Ollyver, My Beloved

"i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go . . . "
                                   ee Cummings

No human ever touched me so wonderfully
as did a soul by the name of Ollyver.
I adopted Ollyver when he was only one year old.
Not too fond of males (perhaps abused by them),
he immediately took to me as I snuggled him on the drive home.
In time I discovered he was not too fond of anyone at all -
other than me! Ollyver was a white miniature Eskimo dog.

Ollyver followed me everywhere. 
Knowing instinctively when I would be home from work,
he waited by the door and then leaped up into my arms
the minute I walked in.
In the night, he would curl up next to me.
He did not like my husband’s presence on the bed,
but he learned to adjust despite their mutual dislike for each other!

One day, for reasons I won’t mention, I was separated from my beloved dog.
Many tears I cried over him, for I had experienced from him
an unconditional love that perhaps no human had ever shown me.
I knew he was somewhere in my city, but he was at least ten years old
and I guessed he would die in a few years.
A few years passed, and one night, I believe my beloved dog 
visited me on his way out of this earthly realm,
for I awoke to see him standing on my bed.
My heart filled with joy as I saw him there.
He jumped over my husband’s sleeping body
and into my arms. I buried my face in his soft white fur.
The event was so real to me, yet I fell back into a dream
in which I wandered the streets with Ollyver.

Never have I had such a spiritual experience
(not even with my own family) as what I had
 with this little dog
whom I like to believe returned to me
that night of my splendid dream.
How could a mere animal have been
of such relevance to me in my life?
I know only this. . . I was loved completely by Ollyver, 
and for that reason,
I carry his heart with me.

For the 'Beloved Pets' Poetry Contest
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

Poem

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12
Callus Avatar
April 29, 2021 at 5:41 AM
Emotions galore, Andrea! Pet loving people will certainly relate to this touching poem. A last goodbye, as if to let you know that he is alright, and in appreciation of your unreserved friendship. ~ Regards // paul
Jayasankar Avatar
January 30, 2021 at 2:24 AM
What a lovely pet Andrea... your Ollyver... oh how much I wish he could have stayed more with you. Bond with pets is truly special, that he visited you in your dream on his way to heaven makes it more special. Thanks for the poem. I am faving this. Hugs ~ Ani
Inman Avatar
June 1, 2020 at 7:34 PM
Such a touching write. Adding this to your list says a lot about how much your companion meant to you. By the way, I haven't heard anything about your walnut tree lately. How is it?
Gauthier Avatar
May 24, 2020 at 12:33 AM
Awesome share, Andrea.
Watt Avatar
May 23, 2020 at 11:44 PM
So moving, Andrea. I feel everyone should have a pet like this at least once in their life to experience unconditional love and the joy of animal companionship. Love the ee cummings quote and how you drew from it for your ending.
Pederson Avatar
November 27, 2019 at 10:55 AM
a true love will reciprocate love back to you at any given time. they nestle and they provide endless love by which I have experience with my cat. a touching and emotional tribute to your beloved pet.
Milgate Avatar
November 21, 2019 at 1:02 PM
Hope it not true, very painful to loose such a dear companion. very descriptive emotional poem. bless you.
Dietrich Avatar
November 21, 2019 at 3:32 PM
it was true, it happened years ago and I feel very glad that he visited me on his way to heaven.
Roper Avatar
November 19, 2019 at 10:01 PM
Many congratulations on your winning placement:-) hugs eve funny the validate word is PAW
Agustin Avatar
November 19, 2019 at 8:21 AM
Wow! Congrats!!! Thanks for sharing this wondrous experience of yours. God bless you.
Chiri Avatar
November 18, 2019 at 9:16 PM
Congratulations on your win Andrea!;)
La France Avatar
November 18, 2019 at 4:31 PM
Andrea, congratulations on your win in my writing challenge with this deeply emotional poem, I actually had a tear in my eye reading this, it was a love beyond earthly bonds, I am sure he is waiting for you !
Andresen Avatar
November 18, 2019 at 1:54 PM
- Congratulations on a lovely 2nd place in the contest, Andrea :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Cunningham Avatar
November 18, 2019 at 11:05 AM
Loved your story Andrea, nearly missed this gem. Tom.
Kulkarni Avatar
November 15, 2019 at 2:19 PM
How heartwarming Andrea!! Loved reading about Ollyver! I can completely understand your feelings as I had and have my pet dogs. They are pure angels, filled with unconditional love. So glad to read about your spiritual experience!
O.J. Hunt Avatar
November 14, 2019 at 4:25 PM
A great dedication to love Andrea; you think of love innocently as Ollyver and his spirit pours through your pen. ;-)
Hamilton Avatar
November 12, 2019 at 10:25 PM
One of your best writes Andrea, very touching although I don't have any pets I can imagine the feelings because your description was so vivid...a wonderful write worthy of all the accolades!
De Beaulieu Avatar
November 12, 2019 at 1:20 PM
Hello Andrea Dietrich, now that is a strong bond of love for a dog. have a nice day my friend.Hugs.
Gutmacher Avatar
November 11, 2019 at 7:50 AM
the bond with a beloved pet is unique and forever. It is an honor to have been with them. Thanks for a beautiful poem about yours.
Walker Avatar
November 7, 2019 at 8:21 AM
Wow, I'm crying from knowing how he loved you and I know how sad you were that you had to let him go. What a wonderful experience to be able to write down in poetry to share with the those that read it and know that love bound that you had.
Laurie Avatar
November 5, 2019 at 6:44 PM
Hello Andrea … unconditional love is grafted to the heart and soul as your sad ballad travels to the spirit world, your time together remains strong - thanks again Andrea - Lindsay
Macfarlane Avatar
November 5, 2019 at 11:28 AM
Wow Andrea, this is tender write grabs at the heart strings. Glad Ollyver came back to you in your dreams. Spellbinding and terrific write. Hugs
Devonshire Avatar
November 5, 2019 at 9:45 AM
The bonds we have with animals emerges clearly in this poem, Andrea. Ollyver must have been beautiful -- a white Eskimo dog! There are many of us who carry similar memories so we can relate. I think Constance will love this entry. Winning wishes for you, Carolyn
Ball Avatar
November 5, 2019 at 2:49 AM
I believe God gave us the animals to teach us how to love. Mankind seems to be so selfish and shallow that we tend to think of others as lesser beings. Animals love unconditionally. Not because of who or what we are or what they think they can turn us into but AS WE ARE. If we are good to them they will love us. If we aren't they will fear us. And love is a very spiritual thing. Great write. It touched my heart.God Bless, JB
Murray Avatar
November 4, 2019 at 5:37 PM
I'm a believer too Andrea. What a lovely gift to give you.
Anish Avatar
November 4, 2019 at 5:21 PM
Nice tribute to "man's best friend",. Never had a dog only a cat named Bilbo. She had quite a few kittens but came to a sad end. These animals become like family members! Peace & Love Matthew Anish
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