Paw Prints

50 years of dogs in my family, and my life.

 

 

From earliest days they were there,

waggy tails and balls of hair, 

with stuffed toys and chewy things, 

all the love and laughter they could bring. 

Stories that brought them into our lives,

those rolling bundles of puppy strife, 

big or small they entertained us so, 

at our heels wherever we'd go. 

We laughed at their antics and 

  played their games, 

with love I remember most of their names. 

 

Samantha, our beautiful snow white lab

  back when I was a little lad, 

dad brought her home the day 

  mum brought my brother home, 

they grew together never alone.

I remember those childhood days, 

her gentleness and loving ways.

My head on her tummy I'd watch tv, 

a warm loving place to be.

She watched over the four of us, with 

  love affection from all of us. 

Such understanding in her eyes, 

just an angel in disguise. 

 

Through the years they kept us sane, 

companionship in times of pain 

always in for a doggy cuddle, 

sometimes they'd be in a little trouble, but

  lots of love loyalty kept us calm

  with doggy kisses the healing balm.

A busy day so much to do, but 

  their duty was always only you. 

 

We found Jip up on the hill, 

bringing her home such a thrill,

a happy dog, inseparable

we were for a time, 

a litter of pups making us smile. 

Tess, Jip's daughter dog 

  now became mine, 

sad days, but came good times.

 

Moving to a new place, with 

  lots and lots of paddock space, 

Tess and I together always, 

our adventures such happy days. 

Remembering in name just a few, 

their lives etched in poetry view;

there was Mini, her rumbles with the cat, 

in ambush they'd await attack. 

Duchess our beautiful Corgi cross, 

very busy always the boss. 

Not to forget Harvey, Lady, 

Sambo, Beetle too  

working dogs, another job to do. 

 

House dogs, farm dogs, 

we've seen them all

fifty years of doggy sprawl 

they all knew a different me, but

  warm and loving as

  they could be.

Just to have a dog around for

  endless loving they’re allowed.

 

Bonnie and Lotte, both

  Maltese cross, and

such balls of energy and 

  always on the go,

too busy for the balls we'd throw. 

Little dogs with personalities big, and

  to think, they could’ve been guinea pigs.

 

They slept on beds in beds too

backs of chairs for a better view

lain with us times we’re weren’t well 

no words but they could tell.

Companionship for an everyday,

I loved their individual ways

 

When they go they leave a mark, 

paw prints upon our hearts'

for all the years and dogs we've had,

such happiness to just be glad,

their lights that shone

their memories live forever on. 

 

No longer able to have a dog, for

  the times have changed, but 

  doggy love in my heart 

  always remains the same. 

Reliving memories of yesterday 

  is a love that never fades away. 

Author's Note

This poem has been on my mind for sometime, probably a year since losing our last dog, but here it is. Probably still needs a little work, a clean up. But enjoy! Suggestions and comments always welcome.

Reviews

[Chris Shaw]

I love your tribute to all your doggie friends Richard. You have had many over fifty years and all of them would have had their own little personalities. I just love the title of this poem. It is endearing. Paw Prints is just lovely. We have a dog called Solo. She is my grandson's dog, but she has taken a shine to me. Very protective. Sits with her paws over my lap in the evening. She wants everyone to know that I am hers:) Sad you can no longer have a dog because your circumstances have changed, but what a wealth of memories you have Richard. I really enjoyed this write and it makes me feel lucky that we have Solo.

Chris

[Richard M]

Hi Chris, Thank you for reading and so glad you liked it. It had to be ‘Paw Prnts’, just fitted the ideas I had to convey and spoke of not one, but a long list of doggy history. Yes, sad we can’t have anymore, but they are all in my heart and thoughts daily, and you’re right, so many memories. I still hold out for another dog at some stage :) What breed is Solo? Great name and so glad she’s keeping you company. Take care my friend.