Bear

Rottweiler, 09/07/92-12/26/92
Oh, my gosh, what's this I see?
Another two legged creature standing over me.
Maybe, this time, I'll be the one,
As I have watched my litter mates go, one by one.
At ten weeks old, I know nothing of humans,
But I'm going to like this one, at least I'm assuming'
She knows how to love me and keep me safe from harm,
And I know, with this family, I'll be happy and warm.
My family loves to go camping and so do I,
So much freedom and peace under the clear, sunny sky.
I'd rather do nothing than play in the sun,
Long walks, lots of love, and I just romp and run.
Tonight, as we do my next favorite thing,
Which is taking a walk, I'm so happy I could sing.
Please let me take Girl's leash in my mouth,
I can walk her ... which way? ... north or south?
Gee, mom and dad, this is fun, but I'm so tired,
I can't seem to walk, my feet seem to be mired,
Just let me rest for a minute, I plead,
I'll be ready to go real soon, your voices to heed.
What's wrong? Why can't I get up and play?
Mom's crying so hard, I hate seeing her this way.
She's holding me and I want to tell her it's okay,
But Rainbow Bridge is calling me this day.
As we ride in the car on the way to the vet,
I slip quietly away and yet,
I wish I could stay with this family of mine,
Fourteen weeks is just not enough time!
My breeder didn't care about such things as good breeding,
All she wanted was money...all the warnings not heeding.
I hope she knows all the grief she has caused,
For the humans who loved me from my nose to my paws.
It is at Rainbow Bridge I now wait,
And when my family finally comes to the gate,
I will be whole again, and so will they,
In the meantime, we just wait for that glorious day.
Bev Raby
Dedicated to my precious baby, Bear. God, I still miss him so!

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FROM FRIEND TO FRIEND

You're giving me a special gift,
So sorrowfully endowed,
And through these last few cherished days,
Your courage makes me proud.
But really, love is knowing
When your best friend is in pain,
And understanding earthly acts
Will only be in vain.
So looking deep into your eyes,
Beyond, into your soul,
I see in you the magic, that will
Once more make me whole.
The strength that you possess,
Is why I look to you today,
To do this thing that must be done,
For it's the only way.
That strength is why I've followed you,
And chose you as my friend,
And why I've loved you all these years...
My partner 'til the end.
Please, understand just what this gift,
You're giving, means to me,
It gives me back the strength I've lost,
And all my dignity.
You take a stand on my behalf,
For that is what friends do.
And know that what you do is right,
For I believe it too.
So one last time, I breathe your scent,
And through your hand I feel,
The courage that's within you,
To now grant me this appeal.
Cut the leash that holds me here,
Dear friend, and let me run,
Once more a strong and steady dog,
My pain and struggle done.
And don't despair my passing,
For I won't be far away,
Forever here, within your heart,
And memory I'll stay.
I'll be there watching over you,
Your ever faithful friend,
And in your memories I'll run,
...a young dog once again.
In Memory of Asta, Feb. 1997
(c) Karen Clouston

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