I started writing the following poem two years ago when I thought Simon was on his way out. Our 14-year-old Pekingese had severe skeletal problems and could hardly stand. My wife and daughter were adamant that something could be done. I wasn’t so believing. Thankfully, the lyrics didn’t have to be finished back then.
After much praying, along with the assistance of Dr. Lange and her associates at Lange Veterinary, we were fortunate to have him around for a wonderful, two more blessed years. Unfortunately, other ailments with no cure recently came along.
Simon’s last ride was to Del Taco on Christmas day, and then to Rotary Park, where he observed Joleen and I make a mess of ourselves eating burritos as we normally do. He also quietly watched the quail, pigeons, and rabbits walking near our car begging for food.
One of his favorite activities while driving around town was look for other doggies, birds, and wildlife. He was fascinated with the cottontails, and when Simon was much younger he tried chasing them to no avail.
Late Christmas evening, Simon got quite sick and became lethargic. The next morning, Tuesday, we rushed him to Stockton Hill Animal Hospital in Kingman as we couldn’t find anyone to see him in Havasu. We understood. There was a multitude of ill pets needing tended to that morning, and a doctor can only see one at a time. I set a record getting to Kingman.
Our little fur baby stayed overnight with them giving him infusions and an IV. Unfortunately, in spite of all the excellent care they couldn’t save our little guy. Blood results showed a failing liver and pancreas.
On Wednesday afternoon, as I walked to the front door of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home to make arrangements, a black crow stood next to a brownish rabbit, perhaps five feet away from me. At first, I thought they were of the stone variety, yet after stopping and observing, I noticed these guys were real.
The two stood there watching me, totally unafraid, until I went inside. Needing some emotional uplifting at this point, through tears, I took this as a sign that all was going to be okay. I truly believe we’ll see our pets again some day. I’m sure Simon will be up there ready to play.
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HE WANTED TO GO
At mention of ride.
He wanted to go.
Wagging long tail,
We couldn’t say no.
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A simple car trip.
Became oodles of fun.
Strange things to sniff.
New places to run.
*************
Many short jaunts,
That never got old.
Freedom is sweet.
He wanted to go.
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Those drive-thru clerks,
Gave him small treats.
Holding in mouth.
Not all could he eat.
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On some road trips,
He’d leap to the back.
Plop down on soft quilt.
And take a long nap.
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As years rolled by,
His movement got slow.
The jingle of keys,
Still signaled, “Let’s go!”
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There came a sad day,
Frail body was broken.
His walk unstable,
Legs quivered, no motion.
*************
Praying for help,
From God up above.
Was time to let go.
We hated to know.
*************
A place far ‘way.
He wanted to go.
Gave us one last kiss.
Two hearts are now broke!
I like to write junk... 