Only our Maker at this time did know The impact to the souls that this dog would reach Into the lives of the people she loved. Sound lessons of life God sent her to teach.
When Bea came home at night alone She never had reason to fear. On Roxie’s turf no man or beast Could even venture near.
Upon her back under that big tree out in the lawn I never heard a muffled yell. Grandkids making pretzels of both her ears While one or more was pulling on her tail.
She was smart with the savvy of Lassie. True loyalty of the dog Little Ann. The heart and grit of the old dog Shep. And the brawn of the red fern Dan.
The baby poking at her half-closed eyes. Oh how on earth could any dog stay sane? Another made her big chest a hobby horse and used her paws for fancy bridle rein.
The nose of the deep mouth bloodhound. The ears of a big buck deer. Perfect body and show-quality of the golden lab. Defender of her turf with no fear.
Our little ones had absolutely no fear. They were way too young to know Just one quick snap from her big trap With luck could lose one toe.
Years later this dog and her body grew old. Common sense says she’d lived most her span. The time drew nigh and both hips went out. Then Bea did call on her man.
Do you folks believe in a doggie heaven? I’m sure there’s room for some debate. With my years on earth and my Abe Lincoln sense I’m certainly convinced of late.
With a boundless energy she outrun them all And so gracefully would she fly. But when the little ones challenged her She allowed them to pass her by.
Oh how I hated the assignment now. Take this dog to the vet to hear. I knew the answers before I left home. My grieving wife would now hurt all year.
I had just come out from a real great show With my pretty wife named Bea. I was very tired and we were out of town When she smiled and looked at me.
She tirelessly played the kid’s games whether dress-up or church or school Sun glasses and an old straw hat Would often be the rule.
With a quick exam the vet calmly said As she did leave this private room You may want a minute to say good-bye. I’ll check back with you real soon.”
What she said could comprise a lot of guys Not a married honey-do man. You can write me a song, you’re so good with words, She winked then squeezed my hand.
The kids and Roxie had a little exercise. It would almost make me sick. With dripping cone and lolly pops They’d take turns with a sloppy lick.
I looked into her big brown eyes. Dull not clear sparking as in her youth. As gently as trembling hands could hold her head. Tears in my eyes I prayed she’d know the truth.
Western music we’d heard and the great poets’ word Had likely turned her on. With a plea in her voice and a honey-do smile I promised to write verse not song.
She loved to play and ride in the pickup truck. Grandkids will still swear today. Many hours and good times at Grandma’s house Were spent with old Rox just that way.
With quivering voice and in plain words I simply said: Now Roxie, I beg you to understand. I speak for all who loved you so. God speed you on to heaven’s doggie land.
What is it you desire me to write about Maybe romance on land or on sea. No, I want something in story form To pass on to our posterity.”
Oft times when she’d get in the seat of the truck That’s when the trouble began. You couldn’t get her out with a treat or a steak You’d need an extra man.
Then quietly stepped into the room The white-draped vet her angel look. I nodded yes it’s now the time. Please ease her pain to close her earthly book.”
A promise made is a debt unpaid Most all of the poets say. I now had the task of telling in verse Of a dog that’s gone long away.
Now Rox wasn’t always gentle and sweet. Beware the gophers and rats. But some of our family have pictures Where she sleeps with the family cats.
Now children, grandchildren, and all who loved her so. To especially Bea for whom this poem I write Please understand she never suffered one little bit. She slowly closed her eyes as if to say “goodnight”.
Man’s best friend has been the dog To the end they are loyal and true. Our’s was a guardian angel. I’ll now tell the story to you.
At times we had other dogs. I’d like it to be known. She loved and mothered all the pups As if they were her very own.
We never discussed nor had a funeral. I’m told that many folks now do. But each of us in our own way Quietly sent up a prayer or two.
This puppy was given to a baby grandson By a grandpa who knew with no fear That a boy and his dog would grow up to be one Like a cowboy and the horse he holds dear.
A miracle seemed to happen. She was past her age – she got real sweet On a neighbor’s young Blue Healer pup Not much more than legs and feet.
I’m now one who believes in heaven For our pet dogs I tell you Bea Fourteen long years our Roxie girl Was a big part of our family.
Now Grandpa did boast about the gift he’d just brought. Blood lines just don’t get any better. Out of the best of the breed and the top of the show. And I had picked her from the litter.”
Yeaaa Roxie became a mother. Raised a half-breed pup named Baby Blue. It’s all we have of Roxie’s blood line. Mom’s sweet disposition and her DNA runs true.
Now at this time I bow my head. I thank you God, oh God above. You sent Roxie to us on earth. She taught us well unconditional love.
We sought for the right name, not Lady nor Tramp Maybe Goldie, Bouncy, or Foxie But when Bea came with a name that just fit. She turned out to be our Roxie.
Yes our whole big family had bragging rights. Each of us claimed Rox as our own.. We just took for granted the jewel we had Right up to the time she was gone.
Oh I believe in doggie heaven. Bea don’t you fret if I come late. With a welcome bark and a wagging tail Roxie will meet you at heaven’s gate.
DOGGIE HEAVEN
24
October 2013
Pets In The City Magazine
April 15, 2001 Ace Avery