Without my dogs there would be more peace,
The floors would be less messy,
The bed would be bigger,
The bank would be fuller.
Without my dogs there would be more outings,
Less worrying,
More visiting, participating,
Without my dogs there would be more socialising.
Without my dogs I would not have to watch for every sign,
Signs of ill health, stress and pain,
Signs he might try to bite someone,
Worry signs, fears that last day might be today.
Without my dogs I would have two less to consider.
His joints, his bark,
Her lumps, her heart,
Their feelings.
Yet with my dogs there’s so much more,
Little wobbly legs wandering the floor,
The pleasure of a wag,
Eyes shining with love.
With my dogs there’s grief anticipated,
Lost youth, heart aches,
Tears if I think too deep,
But so much love.
With my dogs there’s a lifetime of friendship,
A life of togetherness,
A world of memories,
And love, with my dogs, there’s so much love.
-Sally Gutteridge
Beautiful and so true