(December 12, 1997 – April 25, 2013)
There is sorrow enough in the natural way From men and women to fill our day; And when we are certain of sorrow in store, Why do we always arrange for more? Brothers & Sisters, I bid you beware Of giving your heart to a dog to tear. Buy a pup and your money will buy Love unflinching that cannot lie-- Perfect passion and worship fed By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head. Nevertheless it is hardly fair To risk your heart for a dog to tear. When the fourteen years which Nature permits Are closing in asthma, tumours & fits, And the vet's unspoken prescription runs To lethal chambers or loaded guns, Then you will find--it's your own affair-- But...you've given your heart to a dog to tear. When the body that lived at your single will, With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still) When the spirit that answered your every mood Is gone--wherever it goes--for good, You will discover how much you care, And will give your heart to a dog to tear. We've sorrow enough in the natural way, When it comes to burying Christian clay. Our loves are not given, but only lent, At compound interest of cent per cent. Though it is not always the case, I believe, That the longer we've kept'em, the more do we grieve; For, when debts are payable, right or wrong, A short-time loan is as bad as a long-- So why in--Heaven (before we are there) Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?
Rudyard Kipling, The Power of the Dog
Dear David – So sad to say goodbye to our animal friends. What a great, gaping hole is left when they are gone. Blessed for the time together – we honor them by carrying forward in the resplendent light of their presence in our lives. ~ Marcy
Your words are so true. Sweet and intense does linger. Thank you.
Sorry to hear this! And a nice remembrance. My brother lost his dog this past week as well and even though separated by his divorce, the dog [Bandit] stayed true and was always eager to see him when he would pick up the kids. I hope everyone is well.. Peter
Thanks Pete. Dogs never forget. It’s part of what makes them so wonderful.
Of course, it is Toddy and Heather I remember, particularly Heather getting her head stuck in the woodwork of an endtable. (It is unclear why no one went for a saw to cut the damn table–or then again, maybe not.) Like that, Rudy’s memory will always be saved too.
Sorry I never got to meet Rudy. He looks like fun. As an only child, also, my best friend until I was 17 was Dixie. I still think of him. I know how you and your family feels right now, but know that he will be with you always. Love, Ann