Farewell to Siggy

Born on 20th January 1990, Siggy came to live with me on 24th March of the same year. From then on we we were constant companions for almost eleven years until that sad day, 3rd February 2001, when the pain became too much for her and I had to allow her to go to sleep.

For the last five years Siggy valiantly battled against cancer, recovering from four operations the last and biggest of which was in May of last year. Each time I feared the worst and each time she came through for me. And when it was nearly my turn to die from a burst appendix she lay pining for nearly ten days for my return home.

We had some great times together and during those lows in life she would be there to pull me through. I will miss your strength Siggy.

Having worked from home for most of her life gave us the opportunity to be truly close. Wherever I went there was Siggy. Our home is empty now - you walk past the living room and pause to say hello but it is empty - Siggy is not there anymore. There are so many things we used to do and Siggy would be there lending a hand but . . . Siggy is not there anymore.

You were my best friend, my loyal and loving companion. Your leaving has left a big gap in my life. Perhaps one day we will walk together along the pathways of the eternal garden, until then Siggy you will be remembered with a love that words cannot describe.

Farewell old friend, I will miss you.

There is One Best Place to Bury a Dog

If you bury him in this spot, he will come to you when you call -
come to you over the grim, dim frontiers of death,
down the well remembered path and to your side again,
and although you call a dozen living dogs to heel
they shall not growl at him, nor resent his coming
for he belongs there.

People may scoff at you,
who see no lightest blade of grass bent by his footfall,
who hear no whimper, people who may never really have had a dog.
Smile at them, for you shall know something
which is hidden from them and which is well worth the knowing.

The one best place to bury a good dog
is in the heart of his master.

Grey with age but inside the puppy still lived.

The duty of a friend

If it should be that I grow frail and weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle can`t be won.

You will be sad, I understand,
Don`t let your grief then stay your hand,
For this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship stand the test.

We`ve had so many happy years,
What is to come - can have no fears,
You`d not want me to suffer so,
When the time comes, please let me go.

I know in time you too will see,
It is a kindness you do to me,
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I`ve been saved.

Don`t grieve that it should be you,
Who has to decide this thing to do,
We`ve been so close, we two these years
Don`t let your heart hold any tears.