Jackie

Jackie my mentor, my conscience, my love

Please look at me kindly from your home up above

All the lessons you taught me, too many to name

Right up to that moment when God’s angels came

You weren’t just a dog, but my buddy, my friend

And your loyalty stayed true, right up to the end

Though your body was failing and time to let go

I just wasn’t ready though I really did know

I knew in my heart this was the kindest  way out

But was this the right moment? I still had my doubt

The vet was so gentle and said this was time

But all I could see was you back in your prime

Your running, your playing your nipping my heels

Our car rides, our bedtimes, our late midnight meals

Our memories go on, they’re too many to name

I became you and you me, we were one and the same

When Craig came to visit you put his shoes way out front

If he wanted to find them,he’d just have to hunt

Your fur made it hard for the poor kid to breath

But your sleeping outside had just made you seeth

You didn’t take kindly to being told what to do

There were times when that look clearly said Go Screw You

You’d look at me squarely, right straight in the eyes

And said you would do it when that big donkey flies

One mention of Grandpa is all it would take

For you to just tell me to jump in a lake

You knew you were loved by that grumpy old guy

Just the sound of his car and off you would fly

Sometimes you could be such a pain in the rear

But those are the memories I seem to hold dear

You knew the meaning of all words that were said

But sometimes that look told me I could drop dead

You’d wait by the door when the babies would sleep

You’d bark and come get me for even a peep

I’d tell you be quiet, let them play for a while

By now they were crying as you sat with a smile

One thing we agreed, you could never be tied

That barking and screaming with mouth open wide

The people before left you tied to a tree

And you would have been dead if is wasn’t for me

The days spent at PetSmart were many and long

Dare them show you your leash, you would tell them they’re wrong

You’d sit by my side, under the table you’d lay

As long as you were with me you were happy to stay

The nursing home visits were always so fun

If they had their druthers, we’d never be done

I’d point to a bed, tell you to “go say hello”

You’d lay your head gently, you just seem to know

I’ll miss all the wonderful times that we had

You know I’m just joking when I say you’re bad

You were my conscience, my soul mate, my love