Silence


No Ribbon nor Trophy
No Best in Show -
No paycheck is needed;
In Silence...they go.

To bring smiles and laughter
A warm loving paw -
Recognition - Not Needed,
A Therapy Dog is on call.

Soft fur-Gentle nose
Alert shining eyes.
On the job, making rounds
Angel's in disguise.

No parade nor confetti
No brass band for show -
Hearts beating with Love -
In Silence...they go.
(c) Evelyn Colbath
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This poem is copyrighted by the author
Evelyn Colbath
Gitano Road Sanctuary
To learn more about Tails on Wheels go to:
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Ridge/2107/

to the many
compassionate Veterinarians
who care for pets with their hearts as well as their
skill.

Old Dog

When the old dog had to die after long years full with
love and honor,
When the weight of time grew wearying and she was
content to have it finished,
I brought my old dog to our friend.
Old dog lay soft against me, old eyes already closed,
waiting.
Our friend's hand was gentle on the weary body, with
its ragged fur
So gentle to find the frail small vein where death
could enter.
Difficult, old blood runs sluggish, old veins slackly
resisting.
So patient, our friend, his knowing hands, all I can
see through silent tears.
I watch capable strong hands lightly coaxing, and at
last a small red flower
blooms briefly in the crystal before he eases the
plunger in.
Old dog only sighs very softly.
The weary heart slows and stops as the joyful spirit
leaps free.
We wait a quiet minute, my tears dropping unheeded,
into the soft fur.
Our friend withdraws, his gentle hands leaving old
dog's cast-off body.
My head bowed over the weathered white mask for a
moment
before I let her lie by herself and draw the blanket
over her.
I wish the old dog had made it easier for him.
To bring even a kindly death brings sadness.
He asked how many years she had, and I heard more than
that in his voice.
I wish I could thank him for keeping zest in her
years, for making a good
end of them, for his capable hands, for his gentle
word and caring heart.
I took the old dog home, and laid her as if sleeping,
wrapped in her worn
blanket and sheltered deep in the kindly earth.
Author unknown
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