Danny's Dawg

(A tale about a broke boy and his sick dog)

Danny's dawg cries out

her discomfort echoes through

the night's darkness

dissecting it in half

i curl up next to her

those sad eyes penetrate mine

her smooth blue-grey coat

against my cheek

i find a connection

matters of the womb says i

that can make you cry

i miscarried once

she will never have puppies

i recall Danny's irises

deep brown glaze, down trodden

his forehead furrowed

as Mr Vet adds up the cost

of saving a canine's life

an arm and a leg

a high price

my boy winced, he felt pain too

being without money sucks

my heart took a hit

cough up the money

my bank account suffered

i heard its anguish as the transaction

registered alarm bells

almost red

on reflection i was rewarded

with interest ten fold

that dog loves me and my Danny

has never forgotten what

could have turned into

a rotten ending

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

they are our family, and well worth it...his Solo act still goes on and on and brings smiles to her audience.
Heartwarming write...I remember when Elsie had cancer (my cat) I spent bundles to keep her going...
until she just said that's enough...but she was worth it.

[Chris Shaw]

You are so right Jacob. When it is a pet belonging to your household or a family member's pet, you feel that distress, you dig deep into your pockets. I know how much you loved Elsie. What a great companion she was. Now you have Hank and I have Myron, as well as Solo on a temporary basis. When Danny leaves his present apartment where pets aren't permitted I know it will be hard to say goodbye to her. She will still visit though :)

Chris

[Fabian G. Franklin]

They can be expensive. Spent thousands on my dog when I had one. Every vet visit was around $200 and that was just to keep him healthy. But he was worth it. I don't have an animal of any sorts anymore and not wanting one.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Fabian. Our pets are family aren:t they? We want the best for them.

Chris

[Papaya]

stories about animals always punch me right in the heart
beautiful telling of this one

[Chris Shaw]

I love animals too Ana. Thank you for checking this one out. All good wishes.

Chris

[Lydia Shutter]

Pets are family. Any cost to help them get through a few more years is worth it. This is what money is for....to help those we love. Such a heartwarming write, Chris. Lydi**

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Lydi**. You are so right. Pets are family and when we lose them the pain lingers. All good wishes and thank you for your visit.

Chris

[augustus]

My wife and I used to have English springer spaniels and for years we have enjoyed their various antics and love. Each one was a joy to have. Sadly, we are too long in the teeth to have any more, but your words bring back happy (and sad) memories. Thank you.

[Chris Shaw]

Hello augustus I am pleased that my poem brought you some happy memories of your English springer spaniels. Our canine friends bring so much joy. And then of course there is the sadness too. We can't escape that. Sadly when we lose them, there is pain and we have to work our way though the minefield of grief. Hope you are keeping well augustus. All good wishes.

Chris

[Ruth]

This rocks and so does the decision to pay the arm and a leg :) I know it isn't easy when things like this happen but as Jacob said, they are family :) I never see them as a pet, but as a companion/family...I could hear the discomfort and pain in that long night, the imagery here is razor sharp...felt and visualised all of it, excellnt Chris :)

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Ruth. Of course our canine friends are family and we experience all those emotions like sadness, pain and grief when they are sick and when we lose them. I appreciate your thoughtful review my friend.

Chris

[NotUsinganymore]

Very sad poem, everything has to die, but at least we have memories.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you JungLee. This story had a happy ending, but so many don't. It is really hard when our pets become sick, they are like family.

Chris

[NotUsinganymore]

I agree c:

[Cherrie Palmer]

The bonds we make in this life never cease to amaze me. The need to love and be loved is so much more than just a human connection. You share a beautiful connection, and I thank you.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Cherrie. Lovely to see you on my page again. Thank you for your thoughts. All good wishes and keep safe.

Chris

[emmajoy]

Your poem is a guide of how to love four legs and a wagging tail, Chris. I have two dogs, they are the children I'll never have You reinforce my undeniable pride in calling them my best friends .. yet two legged buddies know why and understand. The emotions behind your words is undeniably real and thank goodness for that. You, Danny and that beloved 'dawg' are near holy trinity. Swore I'd not be emotional today.. well, maybe it was the thought of onions yet to be peeled?!. Hugs. Keep safe, Chris,

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Em. Aren't our four-legged companions just wonderful? Such love and loyalty they show us. They certainly are family. Take good care of you.

Chris

[Weeping willow]

So sad as a piece of my heart cracks at your words. The little ones of life that so depend upon us for only love. Sad when they die taking a piece of us with them. So sorry, hard when pets are sick. I remember when I lost my little Tinkerbell ;-

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Weeping willow for your words. Our pets are family. I appreciate your visit.

read moreMany thanks Weeping willow for your words. Our pets are family. I appreciate your visit.

Chris

[Pete]

so endearing. they are part of the family and bring so much joy. love and loyalty have a price - well worth the cost ... :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Pete for your thoughts. All good wishes.

Chris