Just A Dog

Don't ever call him, "just a dog."
Who haven't the eyes to see
That I belong to him as much
As he belongs to me
God must have had His reasons
For making the likes of him
And I humbly hope with all my heart
...that I was one of them
The years have dulled his russet color
And his vision is getting dim
And he walks with a limp when the days are cold
Cause the dampness gets to him
He's not as young as he used to be
And his whiskers are frosted white
But he wags his tail as if to say
"You see, I'm still alright."
I cut his food in bite size chunks
And he gives me a toothless grin
Trusting in my love for him
Whatever shape he's in
He has accepted growing old
The way men cannot do
And I'm not ashamed to say he's taught
Me more than a thing or two
So, don't ever call him "just a dog"
Unless you are prepared
To match his steadfast loyalty
To care the way he's cared 
For many the sad offenses 
Committed in love's name
And how many times it takes a dog
...to put a man to shame!!!!
author unknown

My sister's dog, Rowdy has passed on.  I know how hard this is for her as he was a very loyal companion.  Colleen and Mike... I said a little prayer when I heard.  I was just surfing around on the net and came across this poem and thought it was very fitting to honor the memory of Rowdy.  May he rest in peace. 

This brought tears to my heart. The poem is so bittersweet. I feel so sad for your sister. Loosing a furry family member is so heartbreaking. Pets are such treasures, I've often thought it so sad that their lifespans are so short. Saying Good-bye to them is really hard. My thoughts and prayers are with your sister and her family.

You picked the perfect poem Mel. Losses never come easy - That's the rough part of having pets.

My heart goes out to Colleen and Mike. Dogs are like your children and I know how much it hurts to lose them. Just thinking about it makes me cry. We love our dogs so much, they are part of us.

Hey DeeDee, that was the nicest thing you did for Colleen and Mike........she's gonna cry when she reads this ya know.....we have many fond memories of their most patient and loving companion...one being this picture I have by the computer of TX Bill and Rowdy's Pool and the two of them sitting in a washtub of water with their sign saying, No Swimmin, No Fishin, No Nothin....he was a great dog and we too will miss his welcome at our TX get-away...........

Yup, I cried. I talked to Mel on Thursday...thanks again Melody for such a nice gesture. I know you love your doggies too. Rowdy was a gentle dog with eyes that showed
his unconditional love and was always there to cheer us on whether we were walking around the yard, working around the yard, playing around the yard or just sitting around the yard. He was special and will be missed. Thanks ya'll for your kind words. Ya'll take care.