A Tribute To My Dog

Poet's Notes
(Show)

Become a Premium Member and post notes and photos about your poem like Valsa George.


September-1- 2025

Re- entered for Pets Poetry Contest

Sponsor- Rob Carmack


 

"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!

Copyright © | Year Posted 2022



Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Date: 4/17/2022 10:02:00 AM
A beautiful heartfelt tribute to your Tipu I know your love you felt for her and the love she gave back - Coco and I fell in love as soon as I picked her up at five weeks old and held her close to my heart so she could feel it. She lived for a three years breaking my heart when she got ill and died of leukemia . I noticed you mentioned in a comment to Alexis about your doggy .Should you wish, to read about my beloved Coco's story it is also on poetry soup Hello and goodbye Coco Hugs Jenny
Login to Reply
Date: 4/14/2022 4:54:00 PM
Love has no bounds; Tipu was part of your family and still is. Tipu's spirit will always be with you, even until the oneness of bliss is achieved. Sorry for your loss. Prayers and blessings, Bill
Login to Reply
Date: 4/14/2022 12:24:00 PM
I can relate to your emotion! we also lost our dog just like you described. Sorry for your loss. - Marshall
Login to Reply
Date: 4/14/2022 1:50:00 AM
Great elegy. Beautiful passionate word picture. Congratulations!
Login to Reply
Date: 4/12/2022 6:51:00 PM
As poignant and painful as the loss of our child. You’ve penned this tribute in such a heartfelt manner, Valsa. We learn the power of love and forgiveness from our pets. Congrats on your win in Brian’s contest
Login to Reply
Date: 4/12/2022 5:44:00 PM
So sorry for your loss, Valsa. A heart-felt tribute to a dearest friend ! Congratulations on your win in Brian's contest. Love and hugs ~ Mala
Login to Reply
Date: 4/12/2022 4:39:00 PM
Back with congrats on your winner. Sara
Login to Reply
Date: 4/12/2022 3:54:00 PM
Congratulations dear friend. This is truly a profound tribute to your bestfriend. He is gone but he will remain alive in your heart.
Login to Reply
Date: 4/12/2022 2:17:00 PM
My dogs in action are a force to be running from so this made sense ot me "with alert vigil, he guarded our home, barking at strangers and driving rodents away"
Login to Reply
Date: 4/12/2022 11:45:00 AM
A sweet surrender, Valsa, that you've poignantly portrayed in your extolling of Tipu my dear friend, Aloha to you with sincerity, and to Tipu's passage to eternity~William
Login to Reply
Date: 4/10/2022 2:17:00 PM
Vasal, I'm very sorry for your loss. Your poem was so heartbreaking and well penned. I know what it's like to lose a dog. I'll hug you with my prayers my dear friend as I shed tears for you. Hugs & Prayers ~ Debra
Login to Reply
George Avatar
Valsa George
Date: 4/10/2022 6:58:00 PM
Thanks a lot Debra..... ! I know you are too full of the milk of human kindness ! Every wound heals with time, if it is not too deep ! May God bless you !
Date: 4/10/2022 11:42:00 AM
Dear, Valsa, graciously accept my sympathies on the passing of your beloved dog. Losing a pet is similar to losing a family member. It crushes our hearts and soul. Love comes with a price: grief. Your poem was well-written and touching.
Login to Reply
George Avatar
Valsa George
Date: 4/10/2022 6:56:00 PM
Thanks a lot dear friend ! Glad, I have come out of it ! Life will go on even if we lose many things in the course of our life.....
Date: 4/10/2022 11:33:00 AM
Sounds like Tipu had a wonderful master, Valsa.. Very lucky dog, I'd say! May you take comfort in the wonderful home and life you provided your great four-legged companion. Tears of Sorrow, Gershon
Login to Reply
George Avatar
Valsa George
Date: 4/10/2022 6:53:00 PM
That's a comfort. As long as he was with us , he was so happy ! Thanks a lot Gershon. When human beings die deserted and ignonimous, we should feel for them much more.
Date: 4/10/2022 11:22:00 AM
I have always been anti-pet, as I believe all animals have a right to live an happy life among their own kind, but watching any life expire can be traumatic. Aloha!
Login to Reply
George Avatar
Valsa George
Date: 4/10/2022 6:48:00 PM
I agree with your views. Perhaps they may be much happier in a natural environment than being in the comforts we provide. Thanks Rico
Date: 4/10/2022 8:18:00 AM
A good day to die, Tipu, being palm Sunday. I am so sorry for your kids. " Loyalty ... Never setvile," and his majestic stretching out to the stars, make Tipus departure dignified as I could only pray for myself. Shalom shalom shalom Sis.
Login to Reply
George Avatar
Valsa George
Date: 4/10/2022 6:45:00 PM
Anil, this is not a recent incident . It happened in 2012 .... almost a decade back.... ! Thanks a lot !
Date: 4/10/2022 7:34:00 AM
Valsa, first I want to say how sorry I am for the loss of your precious dog. The death of a pet is like losing a family member (I have experience it too) It leaves a hole in our heart and soul. The cost of loving is grieving. Your poem was so beautifully penned and emotional ~Constance
Login to Reply
George Avatar
Valsa George
Date: 4/10/2022 6:39:00 PM
Yes, the cost of loving is grieving ..... ! Probably you know it more than me. This happened a few years back . Now I have got over my grief, but the memories of him are still alive in me. Thank you dear Constance
Date: 4/10/2022 5:03:00 AM
This is heartfelt, Valsa. So hard to say goodbye to a loving member of family--they give their all. They stop eating when the end nears. Though he's gone, the fond memories will remain eternal. Excellent, as always.
Login to Reply
George Avatar
Valsa George
Date: 4/10/2022 6:33:00 AM
When i get an 'Excellent' rating from you, I feel overjoyed, whether I deserve it or not. Much gratitude to you Vijay
Date: 4/10/2022 4:52:00 AM
I feel for you in your loss. Our female Chihuahua died last year in May so soon will be a year and I still miss her. She was such a sweet, loving pet. I would like a another one, but I don't think I could go through the training stage again because I am too old. We still have our male Chihuahua, but he is not the same personality as her. I enjoyed reading your work. Thanks for the visit to my page. Sara
Login to Reply
George Avatar
Valsa George
Date: 4/10/2022 5:00:00 AM
When someone loses a pet, I never knew, it could be so hard until Tipu came into our life. This dog was so disciplined. Earlier we had another dachshund. But he used to tamper with our footwear. We could never stop him doing it. I too feel for your loss Sara though I am not familiar with Chihuahua... ! Thanks a lot Sara for your empathetic response
Date: 4/10/2022 3:16:00 AM
Oh, I could feel your loss in your words, Valsa, a dog is surely man's best friend, a wonderful tribute, if Tipu could read, he would be agog with joy:)
Login to Reply
George Avatar
Valsa George
Date: 4/10/2022 4:53:00 AM
He meant so much to us... ! I wasn't very much in favor of dogs initially. It was for our children, we started keeping dogs. Tipu was the third one. He was so special and no other pet has drawn so much of our affection. He was with us only for six years ! Thanks a lot Jo
Date: 4/10/2022 2:17:00 AM
What a tribute to your pet. I admire the words used, the imagery of a beloved pet. This is so well done.
Login to Reply
George Avatar
Valsa George
Date: 4/10/2022 7:00:00 PM
Thanks a lot Victor ! When we cope with greater losses this is something bearable !
Get a Premium Membership
Get more exposure for your poetry and more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Reflection on the Important Things

Member Area

My Admin
Profile and Settings
Edit My Poems
Edit My Quotes
Edit My Short Stories
Edit My Articles
My Comments Inboxes
My Comments Outboxes
Soup Mail
Poetry Contests
Contest Results/Status
Followers
Poems of Poets I Follow
Friend Builder

Soup Social

Poetry Forum
New/Upcoming Features
The Wall
Soup Facebook Page
Who is Online
Link to Us

Member Poems

Poems - Top 100 New
Poems - Top 100 All-Time
Poems - Best
Poems - by Topic
Poems - New (All)
Poems - New (PM)
Poems - New by Poet
Poems - Read
Poems - Unread

Member Poets

Poets - Best New
Poets - New
Poets - Top 100 Most Poems
Poets - Top 100 Most Poems Recent
Poets - Top 100 Community
Poets - Top 100 Contest

Famous Poems

Famous Poems - African American
Famous Poems - Best
Famous Poems - Classical
Famous Poems - English
Famous Poems - Haiku
Famous Poems - Love
Famous Poems - Short
Famous Poems - Top 100

Famous Poets

Famous Poets - Living
Famous Poets - Most Popular
Famous Poets - Top 100
Famous Poets - Best
Famous Poets - Women
Famous Poets - African American
Famous Poets - Beat
Famous Poets - Cinquain
Famous Poets - Classical
Famous Poets - English
Famous Poets - Haiku
Famous Poets - Hindi
Famous Poets - Jewish
Famous Poets - Love
Famous Poets - Metaphysical
Famous Poets - Modern
Famous Poets - Punjabi
Famous Poets - Romantic
Famous Poets - Spanish
Famous Poets - Suicidal
Famous Poets - Urdu
Famous Poets - War

Poetry Resources

Anagrams
Bible
Book Store
Character Counter
Cliché Finder
Poetry Clichés
Common Words
Copyright Information
Grammar
Grammar Checker
Homonym
Homophones
How to Write a Poem
Lyrics
Love Poem Generator
New Poetic Forms
Plagiarism Checker
Poetics
Poetry Art
Publishing
Random Word Generator
Spell Checker
Store
What is Good Poetry?
Word Counter