We’ve been “rescued"

In honor of National Dog Day (today), we are pleased to bring you greetings from two of the dogs who are currently in the process of rescuing us. SiSi is a yellow lab cross (on the left) and Harry is a beagle who was rescued from a breeding farm.

SiSi the Lab and Harry the Beagle

Photo by J. Harrington

Harry’s predecessor crossed over the rainbow bridge almost two years ago. His name was Franco, a border collie cross. He brought the Better Half and I many years of joy tempered by hours of exasperation.

Franco still says “Hi!"

Photo by J. Harrington

Because SiSi is female, we ask that you be loose with the gender in today’s poem. She’s just (as much) my dog. And we are their humans for all too brief a time. Now, I have to go. I’ve been invited to join a couple of friends on a walk.

He is Just My Dog

He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds;
my other ears that hear above the winds.
He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea.
He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason for being;
by the way he rests against my leg;
by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile;
by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him
(I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not along
to care for me).

When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive.
When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile.
When I am happy, he is joy unbounded.
When I am a fool, he ignores it.
When I succeed, he brags.

Without him, I am only another man. With him, I am all-powerful.
He is loyalty itself. He has taught me the meaning of devotion.
With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace.
He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant.
His head on my knee can heal my human hurts.
His presence by my side is protection against my fears
of dark and unknown things.

He has promised to wait for me… whenever… wherever, in case I need him. And I expect I will – as I always have.
He is just my dog.

by Gene Hill

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