I waited hoping he would return to the tree; hoping my gift would build
an element of trust so I might bring him home, remove the burr from his
paw, give him a cool place to lie and help him understand that the part
of his life with you is now over. He did not return that morning and at
dusk the water and food were still there untouched. And I worried. You must
understand that many people would not attempt to help your dog.
Some would run him off, others would call the county and
the fate you thought you saved him from would be preempted
by his suffering for days without food or water.

I returned again before dark. I did not see him. I went again early the
next morning only to find the food...

I waited hoping he would return to the tree; hoping my gift would build
an element of trust so I might bring him home, remove the burr from his
paw, give him a cool place to lie and help him understand that the part
of his life with you is now over. He did not return that morning and at
dusk the water and food were still there untouched. And I worried. You must
understand that many people would not attempt to help your dog.
Some would run him off, others would call the county and
the fate you thought you saved him from would be preempted
by his suffering for days without food or water.

I returned again before dark. I did not see him. I went again early the
next morning only to find the food and water still untouched. If only
you were here to call his name. Your voice is so familiar to him. I
began pursuit in the direction he had taken yesterday, doubt
overshadowing my hope of finding him. His search for you was desperate,
it could take him many miles in 24 hours.

It is hours later and a good distance from where we first met, but I
have found your dog. His thirst has stopped, it is no longer a torment
to him. His hunger has disappeared, he no longer aches. The burrs in his
paws bother him no more. Your dog has been set free from his burdens,
you see, your dog has died.

I kneel next to him and I curse you for not being here yesterday so I
could see the glow, if just for a moment, in those now vacant eyes. I pray that his journey has taken him to that place I think you hoped he would find. If only you knew what he went through to reach it...and I agonize, for I know, that were he to awaken at this moment, and (if) I were to be you, his eyes would sparkle with recognition and his tail would wag with forgiveness.

I don't feel good right now. I'm remembering all the dogs I've had. Particularly I'm remembering the special ones.

I'm remembering Tiger, my absolute favourite, of 20 years ago. I saved him at birth and nearly killed him with a van. I still have the scar from the bite he gave then, the same day my brother died. He could never stand afterwards or fall over from his damaged pelvis.

My last was 'Dog', an extraordinary mutt. I'm not yet fully over his death as the above story proved with the lump at the back of my throat.

Now my chauvinist moment. I've never know any female to have the same relationship as exist between a dog and his master. Cats, yes but not dogs. I've ponder the above sto...

I don't feel good right now. I'm remembering all the dogs I've had. Particularly I'm remembering the special ones.

I'm remembering Tiger, my absolute favourite, of 20 years ago. I saved him at birth and nearly killed him with a van. I still have the scar from the bite he gave then, the same day my brother died. He could never stand afterwards or fall over from his damaged pelvis.

My last was 'Dog', an extraordinary mutt. I'm not yet fully over his death as the above story proved with the lump at the back of my throat.

Now my chauvinist moment. I've never know any female to have the same relationship as exist between a dog and his master. Cats, yes but not dogs. I've ponder the above story and don't see how any male would willing or knowingly stray HIS dog unless.... I must think bitch somewhere and a male without balls.

oh my God - this made me cry! My heart just broke in two! Do you mind if I put this on my blog (agirlandherdogs.com)?

I have 23 dogs - all are inside dogs and we love every single one with all of our hearts and souls. Not one is kept on a leash or chained - not one is stuck outside in the heat, left without food or water - all have their shots and get good medical care (in fact i'll take them to the vet before I'll go to the doctor myself!)

I just don't understand how anyone could leave a dog somewhere to die or starve. Unless they are aggressive and/or are very sick, I would never dream of dropping them off at a kill-shelter, either. In fact, I have 2 strays that go between our house & o...

oh my God - this made me cry! My heart just broke in two! Do you mind if I put this on my blog (agirlandherdogs.com)?

I have 23 dogs - all are inside dogs and we love every single one with all of our hearts and souls. Not one is kept on a leash or chained - not one is stuck outside in the heat, left without food or water - all have their shots and get good medical care (in fact i'll take them to the vet before I'll go to the doctor myself!)

I just don't understand how anyone could leave a dog somewhere to die or starve. Unless they are aggressive and/or are very sick, I would never dream of dropping them off at a kill-shelter, either. In fact, I have 2 strays that go between our house & our 2 neighbors and they get fed & watered and we de-flea/tick them and love on them constantly.

Thank you, righthand, for showing me this (of course i'm going to be emotional the rest of the night....) - this is a very poignant poem that makes a powerful statement and a call-to-action for responsibility, respect and love for these passionate and unique creatures.