27/08/2023
I wrote this poem to help my elderly father come to terms with a terminal diagnosis for his beloved dog. I hope it helps others too. Feel free to share â€ïžđŸ
Dear Humans
You seem really sad but I just donât know why
Has something happened to make you cry?
See, I donât understand as I live in the now
But I sense your despair, I feel it somehow
Can we go back to the way that we were?
A scratch on the ear, your hand on my fur
Without the tears and the grief you portray
Letâs go and play ball. Letâs live for the day!
If I am poorly I wonât know that
I live in the moment, so give me a pat
To reassure me that you are alright
I donât understand why you feel so uptight
To make me happy âtil the end of my days
Treat me like normal, letâs go back to old ways
Hug me with smiles and save all of your tears
I pick up on your stress and your pain and your fears
To make me smile âtil I earn my wings
Make me a list of my favourite things
Take me to beaches, to rivers and streams
To run and to splash, to live all of my dreams
Feed me the chicken, the liver, the steak
Letâs live for the now, and make no mistake
This will make me the happiest pup
Until you are sure that my earth days are up
And when that day comes I trust you to choose
To make the decision to make that day smooth
I trust you to love me and read my mind
To look into my eyes and look for the signs
For to let me go then, before Iâm in pain
Means your love for me will not be in vain
It will be the greatest gift you can give me
Just hold my paw and make sure youâre with me
Youâll have to be tough, youâll need to be strong
But I truly have faith that your choice wonât be wrong
I just want you with me when itâs time to pass
I will want you right here when that breath is my last
So letâs put the sadness and grief on a shelf
Thereâs time for that later so please be yourself
Be the beautiful humans I love and adore
See I donât understand and I simply need more
More laughter and happy, more smiles and fun
Until we all know I can no longer run
And that is the time when I know youâll be strong
The decision you make will never be wrong
My love for you humans will never fade
Nor will the hundreds of memories weâve made
So I want you to know, when I meet my fate
Iâd rather leave a moment too soon than a day too late
Your beloved dog â€ïžđŸ
©ïžCopyright: Nikki Channon 2023
Brechfa Forest Barns - totally dog friendly holiday cottages