TOBY
MY ONE AND ONLY DOG
toby the big black labrador
was special
a baby sitter
a clown
a play mate
who spent a lot of time
wearing an indian head dress
playing cowboy and indians
in a teepee with kids
a good guard dog as well
everyone loved him
except the corner shop owner
who used to place a can of dog food
on top of the newpapers
to keep them from blowing away
our smart toby knew the contents of that can
they chased him
but could never catch him
people use to laughingly cheer him on
shouting" Go Toby"
he was a sort of celebrity
and then came the day
because of a change in circumstances
went to live overseas
we had to give him away
to another family
and so time passed
we returned after a couple of years to the same address
and one day he arrived on our doorstep
he had walked for miles to find us
to come home.
my heart broke
when we had to return him
could never replace him
never did
https//newwhatsgoingon.blogspot.com
Oh. That cuts deep, even to the reader. Can only imagine how you felt.
ReplyDeleteGah. This breaks my heart. Dogs never forget the ones who love them. Black labs are really special.
ReplyDeleteHow I love that "catch me if you can" attitude of Toby. It's always sad to part with such a happy soul.
ReplyDeleteWhat a loss - I am glad you had the time together though - Jae
ReplyDelete"and one day he arrived on our doorstep
ReplyDeletehe had walked for miles to find us
to come home."
My heart breaks. The photo and the song help too. What a special dog and playmate/babysitter/clown. This is my new favorite of your poems.
Reading this while I am nursing my 14 year old dog who is on her last days. I can feel your pain
ReplyDeleteOh I am so sorry. I feel yours too.
ReplyDeleteHow hurtful this must have been for you. Love the photo.
ReplyDelete