Dedicated to my Dog Loving Mom

Blackie Duke and Mom 

My love of dogs began in the womb thanks to my mother.  

When I was born, I joined a middle aged furry brother, Blackie Duke, who was a Labrador Retriever.  He was just the first of my furry siblings; I never have had human ones.

My mom was a "crazy dog lady" long before it became "fashionable."  My canine siblings enjoyed birthday parties that rivaled my own.

She was a lifelong supporter of animal welfare and, in fact, all of her dogs were rescues.

Mom passed away suddenly this past Saturday afternoon.  By now she's had many a joyous reunion with all of her dog children and dog grandchildren.

I dedicate the following poem to the memory of my dog loving mom.  Except for the sweet wine - she spent her money on dog treats - she could have written this herself.

When I Am Old 

I shall wear turquoise and soft gray sweatshirts

and a bandana over my silver hair

and I shall spend my Social Security checks on sweet wine and my dogs

and sit in my house on my well-worn chair

and listen to my dogs breathing.

I will sneak out in the middle of a warm summer night

and take my dogs for a run, if my old bones will allow

and when people come to call, I will smile and nod as I show them my dogs

and talk of them and about them.

The Ones so Beloved of the Past and the Ones so Beloved of Today.

I still will work hard cleaning up after them and mopping and feeding them

and whispering their names in a soft, loving way.

I will wear the gleaming sweat on my throat, like a jewel

and I will be an embarrassment to all

and my family, who have not yet found the peace

in being free to have dogs as your Best Friends.

These friends, who always wait, at any hour, for your foot fall

and eagerly jump to their feet out of a sound sleep,

to greet you as if you are a god.

with warm eyes full of adoring love and hope that you will stay

and kiss their dear sweet heads

and whisper to their very special company.

I look in the Mirror

and see I am getting old.

This is the kind of woman I am

and have always been.

Loving dogs is easy, they are a part of me, accept me for who I am.

My dogs appreciate my presence in their lives.

When I am old this will be important to me.

You will understand when you are old

and if you have dogs to love, too.

Author Unknown

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