What are the words to honor a companion of 14 years?
Is poetry the way to say goodbye?
Heartfelt words to convey the meaning of our time together?
Perhaps on the way to the appointment today.
I may find words to comfort my anticipated grief.
What he wants is a tasty treat, a friendly pet, brush strokes along his flanks.
What I want is to find out the local vet was wrong,
his breathing is fine,
there is no concerning mass in his throat or thyroid.
Not yet.
If he were suffering, I would know it was time.
He’s still eating, drinking, climbing up and down the rocks behind my house to reach the little creek.
I want one more summer of him lying in the water to cool off.
One more autumn of turning leaves and nature’s reminder to let go.
I will do what needs to be done.
My promise to him.
I will not fail.
Still, I want more time.
To offer treats and pets and comforting strokes of the brush.
A little more time to find the words.
A Streak of Teal 
Oh no. This is the most difficult passage of all: knowing it’s an undefined “soon,” but not knowing much more because that part is often up to us with our fallible human hearts. Sending love and courage for the journey – I hope you both have a little more time together. 💙 Anne
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My heart goes out to you, Saoirse. I sense the pain you must feel. Be with the joy that this lovingly wonderful companion has given you. Relish the memories and let them bring you strength.
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