I put my dog to sleep today (see my avitar). My loyal companion of the last fifteen years. Hardest thing I think I’ve ever done. In tribute, I wrote... I wouldn’t call it a poem exactly. There was no editing. No attempts to make it rhyme or flow. It’s really just my thoughts today. But I wanted to put it out there in the cosmos as a tribute to her - Shasta. Having said that, please don't be sad for me. She's at peace, and knowing that, I am, too.

She’s Just A Dog
(A Tribute To Shasta)

I remember well the day we met
Her bark I noticed first
She was at the pound
Sounding like a dog three times her size
Better to frighten away bad guys, I thought

We struck a deal, she and I
I would feed her, give her land to roam
And a place to stay when the weather was bad
Her job would be to guard the place
Keep thieves and animals away, I thought

The house seemed too small at first
Always there, under foot
I wondered if I’d made a mistake
Food dishes, water dishes, fur balls everywhere
Could we find a way to co-exist, I thought

She didn’t chase balls, didn’t see the point
Would always return the first one
And then watch in bafflement as I threw it away again
Didn’t heel well either - always wanting to be out in front
She didn't seem to know who was boss, I thought

She wormed her way into my heart, and I did the same to hers
I cried into her fur when sad, and shared with her my joys
She played in the woods around my house, never with restraints
Yet she loved most when leash came out
So she could take me for a walk, I thought

I sat beside her for a time today, she was so sick and sad
I kissed her head and said goodbye, thanked her for being mine
Her breathing slowed and finally stopped, she was at last at peace
And now the house seems somewhat large
For living, just for me, I thought

ML,

I teared up when reading your poem. That is one of the most moving tributes I've ever been privileged to read. Thank you for sharing and I wish you all the best. <<<<<ML>>>>>

Ann

ML, as a total dog lover with my own companion aging far too quickly, I understand what you are going through.

I'm glad that you had such a strong connection to Shasta. This is a lovely tribute.

Irene

Thanks for sharing, ML. I think about it a lot since my dog is aging.

JD

I'm very sorry. I know what it is to lose an old friend, one who has been there for years. It's hard to come home and home is empty.

My sympathies.

Your poem made me cry.

I will be going through a similar experience soon, (CookieDog is 15 and her kidneys are failing) so my heart goes out to you.

<<Hugs and tears>>

That's a heartbreakingly lovely poem.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Ann

That was a beautiful tribute, ML. You just made me cry.

I hope and pray that she rests in peace.

{{{Hug}}}

ML, I'm so sorry. I know how very hard this is. Your poem is a wonderful tribute - Shasta was clearly a wonderful dog.

carol

I hope she's at peace. I have tears in my eyes from reading the poem.

I'm sorry that you had to go through that experience, ML. Your grief is real and completely valid, and don't let anyone tell you that it isn't. Take all the time you need to heal, and don't be afraid to share your feelings with your friends.

There will come a time when you will remember something Shasta did and you'll laugh. You will get through this. I've done it with two long-lived dogs myself, one of which was one year old on the day I was born. I still remember Choppy, the feisty little dachshund who loved us fiercely, with fondness and misty smiles, and Darwin, the terrier-mutt mix who loved to play in the yard with my brother and me when we were teens. Shasta occupies a special place in your heart, one which no one else can. And that is the way it should be.

Shasta was very blessed to be loved by someone as loving as you are. My prayers are with you.

ML,

I'm sorry for your loss. You painted a wonderful portrait of Shasta and your memories of her. I could hear her thoughts as you threw the ball for the second time. "Well, geeze, I brought it back to you once, but if you're dumb enough to lose it twice in a row, that's your problem, not mine!"

I'm glad you're both at peace.

Happy

{{{{ML}}}}

That is a very sweet tribute. Shasta seemed to have quite a bit of spirit and I'm with HG on the second time around.

Michael

So sorry to hear that, ML.

*****hugs*****

I'm sorry MLT that you lost a best friend but as you said she's in peace now.

You wrote your thoughts, feelings and memories of the two of you,the result was a beautiful tribute to Shasta. *Thank you* for sharing it with us.

Carolyn

ML, this poem made me cry, too. A very touching tribute to a special friend. And, no, there's nothing like *just* a dog.

ML, What a beautiful tribute!

I lost my favorite dog ever a few years back and a website that really helped me was Pet Loss . They hold online candle light vigils and they have a place for you to post about your pet.

My sympathies to you. <<hugs>>

*** Hug *** I'm so sorry for your loss.

Thank you for sharing. She sounded like an awesome doggie.

I miss my old dog Sally who was 19 yrs when she passed due to heart and kidney failure. It still hurts. She was my best friend.

***Hugs***

Thanks, everyone, for your thoughts and comments. Got her buried and made a concrete plaque to put over her grave. There have been hard moments, but she was so sick at the end that I have no doubts that I did the right thing. That is no life for a dog. It is a little lonely, however, without her.