Baby days with Lukey and Jasmine
Ms Jasmine in the leaves
Getting two tumbling puppies to sit for this shot
was a feat
Swimmies - their happiest times
Neither would let go of the Kong!
An ongoing competition
Jasmine suspects Lukey is getting
something to eat - no fair!
2015, in better health
Resting her head on her gigantic moose,
that she loved so much she wore its ears
and antlers and arms off.
She was buried with it beside her, yesterday,
alongside her brother's grave, here on the farm.
This gives me comfort.
Sister and brother, towards the end,
always smiling, always beautiful
Love-dogs
Two tumbling puppies
wrapped tentacles
around our hearts.
They breathed happiness.
They knew only love.
They came into the world together
and left it one month apart.
Two golden butterballs
with loving eyes
and gentle hearts,
they say dogs come
to teach us how to love and,
as they leave,
they teach us
about loss.
Our hearts break,
yet we know
the years of joy
they brought us
are worth
the price we pay
in tears and pain.
They leave us grateful
for the gift
of two tumbling puppies
who wrapped tentacles
around our hearts.
for the Poetry Pantry at Poets United
An update: My neighbour is one whom animal spirits visit. She called to tell me that after Jas was buried, she had a visit, from both Lukey and Jasmine, who were young and healthy again, and playing. She had a message to me from Jas, thanking me for setting her free from the pain and saying we will see each other again. Many tears, but a comforting message.
One more tie to this place cut, one more being telling you it's OK to move away, one more loss, one more proof--as if you needed it--that love is worth all the pain, that feeling pain is because of love. This beautiful remembrance is a gift, a giving back. Dear poet, I feel your loss.
ReplyDeleteI'm in tears now – for all sorts of reasons. Beautiful photos and beautiful words.
ReplyDeleteYes, the years of joy they bring is worth the price paid for so much love. My condolences to you, Sherry. Hard, so hard. I loved all the photos that you shared...such beautiful pups!
ReplyDeleteMy heart breaks thinking of your loss~ Their love was gift~ Yes, the photos are stunning as is your words~ Hugs
ReplyDeleteWhat a fine obituary for the wonderful lives... they have such wonderful smiles in those images.
ReplyDeleteyou touched my heart
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing a piece of your life. Your last stanza carries a grand reminder. We should celebrate our gifts.
ReplyDeleteLove is a wonderful thing, full of joys and of pain too. But the first, as your poem suggests, is definitely worth the latter.
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love the Kong picture.
Goodness that was so heartbreaking.. hug those precious memories close.
ReplyDeleteLove the photos.....
ReplyDeleteOur hearts break,
yet we know
the years of joy
they brought us
are worth
the price we pay
in tears and pain.... lovely, Sherry.
Garçon! Tissues to M. Newbery's table, s'il vous plait!
ReplyDeleteIt is so sad dogs have such short lives but they make up for it with the amount of love they give.
ReplyDeleteMay those tumbling golden butterballs now play in the skies together.. forever watching over you.. i am so sorry xo
ReplyDeleteThis is so incredibly beautiful and poignant Sherry, gosh those pictures! Really touched my heart and soul!
ReplyDeleteYou are so right, they teach us so much in so many ways. Hugs to you, my friend, when you feel the pain, wrap yourself in those warm memories.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth
Those tentacles around your heart are there to stay--and I don't think you'd have it any other way.
ReplyDeleteLukey and Jasmine. Lucky to have each other! What a great dog mama you were to them.
ReplyDeleteI am struck by the deep bonds of love and friendship here....not only between you and them, but between the two of them....that they came into this world together and then left it just one month apart. Wow. What a huge loss for you in such a short time, but what a gift to a be a part of such bonds. Wishing you comfort in this time, Dear One.
ReplyDeleteSomewhere in the cosmic, I'm sure they will find Bubba. He's always up for a swim and good "play". Pics are adorable.
ReplyDeleteZQ
this is sweet and at the same time sad
ReplyDeleteand what an amazing write
Happy Sunday Sherry, thanks for dropping in at my Sunday Standard today
much love...
What an adorable post! I love your sweet babies too. :)
ReplyDeleteI bet it was painful to look through these adorable pictures. I cry with you. I know this kind of loss. I hope your heart finds comfort in knowing they had a great life.
ReplyDeletevery cute. thanks for sharing it!
ReplyDeleteA sweet tribute.
ReplyDeleteLovely and, yes, heart-rending - though, as you write:
ReplyDeleteOur hearts break,
yet we know
the years of joy
they brought us
are worth
the price we pay
in tears and pain.
Wonderful pictures. Beautiful words. A moving homage to beloved companions.
I feel your grief having buried a beloved dog of 15 1/2 years last Monday. It is never easy.
ReplyDeleteDogs are the man's best friend.lovely photographs and poem written in their memory.
ReplyDeleteDogs are the man's best friend.lovely photographs and poem written in their memory.
ReplyDeleteOh! *sniff*
ReplyDeleteSo sweet!!! Dogs you own are very lucky dogs indeed.
ReplyDelete