Just put a post in the general bit - am new to this site and before I do anything else, I want to remember - its fitting. I've always had a dog in my life - but theres always one that is that bit more special than the rest ..... we don't know why, they just are - know what I mean? My "one" was Bramble, a black dog I lost three years ago. I'll never get over it and still get tearful when I think of him. He was with me for almost 16 years.
Heres my tribute - written about two months after I lost him - gone but always in my heart.
Bramble - "My Little Man"
30th March 1988 - 24th February 2003
I remember the day I brought you home
and how worried I was that you'd fret
but you snuggled into my shoulder right then
in that instant our futures were set
This little black spaniel was now in my life
I didn't know then how much you'd mean
but it was love for me, as within a few days
just how special you were could be seen
As you grew your character shone
you had spirit to be admired
the day you made that Doberman run
truly had me all inspired
Seems like yesterday I was play fighting with a friend
we were laughing and screaming - you know
he moved his leg away just in time
your protection of me starting to show
So you became "My Little Man"
beside me all the time
through marriage break-ups
the kids leaving home
I like to think you were happy
just to be mine
Human nature to me it seemed
often lacked things you gave without thought
friendship, loyalty, you were always there
you didn't need to be 'bargained or bought'
The years passed by, all too quickly it seems
and one day I was quite taken aback
as I watched you sleeping in your bed
I saw grey hair along with the black
At 12 years of age you were still going strong
by 15 a real old gent
but your organs had started to fail by then
and I began dreading that 'final event'
But you stayed with me for one more year
till those eyes that were once so bright
had cataracts, then ulcers appeared
and you quickly lost your sight
That tail that never stopped wagging was still
your eyes hurt so much - I could see
I could not let you go on like that
it would have been so selfish of me
Decision made, you lay in my arms
I knew this was for the last time
and as you peacefully slipped away
you left grief beyond reason or rhyme
As I walked out of the Vets that day
I felt I'd lost my best friend
but inside us both, we always knew
we'd be together right to the end
Your bowl, bed, coat, lead - still here
I can't quite believe you've gone
theres a huge and enormous empty space
where you used to belong
But the years we had, My Little Man
were well worth all this grief
you gave me more joy than you ever knew
so now - just sleep on in peace.
