Nearly six months after the loss of our beloved dog, Heidi, I can finally string together a few coherent words about her.
A Poem for Heidi
Lonely the yard where she once played
Cold the bed in which she laid
Silent the squeak of her favorite toy
Gone the source of our constant joy
Mournful the heart which continually weeps
Our faithful companion now gently sleeps
We got our white schnauzer puppy 16 ½ years ago. She was supposed to be “my” dog – and she was – for about two weeks! Then a work conference required that I leave town for a few days, at which time she completely bonded with my husband, and he with her. They were the best of friends until the day she died. Don’t get me wrong, she loved me too, but I was clearly her second choice… except during a storm when she was all over me!
When Heidi was young, she would obsessively sit on her perch at the front window and guard the house while we were at work. She took her job very seriously, barking nonstop at the neighborhood children as they went to and from school or played outside during the summer.
Her favorite thing to do was play ball. She liked tennis balls with a squeaker inside because it was always such fun to be noisy. In the house she liked to stand at the top of the stairs and catch the ball we tossed up to her; then she would nod her head, release the ball and throw it back down. It’s a game she was very good at! Outside, she would fetch the ball from anywhere you threw it, then run like the wind to return it precisely at your feet.
By the time we retired, she began to slow down. I think she was happy to hand over the responsibility of protecting the house to us now that we were home more often. She got used to the routine of two walks a day. My husband would take her in the morning, and I would take her in the afternoon. She could get very demanding if she thought her walk might be delayed. Sometimes while running errands, I’d realize it was nearing 2:00. “I’ve got to get home”, I’d tell myself, “It’s almost time for Heidi’s walk!”
She began to have trouble keeping her footing on the hardwood floors inside our house, so we put down extra rugs here and there to help her walk. Eventually, nearly every square inch of slippery floor was covered with a rug. We carried her up and down the stairs for several years.
Arthritis and kidney problems plagued Heidi in her old age. She became intolerant of anyone touching her, so grooming was an issue. She looked like a homeless mutt at times, but you know what? If I was in pain, I wouldn’t want someone messing with me either!
We removed most of the rugs from the hardwood floors after Heidi was gone. I find the floors a little boring now; just like life is sometimes without her.
Wonderful tribute to a special companion!
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That she was! Thank you, Sandy.
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Welcome!
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Funny how empty the house is after they are gone. A dog transforms a house for sure.
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Absolutely they do… in the best way!
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Lovely memories. Thank you for sharing.
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My pleasure. Thank YOU!
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A lovely tribute to Heidi, a faithful, loving companion.
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Thank you. She was a special girl!
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I know you both miss her. They really take part of your heart when they leave us. But trust me eventually you will find another to fill the void.
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You know, don’t you! Maybe we will someday, but it sure is hard right now!
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What a dear companion..
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She really was! 🙂
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Beautiful! We miss her too……
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Thanks much… she loved you too!
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A beautiful sketch of Heidi’s life, her contribution to your life – I especially like the ball exchange up and down the stairs. And the image you posted is absolutely gorgeous. I, too, would rush home for an appointed walk with that beauty!
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I love your response to the post! Much appreciated, Jazz!
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Wonderful photo and beautiful poem. Enjoy the great memories that you two have of Heidi.
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We certainly will! Thank you so much for the comment.
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A precious tribute to Heidi… ❤ xo
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Thanks so much – she was a sweetheart!
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Vale Heidi. How they wind their paws around our hearts. Beautiful tribute for a beautiful girl.
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Nothing leaves their mark quite like a pet! Thank you, Tracy!
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Welcome.
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My mom and dad missed their dog of 19 years when he passed away. Dad continued the walks alone, that he used to take with his faithful companion, and mom missed how he would curl up beside her to take a nap.
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Wow – 19 years! That’s impressive! We continue our walks too. She goes with us in memory.
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Awwww, that was sweet.
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… like Heidi was! Thank you!
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My pleasure.
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Well written, heartfelt tribute to Heidi.
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Thank you for reading it!
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Thank you for the like on “Suffering” post. I’m glad you left me a way to find you.
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We are always tested! Good luck on meeting the next one with success. I’m glad you found me… and thanks for the follow!
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Really beautiful writing
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I appreciate your kind comment. Thanks for reading!
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Absolutely beautiful. She seems like a very special dog!!!
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Thank you! She was one of a kind and yes, very special!
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