if only i could be:
strong yet gentle and sweet, always
sensitive to suffering in those around me, and lean in to comfort them
fiercely protective of the ones i love
able to bounce back from a horrific start to become the most loving companion possible
patient and uncomplaining
wanting only to please
unfailingly affectionate, even when neglected
happy simply to lie in the sun, smell the wind, run in the grass
truly present in each and every moment
devoted, in the truest sense of the word
then – perhaps – i could be half of the wonderful being that you are.
that you were.
i will never forget you, my beloved India
15 comments
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17 April 2012 at 10:06 am
rebekah
She’s something else…
17 April 2012 at 10:44 am
jcmarie
So very sorry.
17 April 2012 at 11:00 am
jen
Farewell, Master, yet not farewell.
Where I go, ye too shall dwell.
I am gone, before your face.
A moment’s time, a little space.
When ye come where I have stepped
Ye shall wonder why ye wept.
After Death by Edwin Arnold
so, so sorry. i know how heartbreaking this is.
17 April 2012 at 11:00 am
Semi-Feral Mama
Now THAT is a beautiful tribute. (Here’s hoping it replaces every copy of “The Rainbow Bridge” ever posted anywhere.)
17 April 2012 at 11:10 am
sksinc
So sorry.
17 April 2012 at 11:46 am
Molly
It’s so hard. Depending on your belief system, there is a picture book that may help you and Elsa–DOG HEAVEN, by Cynthia Rylant. I don’t even HAVE a belief system, and I was comforted. So sorry.
17 April 2012 at 12:54 pm
Gia
I am so sorry for your loss. I know how hard a loss like this is. I am praying for you and Elsa…
17 April 2012 at 2:27 pm
tafel
Bye, sweet doggie. Thinking of you guys….
17 April 2012 at 7:04 pm
Dawn
Dogs’ lives are too short. Their only fault, really. ~Agnes Sligh Turnbull
May your memories of your sweet India comfort you through your loss.
17 April 2012 at 7:46 pm
Megan
I just lost my beloved girl a few months ago to cancer. It was pain like I’ve never before experienced. Pain that to this day brings tears to my eyes when the doorbell rings and I only hear silence. I am so very sorry for your loss. Dogs are the most remarkable, loyal creatures. You’ve written a beautiful tribute to your dear India. Hugs to you as you grieve.
18 April 2012 at 2:49 am
hazel
God bless you, India.
21 April 2012 at 10:54 pm
Anna from Turin
oh so sorry for your loss…how is Elsa coping with it all?
25 April 2012 at 6:16 pm
deirdre
So, so sorry for your loss. She sounds like an incredible friend.
5 May 2012 at 8:28 pm
Mama Papaya
My heart hurts for you. So much loss. Too much loss. And this one. I feel this one with you. May she ever echo by your side.
22 May 2012 at 8:15 am
Nell
Well done, Miss P. That’s the most loving tribute to a most worthy friend. So sad to hear about India’s passing. She was quite a girl — fastest chow eater on the planet, second only to our Ripley (also recently gone) in guarding her post, and a truly great companion for you and Elsa.