Circle of Life - a Pet Story

It seems like just the other day
Our pup, Shadrack, did pass away;
And altho’ they never seemed like friends,
My old cat, Jorg, knew Shad had met
   his untimely end.

He mourned his loss every day
And looked for Shadrack everywhere.
He’d mew and moan as if to say,
“We were friends.  I do care.”

Then one night, an eerie howl
Awoke me from my sleep.
He’d found Shad’s toys and left no doubt
That his feelings did run deep.

So our tedious search began
To find another likely pup;
But while my poor wife still grieved,
Could another measure up?

We went to Second Chance and Free to Live.
She just could not make up her mind.
She loved them all; but, if she picked just one,
The rest would have to stay behind.

Then, quite by chance, there was a “pound pup”
Who’d been picked up from the streets.
He was a mutt, a “schnauza-pug”;
But he was awfully sweet.

He jumped up and kissed her frantically.
He seemed aware of his “iffy” situation.
He made the best of his opportunity.
Tears of joy told her elation.

“This is the one”, she smiled through tears,
As she held him... oh, so tight.
“I’m sure that Jorg will like him too.
Everything will be alright”.

And so it was, until one day
When old Jorg did pass away…

There was no hesitation on this sad occasion;
Come Saturday morning, we went straight 
   to the pound,
Open minded and hoping to be “saviors”,
Surely a nice cat was to be found.

“Sadly”, the lady said,” three kitties have only today.
There’s Andre and Panda and another one too”.
My wife smiled and said, “Jorg was your boy.  You pick.
They’re both beautiful cats.  It’s up to you”.

As I pondered this commitment
Another cat, a young one, caught my eye.
Like Jorg, he was a common gray tabby.
Fond memories were stirred.  I almost cried.

On closer look, his name was Boris;
And, strangely, he was number three.
There was a small sign on his crate,
“I don’t like other cats and other cats don’t like me”.

But there was character in his eyes and he was cute.
He was rolling and purring and stretching.
He seemed to look deep into my heart
And did his best to be quite fetching.

But because he was just a common gray tabby,
And because of the little sign,
His chances were slim, his future quite dim
And one day is precious little time.

For a moment I was lost in his eyes
And I heard his desperate plea, 
“I’m a swell cat and litter box trained.
Take me.  Please, take me”.

“Well”, my wife urged, “is it Andre or Panda”?
“One of us will take the other kitty.”, two older ladies chimed.
“You can each have one ladies”, I said with a smile.
I want Boris and he wants to be mine”.

In just hours he was romping and rolling with Pepper,
Who had happily welcomed his new friend.
Boris was a perfect fit, an affirmation;
The Circle of Life never ends.

Much more Joy than Sadness in this Circle,
And there should never be regrets.
Honor their memories and all the love they share,
Never break the Circle, never be without a Pet.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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A   Avatar
September 23, 2014 at 4:51 PM
Robert, Congratulations, In Regina's "Special Memory" contest..... Have a nice one, LINDA
Bateson Avatar
September 23, 2014 at 3:20 PM
Very touching and heart warming. It brought a tear to my eye.
May Avatar
September 20, 2014 at 9:06 PM
What a beautiful story....Congrats on your win.....
Dietrich Avatar
September 19, 2014 at 9:26 PM
yes, yes, yes, we must never be without them. My hubbie has been wanting a dog for the longest time and just the other day we adopted a puppy, miniature Aussie. My black cat hisses at him but I am sure in time that they will be friends. Wonderful win. Congratulations.
Guzzi Avatar
September 19, 2014 at 4:42 PM
I so enjoyed your story poem! Congrad's on your win! Light & Love
Richards Avatar
September 19, 2014 at 12:54 PM
What a beautiful story, and compassionate hearts are shared by the telling. Love this poem....we too have adopted many animals over the years, and the joy is immeasurable ! Congratulations on your win!
Meier-Hans Avatar
September 19, 2014 at 7:59 AM
More then once I had tears welling up in my eyes as I read this beautiful heart warming poem. Congratulations on your lovely winning poem Robert.
Hamilton Avatar
September 19, 2014 at 6:36 AM
warm heartfelt sentiments Robert I can not imagine life without animals superb pen congrats on placing 1st hugs
Mehta Avatar
September 19, 2014 at 5:13 AM
Interesting story well, told, congrats on the win, Robert
Mcintosh Avatar
September 19, 2014 at 1:17 AM
I agree... I LOVE my dog and all the dogs, cats, horses, deer and many, many pets who have gone on to heaven. Thank you for entering my contest and congratulations. God bless you and happy writing. Love and prayers, Gina
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