I started this poem many months ago after Doodle crossed over and updated it last week for Mary Moo. The waves of grief come further apart now. I no longer check Mary’s room every day. David and I reminisce about the pack, their antics, and individual peculiarities. Fond memories are starting to match the sadness. Maybe some day fond memories will prevail.
Mary Moo, Jesse, Doodle, Beep, and Oreo. (Back cover painting for Trust the Timing.)
Must love dogs, she said.
Be careful what you wish for.
My soul mate’s three joined my two
For a crazy blended family.
The five pack struggled to mesh.
Who was in charge?
The humans of course!
So we thought.
Little Mary Moo had been the boss.
Doodle, food-obsessed coon hound,
Taught her otherwise.
Possessive Beep and Neurotic Oreo were buds.
Golden Boy Jesse shared guard duty.
The five pack adapted.
Dog love flourished,
With episodic bedlam.
My golden boy was the first to leave.
He used to love to run on the beach,
But his old legs wouldn’t work anymore.
Then there were four.
Quiet Oreo left us next.
His lovable heart gave out.
No more thunder storms to terrify.
Then there were three.
Beep missed Oreo,
But she still had a pack to herd
Until she could walk no more.
Then there were two.
We thought Doodle would be last,
Being so loud and full of life.
I bet she took that rainbow bridge in a single bound.
And then there was one.
Mary Moo was once a feisty girl.
Almost 18, deaf and blind,
She kept looking for something she lost.
Maybe that squirrel she caught long ago.
Our five spirit dogs
Now live on the other side
of the rainbow bridge,
Not waiting idly.
Jesse swims in mountain lakes.
Oreo doesn’t have to be scared anymore.
He’s running with his friend, Beep.
Doodle is friends with everyone.
Mary Moo chases squirrels like lightening.

Jesse

Oreo

Beep

Doodle

Mary Moo
April 30, 2020 at 9:00 am
JoAnna, your love for all five shines through every line. 🤗.
miriam
April 30, 2020 at 12:55 pm
Good! Thank you for that, Miriam. I want them to feel loved as they enjoy their new adventures.
April 30, 2020 at 9:01 am
This is very sweet 💗
April 30, 2020 at 1:04 pm
Thank you, Ka. I’m glad you find it sweet rather than depressing. Sweet is the direction I’m moving in with these memories. ❤
April 30, 2020 at 10:41 pm
It’s definitely sweet—I can feel your love for each one 💕
April 30, 2020 at 9:22 am
I love your words.
April 30, 2020 at 1:15 pm
Thank you, Linda.
April 30, 2020 at 12:25 pm
Your heart ache is turned into a lovely tribute in remembrance of your furry friends. You have proven that spirits do in fact live on. Take care.
April 30, 2020 at 1:07 pm
Thank you so much! I’m counting on seeing them all again one day.
April 30, 2020 at 2:35 pm
Beautiful tribute to your beloved pack ❤
April 30, 2020 at 9:32 pm
Thank you, Rosaliene. ❤
April 30, 2020 at 2:55 pm
Very touching. I like to think that all the cats we’ve lost are somehow getting along with each other…
April 30, 2020 at 9:33 pm
🙂 It’s a lovely thought. I believe it!
April 30, 2020 at 6:08 pm
💕💕💕
I wish there were words…
April 30, 2020 at 10:32 pm
Thank you. ❤
May 1, 2020 at 1:39 am
Wonderful, JoAnna. Sorry for your loss, but your doggies are running around and having fun with one another. Now, for infinity. Sending good thoughts! ~Dave
May 1, 2020 at 3:49 pm
Thanks for the confirmation and the good thoughts, Dave. They are much appreciated!
May 7, 2020 at 11:27 am
JoAnna, your love, David’s, Jesse’s, Oreo’s, Beep’s, Doodle’s and Mary Moo’s shines out of your painting and words. ❤
May 7, 2020 at 8:50 pm
Thank you, Jane. I’m glad that comes through. ❤
May 18, 2020 at 7:14 pm
Beautiful and touching.
May 18, 2020 at 11:15 pm
Thank you, Cindee.
May 20, 2020 at 10:51 pm
How beautiful! My husband and I in our over 19 years together have had 17 dogs, and two cats. All but three of the dogs and both cats were rescues. We currently have the five on the banner picture of my blog. Crissy, Zailey, our granddaughter Little Bitty and our youngest two Sadie and her Stitchy!!
May 21, 2020 at 9:34 pm
Thank you for all those rescues! I was admiring your sweet pack earlier. We’re trying to resist getting another dog so we can travel more easily, but who knows when that will happen. In the meantime, we have grand dogs! I’m glad you liked my post and know you understand.