by Steven Takacs
Nelson I remember the first day I Brought you home it was May 1986 & England were playing in the world cup in Mexico...To start with it was just me and you,you were one of my mams dogs (Mutley's) pups, but we both did a lot of growing together, I looked forward to you fussing me when I got home from my shift at the steel works,when you were really small I'd take you to my & your mothers house so you were not afraid,then over the years my little bachelor pad became too crowded what with a wife followed quickly by my 2 lovely daughters,they loved you to bits, we moved out of that house to a bigger house when I could afford it, that was 5 years ago, we were in the old house for 11 years...you ran away to that house every time you escaped...you are now 16 nearly 17 my little friend you cannot stand or walk any more I have carried you out to do your business...fed you by hand for 3 days now and it breaks my heart but I must now call a vet to end your suffering ...Please forgive me for what I do I do out of my love for you...thanks for the memories there have been a lifetimes worth.I will listen out for you...you wait for me and we will walk together again.Not long little friend...
09:11 10/1/2003 Nelson Black & tan terrier May 1986 - 10/1/2003
WE'LL WALK TOGETHER ONCE MORE
With a lump in my throat, I hung up my coat,
And replaced your old lead in the drawer.
Sat down in the chair, ran a hand through my hair
As I realised you'd be there no more.
The vet said: 'It's the end of the page
It's something we cannot ignore'
It was ended I knew and I cried then as you
went alone through that great final door.
We entered the vets, the others sat with their pets,
Watched us walk side by side, 'cross the floor.
Then I came out alone and started back home-
They all knew I should see you no more.
When I think of the years, the laughter, the tears,
All our walks over meadows and tor,
Of your sparkling brown eyes, I just can't realise
That I shall look in them no more.
But there will come a time when I'm well past my prime,
You'll be waiting my friend as I get to the end
And we'll walk together once more.
MESSAGE FROM A LITTLE GHOST
I've explained to Peter I'd rather stay here
Outside the Pearly Gate
I won't be a nuisance,
I won't even bark.
I'll be very patient and wait.
I'll lie here and chew a celestial bone,
No matter how long it may be.
I miss you so much,
If I went in alone,
It wouldn't be heaven to me.
Mural Whitehead Jarvis.
COURTS OF HEAVEN
High up in the courts of heaven today
A little dog angel waits;
With other angels he will not play
But sits alone at the gate.
'For I know my master will come' says he
'And when he will call for me.'
And his master far on earth below,
As he sits in his easy chair,
Forgets sometimes - and he whistles low
For the dog that is not there.
And I know when at length his master waits,
Outside in the dark and the cold,
For the hand of death to open the gate
And lead to those courts of gold;
A little dog angel's eager bark,
Will comfort his soul in the shivering dark.
E.B.
IF IT SHOULD
If it be I grow frail and weak
And pain should wake me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle can't be won.
You will be sad, I understand,
Don't let your grief then stay your hand,
For this day more than all the rest,
Your love and friendship stand the test.
We've had so many years,
What is to come will hold no fears,
You'll not want me to suffer, so,
When the time comes, please let me go.
I know in time you to will see,
It is kindness you do to me,
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.
Do not grieve that it should be you,
Who has to decide this thing to do
We've been so close, we two, these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.
Anon.