I first saw you roaming the streets and woods of town,
a metal chain dangling from your collar.
My heart went out to you.
I found out your owner had left you
tied in his back yard and left town.
I didn't want a dog, having seven cats.
But a friend who knew dogs kept telling me
what a "great being" you were. How right she was!
At first you were so wild, strong and exuberant,
you'd almost tear my arm off on our walks,
break away from me to chase deer,
not come when I called you.
Your trainer said I needed a milder dog.
How wrong she was!
You were the perfect dog for me, my Angel.

I miss you so much. But I know you're at peace now.
You bore your seizures, medicines, trips to the vets,
endless needles in your limbs and
eventual blindness (gratefully short)
with patience and dignity.
You were always gentle.
"Not a mean bone in his body," a friend said.

Your zest for life revived my soul.
You loved swimming in the lake, cavorting in the snow,
cuddling with the cats, meeting new dogs in the "dog-runs"
when we drove to the city together.
You loved people
and always wanted to be part of the conversation!

I had many nicknames for you, my darling,
and the best was saved for last: my Free Willy.

--- With eternal gratitude for knowing you,
your Mom, your student, your partner and friend, Tina