his love fills my heart
his journey's almost over
love's worth the heartache
Earlier this week, I got a call from my best friend to tell me she had to take her dog to the emergency room because he was listless. They hooked him up to an IV, but it didn't look good. They ran some blood tests which have yet to come back. Luckily, he seems to be recuperating, but for a while there, we thought we were going to lose him.
The day after the ER visit, she called me. You see, I'm her dog's Titi, his dog godmother. From the time she adopted him, I have been a part of his life. He and I have this bond that is indescribable.
After my dog died in 2008, I didn't want another one. I was in the midst of going through a divorce and didn't want the extra expense. My son, on the other hand, wanted one. So, we compromised in dog sitting. Rex was our first, and best, client. He loved coming to our house, so much so that the minute my best friend got off the expressway on our exit, he would get all excited.
Whenever he sees me, he runs to me and puts his front paws on my legs and will not leave until I have thoroughly immersed him with hugs, kisses, and a ton of petting while his tail goes ninety to nothing. He loves my son as well, but even my son gets jealous of the amount of affection Rex gives me.
So, when I got that phone call, it broke my heart. I'm not ready to lose his love and affection, and yet, I know the day will come one day and my heart will shatter into a million pieces. As Tennyson wrote, "'Tis better to have loved and lost / Than never to have loved at all."
So, here's to my Rex! May he continue to get better so we may enjoy his love for a few more years...
Have you ever bonded with an animal? I'd love to hear about it.
I can totally relate to this. Lost a baby in 2005. Now planning to get another one.
ReplyDeleteThey are such joys to have, aren't they, Reena! I have considered getting another dog, but my budget, my long work hours, and my trips aren't conducive to having a dog. So, for now, I just have fish. lol! Thanks for sharing today! :-)
DeleteWonderful photos of happy people and happy furbaby. Really hope he recovers quickly and completely. I know how furbabies become part of the family.
ReplyDeleteThank you, JadeLi! He is definitely part of our family, even if he doesn't technically belong to me. Thanks for stopping by today! :-)
DeleteThis is a beautiful senryu and I can easily relate to lyour feelings for Titi . We have a thirteen year old Labrador who is now very frail and failing. We know as you do that she cannot live forever but we wish she could.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos of your son and Titi . Stay well 💜💜💜
Thanks, Willow! It's when they start failing that the hearts hurt the most because you love them with all your heart and don't want to see them suffering. Yet, you also don't want to let go. Thanks for sharing today. :-)
DeleteI can relate, Yvette. We lost our 19 year old cat in January of 2020 and were heartbroken. We adopted our new cat, Callie on Valentine's Day of 2020. She's full of vim and vigor and such a joy.
ReplyDeleteOur pets do leave an empty space in our hearts that need filling. I'm happy you found Callie to bring more love into your life, Eugenia. Thanks for sharing! :-)
DeleteHe looks easy to love! Yes, may he long prosper. (K)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kerfe! He is very easy to love. :-)
DeleteA beautiful poem and moving story. I’m so pleased Rex is doing better. A dog I’ll never forget is Elsa, a German Shepherd who was my fur baby soulmate when I was a child. Have a wonderful weekend, Yvi. Hugs, Harmony 💕🙂
ReplyDeleteThey leave such an impression on us, don't they, Harmony? I wonder if we have as much of an impact on them as they do on us. I hope so. :-)
DeleteAwww, what an adorable little guy (both the dog and the boy). Here's hoping for a full recovery for Rex! I love your senyru!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jan! Colleen mentioned emotions, and I was all the feels with this little guy, so it's all I could write about. I appreciate your well wishes. :-)
DeleteYes, they do, Colleen! Sorry for making you cry, but I'm happy I used the senryu form correctly! :-)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos and poem. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm happy you enjoyed them. :-)
DeleteBeautiful, Yvette:) I pray for his recovery. Yes, it is better to haven and received that love. Xo
ReplyDeleteThanks, Denise! He seems to be doing much better! His red blood cells were low. They are going to test him again in another few weeks to see if it's a real issue or just a momentary thing. Thanks for the well wishes. :-)
Deletesending healing graces to your Rex and all the people that love him. Thanks for sharing your love for this furbaby. blessings, Yvette. xoxo Selma.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the well wishes, Selma! He is doing much better now, and we are very grateful. :-)
Delete(Jules) It can be scary when our four-footed family have unexpected issues.
ReplyDeleteWe had famliy that lost three dogs in the space of perhaps 6 months - but they were old and well loved. Now one of her kitties is almost 17! That is very long for a cat.
Glad your God-dog is doing better!
Thank you, Jules! They truly are part of the family. :-)
DeleteYvette ~ this is so so so sweet... I hope Rex stays strong for years to come...
ReplyDelete~David
SkepticsKaddish.com
You and me both, David! Thanks for the well wishes and for visiting. :-)
Delete(Gwen) Such beautiful, tender photos. I hope your sweet pup recovers soon. Hugs... ❤️
ReplyDeleteThank you, Gwen! He is doing much better now! I appreciate the well wishes. :-)
Delete