There is a moment when one knows it's time to say goodbye to a beloved pet, and this past week held that moment for my daughter, son-in-law and granddaughters. Their "George", a rescued cattle dog has been with them for about six years, and I had the pleasure of his visits with them, and alone when they vacationed. He was sweet and caring with the daughters, the cats, was a dearest companion to my son-in-law. They traveled to work together every day. I woke on Wednesday morning with the first line in this poem in my head. Although George was only my pet on occasion, because I no longer have a pet, he was dear to me too. A part of me thinks George must be making others happy in this, his next life.
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| Year ago, taking care of Ingrid, who is now seven. |
Of
George - 7/20/16
Up in heaven runs a pack of dogs;
the welcome fur is flying.
A dog named George
trots in to add
his smile with those arriving.
He knows he’ll miss that home he had-
the ones he loved,
who loved him so.
He will remember each caress
from the days he lived below.
It’s hard to say goodbye to love,
and when it’s time to go,
the memories in
our hearts will stay
of George; we loved him so.
LindaBaie
©All Rights Reserved
I have been remiss in my haste to post and want to add that in the early summer, another beloved dog in our family also left, this time the Bernese Mountain dog, Truman, sweet love of my son, daughter-in-law and grandson. I've had the pleasure of his visits over the years, another dear member of the family. I imagine he's up there waiting to greet George, and yes, fur flying!
I have been remiss in my haste to post and want to add that in the early summer, another beloved dog in our family also left, this time the Bernese Mountain dog, Truman, sweet love of my son, daughter-in-law and grandson. I've had the pleasure of his visits over the years, another dear member of the family. I imagine he's up there waiting to greet George, and yes, fur flying!
Oh, this is so beautiful, Linda! Pets are just something else...hate saying good-bye to them. Sorry for their loss - and yours, too!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Donna, another special dog who'll be so missed.
DeleteI admire your rhyming. This is a beautiful tribute to George without being trite. Excellent work. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Joy. It was a poem that was needed this week.
DeleteThis is wonderful, Linda. It brought a lump to my throat as I remembered my own dog, Liesl, who is surely still President of the Happy Dog Club somewhere...What a lovely tribute to George. I do hope you share your poem with your family.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Molly, and yes, it will be shared. To me, there are many dogs remembered tied up in this one poem, too, and now, especially George.
DeleteEvery pet owner can relate to your dear poem and wish for his reward to be sweet. My sympathies to all of you who loved George. What a sweet picture.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Brenda.
DeleteYes, the welcome fur is flying! Love that, Linda. I read something recently that really encouraged seeing the uniqueness of our pets, of not saying they are "just a dog/just a cat" (which we do because that helps us harden to the grief we know is coming when the die) -- but to really cherish the qualities that set them apart, treat them as the special guests and companions they are (and deal with the grief when it comes). Here's to George! xo
ReplyDeleteThanks, Irene, and for that further thought. I agree, they are not "just a dog/just a cat." It is a joy to have such a sweet companion.
DeleteAll of us who have had to say goodbye to beloved four legged friends can definitely relate to this! So, so hard to say goodbye! Thanks for this special gift this morning!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Carol. I know how much you love your dog.
DeleteYes, it is - "hard to say goodbye to love" I love how you felt it in your heart to write a piece about George for yourself and probably for our family.
ReplyDeleteYes, I'll share. They'll probably have a little "goodbye" time and bury ashes in their back garden. Thanks, Mandy.
DeleteOur pets are members of our family. They protect and love. They are blessings that grace our lives. A fur flying dog heaven makes me smile.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Julieanne. I see so many walking dogs in our neighborhood-makes me smile!
Delete"It's hard to say goodbye to love." Yes, it absolutely is. So sorry!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ruth, indeed it is.
DeleteWhat a sweetie puppy, your George was, Linda. (I love the name George for a dog.) I got goosebumps reading your poem: "He will remember each caress
ReplyDeletefrom the days he lived below." Indeed he will. Sending you and your family good thoughts. =)
Thanks, Bridget, I appreciate your words.
DeleteOh, this is so lovely! "fur flying" What a perfect image and tribute. Good dogs, George & Truman.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jane. They were indeed 'good dogs'!
DeleteWhat a sweet image of that heavenly pack of dogs! Wishing you lots of happy memories.
ReplyDeleteThanks, JoAnn. It's wonderful to imagine them in another good place!
DeleteLosing a dog-friend is tough. Thank goodness for the poems and memories.
ReplyDeleteYep! Thanks, Tabatha.
DeleteOh my, this is such a sweet dedication to George and Truman. It makes me think of my own beloved pets who have gone on. Thank you for sharing these words!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. Each one stays with us forever!
DeleteBeautiful! I love imagining Truman and that pack of dogs greeting George with doggy smiles and fur flying!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mary Lee. Me, too!
DeleteWhat sweet thoughts for a departed friend. These lines are wonderfully catchy: " Up in heaven runs a pack of dogs;
ReplyDeletethe welcome fur is flying."
Thanks, Violet.
DeleteOh, such a sweet and tender goodbye. I'm going to get up and go hug my boarder-aussie (also a cattle dog) just a bit more. These dogs have a way of knowing and caring for us in ways that are beyond human. When we lose them the grief is real and deep.
ReplyDeletePlease hug your loved ones. I'm sorry they lost their pup. I hope every memory is a blessing.
Thanks, Linda, I agree that dogs hold their families dear, as we care for them. I love hearing about your dear dog, too.
DeleteI'm too choked up at the moment for a comment other than to say, I'm sorry. We love our animals so.
ReplyDeleteThank you. It doesn't matter how long ago either. I still remember all my dogs and cats.
DeleteHugs to you and all your family, Linda. Losing a pet is losing a family member. Your poem is a beautiful celebration of George (and well-loved pets everywhere).
ReplyDelete"It’s hard to say goodbye to love" is such a tender line, Linda. I can imagine how touched your family was with the poem you wrote, Linda. While we do not own pets (my husband is allergic), I know how many of my friends feel when their animals are distressed or have passed on.
ReplyDelete"the welcome fur is flying"--a fine line for an image of dog heaven. Lovely.
ReplyDeleteThanks Catherine, Carol & Heidi.
ReplyDelete