BELOVED OLD DOG – As I am faced with my dog getting older, I composed this poem.

Some mornings I wake with pain and my hair is turning gray.
I’m now reaching my senior years and I feel it every day.
It never did occur to me, so sad, but it is true.
That my best friend, beloved dog, is getting older too.

The white hair on your muzzle, reaches further up your face.
And when we take our morning walks, you have a slower pace.
It was a rude awakening, but you made sure I knew.
Not everything was quite right, there was something hurting you.

I noticed you rub your eyes on the sofa and the chair.
Are you trying to erase the cataracts growing there?
I called the vet and we went in to see what could be wrong.
She checked you out and ran some tests, it didn’t take too long.

She touched, she rubbed, she prodded and you let out a faint yip.
Besides your failing eyesight, there’s arthritis in your hip.
She said this is expected as you reach your senior years.
Returning home with prescriptions filled, I fought back the tears.

Stored on my kitchen shelf are medications by the score
I used to think I had a lot, but you have even more.
To make your life much easier, we’ll keep this vigil up
You’ve been part of our family from the time you were a pup.

And when it all becomes too much, this promise I will keep.
I’ll stay with you and stroke your fur as you pass into sleep.
It will not be an easy task, of this I’m sure you know.
I will shed a million tears, when it’s time for you to go.

I’ll take you to that hill you loved; we’ll have one final walk.
It’s there I’ll spread your ashes and we’ll have one final talk.
And should it come that I go first, by some strange twist of fate.
By Rainbow Bridge I’ll spend my time. For you, dear friend, I’ll wait.

© 2015 Kristie Allison