
These are the days of sadness quelled…
the days we realize that a noble beast
has dwelt amongst us in our short existence;
the days when homage, reflection, grace
and honor are paid in full before
continuation sets in,
the same as it never was.
© Nublin’s Pub, 2009
Author notes
I'm sure many of you have lost beloved pets before. Now it's our turn, and the sadness is deep and wide. Photo of Webster and my youngest son, Zach.
Comments
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It is always so heartbreaking when they go..
when you see it coming, though, I think that is even sadder, knowing it is inevitable, and knowing (at least sometimes) you will be the one to call the vet and set the wheels in motion..
my pup is almost 3
I hope she lives at least another 10 years
at least
thanks for sharing this
(and also, love that it's written at the pub) -
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toughest thing our family has ever done...most everything I write is written in the Pub.
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aw, I'm so sorry for you and your family, balldinger. I know it's tough. What a sweet photo and grand tribute to your Webster.
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If someone has never lost a pet, they really don't understand the sorrow. I've lost many, and you would think one would somehow get used to it, but no. I can't imagine life without pets, though, could you.
Webster is beautiful, pure chow? And your son is a handsome boy. Hope it won't be too hard on him, and your family. This was expressed beautifully, very moving.
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painful
i can't now. i fought hard against having dogs, but you know, the dad's always the last one on board. Zach's 23 now. Webster and his sister, Shadow, are half Australian Sheppard/Chow. Shadow's still around and rather spry. She finally quit escaping the yard a year or two ago. Thanks for reading and your kind comments...
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Sigh...I lost Winifred a few months back. I feel. My son's name is Zach too!
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condolences in return then. they sure do grow up fast, don't they? the pups AND the sons...
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WOW! Okay I have been here and done this, yet I was just telling my roomate yesterday I was not ever ready to lose Zek...and he started with truth, it would happen and be ready...I am not/can not at this momet, thous my heart goes out to you all and this beautiful write you did for him...deep and strong and soooooooo beautiful...wishing you all the best from my heart to yours.
Love,
mystic
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awww.
this makes me get that lump in my throat, your voice sounds like it's trying to be strong in this poem, but i can hear it cracking inside the words.
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My dear, dear friend, my heart goes out to you and your family. What a beautiful poem! What a great photo! What a cool name, I'm sure Webster had quite the personality. I like others know the deafening roar of quiet that has suddenly filled the space within your walls.In time the gap of sadness will be filling with tears of laughter with fond memories and antics of Webster.
Heartfelt hugs to you....
Chelle
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Near this spot
are deposited the remains
of one who possessed
Beauty without Vanity,
Strength without Insolence,
Courage without Ferocity,
and all the
Virtues of Man, without his Vices.
This Praise, which would be unmeaning
Flattery if inscribed over human ashes,
is but a just tribute
to the Memory of Boatswain, a Dog.
~ George Gordon, Lord Byron
"Inscription on the Monument
of a Newfoundland Dog"
These are the sad days…
I feel for you. I really do.
~ crissy
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