Love And A Dog's Life (A Tribute To Carlee, And Bonnie) Poem by Robert Gilchrist

Small and frightened balls of nothing
Hanging out for food and attention
Disasters on a grandiose scale
Requiring immediate attention and deodorant

Chewed and battered belongings
Shoes, socks, underwear, laptops
Doggy obedience school failures
Quietly attaining trust and discipline

Hours spent scouring neighbourhoods
At the gate on our return rolling on backs,
Expecting tummy rubs
All is forgiven as licks are dispensed

Walks to the river or along the beach
Or just lying with you as you watch TV
When you are unwell or stressed
The knowing look and nuzzle that warms your soul

Our days outstrip them five to one
Ultimately making decisions of life and death
That rend our hearts in two
Love is forever but companionship is fleeting