A Tribute To My Dog

"Who can bear to lose a tie With a dog that is man’s best ally? .......by poet "Here lies my dog, motionless in his kennel unable to wag his tail as he always did. yesterday when I saw him, curling helpless on his mat he still wagged his tail and from him arose a faint tremolo of love punctuated by gutturals of pain. at some bleak hour of the night, the last ember of life died down and his supple body turned stiff and stark. now he lies straight and majestic in death leaving a track record of love far difficult to break, - a love no vessel can hold or equated with what we humans feel. speechless as I stand, memories churn within. he came to us - too young to be weaned, a glossy black puppy with tawny gleaming eyes. his short, sturdy limbs, large drooping ears, slender waist and elongated frame well proclaimed his pedigree aloud so full of mischief, he capered and hopped, like a new born calf, always up on his heels. Sniffing with moist nose, he dug and dug as if unearthing a treasure trove buried deep beneath the soil. with alert vigil, he guarded our home, barking at strangers and driving rodents away he expected nothing in turn but love. his loyalty as we deem was never servile. never was he on chains to be hauled like cattle. he enjoyed sauntering through the courtyard giving company as we took our evening rounds. he gloated rubbing his body over our knee and sat content as our stroking fingers ran all around licking our feet and arms, what he conveyed in inarticulate words could be deciphered thus - ‘I love you, love you true’ Like the bouncing ball, he often played with our hearts made to bounce up in love and our hands fold in benison for a comrade who departs, valiant in life and loyal to the core hoping to meet him anon on the far green meadows of bliss, still wagging his tail, avowing a bond too strong to be snapped or splintered". ____________________________ April.10. 2022 A Brian Strand Premiere Choice Poetry Contest Here is a tearful tribute to my dog that has been an endless source of joy and comfort in our lives. He has been all mischief, but a true blessing and a loyal companion to the end. No wonder, a dog is hailed as man’s best friend. How its life is inextricably bound to the life of its master! The love of a dog is unconditional and its loyalty to its master is proverbial! My dog….Tipu was the very embodiment of love and loyalty. He made our lives richer! He was a sprightly, lovesome Dachshund! He enjoyed being fondled and pampered like any other dog and responded vigorously to every act of endearment. Our evenings were made lively by Tipu walking close to our heels. He was so disciplined and hardly misbehaved. It was so touching to witness his last days. What happened to him is still unknown. He suddenly lost his appetite and refused to eat or drink. For about a week, he simply lay in his kennel. Even with the door lying open the whole day, he didn’t go out. Helplessly he would moan seeing us and respond to our caresses by feebly wagging his tail. Though the vet administered medicines, it was of no use. One day early in the morning, we saw him lying dead in the kennel. It was a heart rending sight! We felt as if a member of the family had passed away and we still mourn his absence!