I lost my dog best friend of 13 years today.

[Blazesweetie]

134. My Condolences

I'm so sorry for the loss of your dear friend Nike.

I found some bittersweet consolation from this poem a few years ago when my dear Sweetie died. (I've since adopted another dog, as I do believe that the best way to honor the ones we lose is to give a home to another one who needs it, but only you can know when you are ready.) I hope you don't mind if I post it here for you.

“I Loved You Best”

So this is where we part, My Friend,
and you’ll run on, around the bend,
gone from sight, but not from mind,
new pleasures there you’ll surely find.

I will go on, I’ll find the strength,
life measures quality, not its length.
One long embrace before you leave,
share one last look, before I grieve.

There are others, that much is true
but they be they, and they aren’t you.
And I, fair, impartial, or so I thought,
will remember well all you’ve taught.

Your place I’ll hold, you will be missed,
the fur I stroked, the nose I kissed.
And as you journey to your final rest,
take with you this…I loved you best.

(Copyright Jim Willis, 2002)