I wish you enough good memories to see you through the bad times. ~Pam Brown, Australian poet
Dallas, April 2015
I
Am still
Missing you,
My beautiful
Soul Dog Dallas, and
I guess I always will.
Two years now. You departed
Right as the Pandemic began,
Leaving me sad and broken-hearted.
At last you’re free from pain and misery.
Time really has helped me process the grief
Of your passing, and I must admit
So has the arrival of a
New Sheltie puppy, Monkey.
He’s not you, nor will he
Ever be, but still
It helps to have
A puppy
Under
Foot.
Note: This poetic form is called Double Etheree.
Musings by an ND Domer's Mom 
We never forget them, do we? It’s hard to believe it’s been two years since you lost Dallas — but of course these have been two odd years, indeed.
Oh, indeed, Linda. These have been two very odd years. As hard as it was to help him cross the Rainbow Bridge, though, I’ll always be glad I was able to go into the room with him and stay there until he passed. Handing off a beloved but sick pet in the parking lot and not being allowed into the vet clinic (because of COVID protocol) would have been so much harder on both of us.
Debbie, I think you know how I felt about Dallas and his passing, so I can totally relate to your words here. I miss him too. In knowing you (and Dallas) for so many years, I felt his loss deeply; as if he had been my own dog.
It’s so hard for me to fathom that it’s been two years when it feels like only yesterday.
Love and hugs to you, dear friend!
X
Thank you, Ron. Dallas would’ve been happy to know he had such a positive impact on so many! Isn’t it interesting how close we get to pets (and people) on the Internet? Over the years that I’ve been blogging, I’ve come to feel as if I truly know so many people and their pets. And I, too, grieve when they do. As hard as it’s often been with Monkey, at least now I can think about Dallas without breaking into tears. Hugs right back at you, Ron! xo
Pets are special – but only a few are extra special enough to truly stick with us. Well done, Debbie.
Thank you, Frank. Dallas will always have a piece of my heart, but Monkey is worming his way right beside him! I didn’t think I’d ever quit crying over Dallas. Something about having a “problem child” like Monkey, though, has really helped me past the all-consuming grief. And for that, I’m mighty grateful!
Such a sweet face! How we miss our dear dog buddies when they pass. Our Liam has been gone for four years, and we miss him still.
I know you miss your Liam, Laurie. These Shelties are just so doggone cute! Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Liam was able to show Dallas the ropes when he got to the Bridge? Can’t you just hear the conversations they’d have??
Oh, yes! Makes me teary-eyed to think of it.
I managed to make it through the day without breaking down in tears, so I call that a win!
Dallas was so handsome. I know he’s smiling at this poem, and that in some way he’s always going to be under your feet too.
I know you understand, Dawn, and I appreciate it. Nobody tells us how much we’re going to miss them when they leave. Sad that they have such short lives here — seems only right that they live forever in our hearts. Give the Princess a big hug from me and Monkey!
I think Dallas will be with us all for a long time. Thanks, Debbie.
Thank you, John, for saying that. It gladdens my heart to know how much my sweet boy was loved!
So true, Debbie.
Aw, gee, you’re so kind to say that!
Always in our hearts, that is where they live forever. ❤
You bet they do! There, and on our computers … and our phones … and perhaps in a keepsake box on a shelf.
What a sweet poetic tribute to your old friend, never to be forgotten. Wishing you and your new friend many happy years ahead with different memories to create and treasure. 💙
Thank you, Barbara. I think focusing on the new and different memories will be key for me. We tend to think our hearts are full already, but you know, they expand as we let them.
It’s hard enough to lose a beloved dog, but I can’t imagine how much worse it must have been to lose one at the start of the pandemic. And you’re right, your new dog doesn’t replace the old one in any way. But it does help to cope with the grief, I think.
Ann, I got Monkey a year into the pandemic, and the vet clinic was having pet parents drop their fur-babies off in the parking lot for services. Awfully hard with a new puppy, but that would’ve been miserable with a sick senior like Dallas. I can’t fathom letting him go to the Bridge alone. Sure glad I got to hold him until it was over.
Great work, Debbie. Hugs ♡
Glad you liked it, my friend!
((Hugs)) as you miss your sweet Dallas. ❤
Thank you, Kathy. He was my soul-dog, for sure.