Before I was a Dog Parent: I made and ate hot meals unmolested.
I had unstained, unfurred clothes.
I had quiet conversations on the phone, even if the doorbell
rang.
Before I was a Dog Parent:
I slept as late as I wanted
And never worried about how late I got to bed or if I
could get into my bed.
Before I was a Dog Parent:
I cleaned my house every day.
I never tripped over toys, stuffies, and chewies or invited
the neighbor's dog over to play.
Before I was a Dog Parent:
I didn't worry if my plants, cleansers, plastic bags,
toilet paper, soap or deodorant were poisonous or dangerous.
Before I was a Dog Parent:
I had never been peed on
Pooped on
Drooled on
Chewed on
Or pinched by puppy teeth.
Before I was a Dog Parent:
I had complete control of my thoughts, My body and mind.
I slept all night without sharing the covers or pillow.
Before I was a Dog Parent:
I never looked into big, soulful eyes and cried.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when
I couldn't stop a hurt.
I never knew something so furry and four-legged could
affect my heart so deeply.
Before I was a Dog Parent:
I had never held a sleeping puppy just because I couldn't put
it down.
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night
every 10 minutes to make sure all was well.
I didn't know how warm it feels inside to feed a hungry puppy.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so
important.
Before I was a Dog Parent:
I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache,
the wonderment or the satisfaction of being
A Dog Parent
Author Unknown
I stood by your bed last night; I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying; you found it hard to sleep.
I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,
"It's me. I haven't left you. I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."
I was close to you at breakfast; I watched you pour the tea,
You were thinking of the many times your hand reached down to me.
I was with you at the shops today; your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels; I wished I could do more.
I was with you at my grave today; you tend it with such care.
I want to reassure you that I'm not lying there.
I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.
I gently put my paw on you; I smiled and said "It's me."
You looked so very tired and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know that I was standing there.
It's possible for me to be so near you everyday.
To say to you with certainty, "I never went away."
You sat there very quietly then smiled. I think you knew...
in the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.
The day is over... I smile and watch you yawn and say
'Good-night, God Bless, I'll see you in the Morn."
And when the time is right for you to cross that brief divide,
I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side.
I have so many things to show you; there is so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out... then come home to be with me.
-Author Unknown