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© 2008, Don Mize
Gentle giant
with floppy ears,
big paws,
and knowing brown eyes.
Joy
is a new chewy,
grabbed ferociously,
running in glee,
Happiness
is gnawing the rawhide
held on end
between two furry paws.
Tea time,
ice cream,
and Friday night hamburgers
shared.
Checking the gifts
under the Christmas tree,
knowing that he
has more than one.
Howling
when the phone rings
and he knows
we cannot answer.
Exercising his right
to sniff each bag
and to check
each piece of mail.
Appearing beside my chair
when it is time
to love
the dog.
Growling
when I neglect
his urgent message
about a walk.
Checking me at my desk,
staring analytically,
before deciding he has time
for a nap.
Curling up contentedly
before a warm stove,
or the right spot
in the flow of cool air.
A deep, ominous bark
when the doorbell rings,
greeting each visitor with joy
and a wagging tail.
Accurately reminding us of the time
for each meal,
pointing to his leash
for a walk.
When told “show me,”
leading and pointing
at dog biscuits,
water bowl, or door.
Waiting
by the door
for our return
each time we leave.
Greeting excitedly
each return from an errand,
as though we had been gone
forever.
Love
incarnated in a being
with big, brown eyes
and furry paws.
May we learn from you
the gift of love,
and learn to share
the joy of existence.
Don Mize
Crockett, Texas
February 7, 2008
© 2008, Don Mize
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