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Part of My Heart
Shadow
A thirty pound puppy at twelve weeks old “Pick of the litter”, we were told Two new dishes and a leash to go with the collar For you, what was another dollar? With the big feet and the ears you had You were so awkward it was almost sad It wasn’t long before six months had passed You grew so big, so fast A new polar fleece blanket on the bed Meant a new place to rest your head A “ride” to you meant so much fun New people, new places and a new place to run One day you became ill Little we knew- you loved taking pills! One year went by- we thought you needed a puppy pal A four month old St. Bernard we’ll bring home. Yes we shall Together, you both played and raced in the yard Just to come inside for a drink after playing so hard You loved to be brushed, but even more You loved when I vacuumed the floor With a nudge and sometimes even a push, it was your turn I vacuumed you before to the floor I could return A surprise tongue lashing across the face Or a watchful eye could put someone in their place The words you knew- not just the usual commands You knew them all- on demand A pretty puppy and so alert Yet one of your favorites- to roll in the dirt One soft puppy snore Grew larger- one could rattle a floor A “Big Dog” we had found We knew when you reached one hundred fifty pounds In your mouth or under your head- socks we would find No holes- it was just your way of keeping us close when you stayed behind A neck rub and then a puppy hug Soon found you sleeping on the rug An occasional bone or carrot was a treat For my doggie so sweet A big head and even bigger heart You showed, to us all, a loyalty that would not depart Then one day you were very sick All over the carpet- nothing but ick I left you alone thinking you weren’t feeling well Over the next days the worry did swell Four and a half years was not a life too long When you went to the vet, we wondered what was wrong Tests were started and when completed We knew your blood was depleted Another dog, Harley, donated a transfusion We all thought this would end the confusion As we waited for you to get better, you caught flies So quick for a dog with your health and size We fell to our knees with the shock of the call Our gentle giant had taken a final fall You were gone too soon For everyone- one afternoon As we laid you to rest I cried and knew you were one of the very best “I’ll see you later”, I said to you As the pain in my heart, ten times grew For some, you would have been just a pet to the end But to me, you were my best friend In Heaven, I know you will wait I will be happy when I reach that gate Together again we will be Forever-- you’ll see
Below is a photo album of our precious Shadow.
Photo of Shadow posing straight at the camera.
Harley- A special Great Dane that generously gives to help save lives of others in need.
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