by Myrna Bowen

Created on: August 29, 2009   Last Updated: August 30, 2009

The Price of Loving a Dog


That final day I spent with you,
I wondered if you maybe knew
Today you had some place to be
Away from here, away from me.
The Rainbow Bridge is waiting now
I have to let you go, somehow.

Another needle, this one's the last,
Ten years undone so very fast.
Your gaze grew clear, you looked at me,
The time had come to set you free.
I felt the slowing of your heart,
Each beat coming farther apart.
One last blink, an indrawn breath,
And then the final peace of death.

I knew this fight could not be won,
But oh, dear God, what have I done?
I can't believe this came to pass,
My heart is pierced with shards of glass.

Back at home, your grave's been dug.
I wrapped you in your blanket, snug
And gently placed you in the hole,
My dog, my heart, my joy, my soul.

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