To All The Dogs I've Loved And Lost

[Divine Angel]

Samson- I still have that photo of you pinching my toast when I was young and defenceless. My earliest memories of you are you running away, but you always came back. A German Shepherd showdog. My first doggy companion.

Scamp- You little rascal, you! You liked beer, chasing kangaroos, bullying everyone around you, and you wouldn't go out in the morning unless you were given a Chocolate Monte biscuit. You were a brat, but you were the first dog I could call my own, and I loved you. I was so upset when you died, but I was more upset at dad because he didn't put the leash on you. The only comfort I have, is that you didn't suffer at all. An Irish Terrier cross, killed by a car.

Magellan- If I thought Scamp was a brat, she had nothing on you! You stole things from everywhere and had a nice little collection of socks, toys and general pieces of junk. The funniest thing you brought home was a Tickle Me Elmo toy. We had to do a letter drop around the whole nerighbourhood to find out where you'd pinched it from. Mostly a red heeler, died a horrible parvo death.

Sammy- what a character! Saved from Death Row, you were everything a country dog should be. Your tail was HUGE and destructive. My lasting memories of you are those farts you constantly did whenever you were in a car. Oh look, car- fart! Ongoing HP problems but eventually you dislocated your shoulder. Big and boisterous, but you were loved. It's the only time I've ever seen my father upset, when he had to put you down. Another German Shepherd.

Patchie- what can I say about you that hasn't been said a thousand times before? Perfection in a little brown coat. A little person with fur. Taught me everything I know about love and accepting one's self. Gone too soon, at age 14, but I thought you'd be here forever. Scamp's sister.

Chiyo- OK so you weren't a dog, but you're still included in the list. You chose the day of your death so well. I marvel at how you could have known that this was "the perfect day" (as if there is such a thing). But you knew, and you let me know as well. You were given to me for my 21st birthday, a present from Phil whom I'd met just 4 days earlier. I understand now why you had to go- Jasmine would have been way too much for you to handle! I can understand that. I am so sorry that she found your remains- it broke my heart a second time.