Guest OurGreytLife Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 Years ago when I was a dog trainer, I came across this poem written by another trainer, Barbara Marlton. When I first saw this poem, my own dog, a Samoyed, was just diagnosed with Osteo. I felt this poem said it all back then and now. This poem I'm dedicating to Pammy and her owners as well as to all those out there who have an elderly dog or one going through an illness, or have dogs, like me, waiting for us at the bridge. Wistful Thinking by Barbara Kahn, Marlton, NJ I listen to the complaints and agonized confusion of new dog owners and think: How lucky they are to be starting their path with this new dog; How beautiful and healthy and virile are these animals With the desire to run and jump and play games foremost on their minds. I wonder why they can't think ahead To the time when there's no more running or jumping, only painful slow walking; When there's little game playing, mostly memories of past good times together; When the muzzle is gray, the eyes cloudy and the virile, tautly muscled body is now soft and bowed. And I wonder how they get so caught up in the difficulties that they can't see the joys of puppyhood and adolescence and young adulthood, replete with their problems, of course, but filled with boundless exuberance. Can't they see how quickly it passes and how temporary these problems are? And I think of you, and I wish we were starting our path again instead of coming to its inevitable end. Oh how I wish to see you young and virile and full of fire and determination again; How I wish you'd pull on the leash instead of being so unsteady in your footing; How I wish you'd steal food from the counter instead of my having to think of force feeding; How I wish you'd jump on me again instead of having to be helped to stand. And when new owners are praying to God for the patience to last one more day with their dogs, I'm praying to God to please give us one more good day together. How I wish the others could see into the future and feel the pain of impending loss of such a special, special friend. Oh how I wish! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest hamiesmom2 Posted February 4, 2007 Share Posted February 4, 2007 What a beautiful poem and how true it is. I cherish each day with my beautiful 8yr old boy and my pretty little wild cat who is turning 10. I hope to have many, many more days with both of them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HopeForHounds Posted February 4, 2007 Share Posted February 4, 2007 How true. Beautiful. Quote Casual Bling & Hope for HoundsJanet & the hounds Maggie and Allen Missing my baby girl Peanut, old soul Jake, quirky Jet, Mama Grandy and my old Diva Miz Foxy; my angel, my inspiration. You all brought so much into my light, and taught me so much about the power of love, you are with me always.If you get the chance to sit it out or dance.......... I hope you dance! Missing our littlest girl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest vahoundlover Posted February 4, 2007 Share Posted February 4, 2007 Beautiful poem and so true....thank you for sharing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest canagreyts Posted February 4, 2007 Share Posted February 4, 2007 What a wonderful reminder of what we have to be grateful for. It is so hard to believe that this year is the 5th year that Maggie and Nebraska have been a part of our lives. Nebby moved in and seldom ever caused much of a ripple in our pond. He is so solid and quiet and peaceful. Definately our alpha, but always a gentle presence. Maggie ~ we adopted her at 3 1/2 years as a spooky, scared little girl. Within our home, she has always been the source of laughter, exasperation, frustration and very much in your face love ! Outside her leash behaviour has always been frustrating and the need of much patience. Now they are both going to be 8 this year and I can't believe that the time has passed so quickly. I pray I have many walks left in which I can be exasperated with both of them . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest PhillyPups Posted February 4, 2007 Share Posted February 4, 2007 (edited) How beautiful that is. I read this as my 12-1/2 year old is lying at my feet, my 11 year old is napping on his favorite bed, my 9 year old is sitting straight up on the love seat and we are all watching my 7 year old play with a stuffie, and tears are streaming down my face. I cherish the moments we have, and enjoy the learning process I have been through with each one of them, as there have been no difficulties, just my learning experiences. Hug your hounds Edited February 4, 2007 by PhillyPups Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jettcricket Posted February 4, 2007 Share Posted February 4, 2007 ...That is so beautiful and so true. I can't believe my babies are seniors! Cricket is 9 and my boy Jett is 8. I cherish each and every day and every moment with them. Because for any of us you just dont' know. Thank you for sharing that with us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greyaspet Posted February 4, 2007 Share Posted February 4, 2007 Well that just made me cry, my oldest girl is 13 1/2 and just because of old age is getting fragile. I never thought she would bless my life for this long and every minute I have her is a gift. Yes she was a wild thing in her young but in a fun way. Just thinking that I don't know how many more days, or months that she will brighten my day just by perking up her ears makes me sad but happy in a way I can't explain. Thank you for posting this, now I have to rethink my "push all of my go crazy buttons every day" boy. Some day I will have to be at this stage with him. Sheila Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greypuppyluv Posted February 6, 2007 Share Posted February 6, 2007 What a touching poem. Quote Paula & her pups--Paneer (WW Outlook Ladd), Kira & Rhett (the whippets)Forever in my heart...Tinsel (Born's Bounder - 11/9/90-12/18/01), Piper, Chevy, Keno, Zuma, Little One, Phaelin & WinnieGreyhound Adoption Center ~ So Cal rep for Whippet Rescue And Placement For beautiful beaded collars, check out my Facebook page: The Swanky Hound Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Madeara Posted February 6, 2007 Share Posted February 6, 2007 I cherish every day with my boy. Quote "To err is human, to forgive, canine" Audrey, Nova, Cosmo and Holden in NY - Darius and Asia you are both irreplaceable and will be forever in my heart Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest trevdog Posted February 6, 2007 Share Posted February 6, 2007 So true.....I have been on both sides now. We cherish the crazy puppy moments with Dallas cause all too soon, they grow up and things change. Before you know it all you have are memories. I adore the fact she has taught Ossie how to be a puppy, something I doubt he has been even as a youngster...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest IrskasMom Posted February 6, 2007 Share Posted February 6, 2007 I Treasure every Moment with my little Boy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jeannejj Posted February 6, 2007 Share Posted February 6, 2007 Thank you for sharing. That really puts things in perspective. It's so true. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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