In Memoriam

Patches

September 12th, 2005

Though you were only with us for a short time

- July of 2005 until the day you died - 

I knew you were a loving, wonderful dog.

You weren't like any of the other rescue dogs at the kennel;  

you harbored an intelligence far beyond them.  

A sweetness that was unrivaled.

A soul that was patient.

But, even beyond that, something about 

the way you looked at me 

- watched me, especially - 

that whispered so much more.

I can remember the first moment the bond began.

 

I was cleaning up the back play yard alone. 

You stood at the end of your run, silently watching me.  

No other dogs did; you, as well, were alone.

 

It was a hot day, so you had every reason to be in the 

cool shade of your indoor run, and yet you stood 

- with a panting doggie smile on your face - 

and watched.

 

When another person came through the kennel, 

the other dogs rushed outside to bark.

You stood and watched me.

 

When the person left, the other dogs went back inside.

Still, you stood . . . and watched.

 

I'll never know exactly what you were searching for that day, 

my dear friend.  

Perhaps a simple bond of love to replace the emptiness 

you felt by heartless abandonment.

 

I will never forget that moment, and I pray that I fulfilled, 

or came close to fulfilling, whatever your wish was. 

 

I'll always remember our times out in the kennel play yard.

Though they were brief, they were the times

I looked forward to the most after a long day at work. 

Just to be able to watch you play

and enjoy time away from your run

was enough to make me happy.

I wish I could have given you a real home, my dear friend,

because you so much more than deserved it.

And when He saw it wasn't possible for me to adopt you,

He thought it best that He return you to your real home.

I hope I didn't let you down, my sweet kennel companion.

No one will ever take your place in my heart.

Rest In Peace