Ode to Bear

(Photo courtesy of Emily Hoke)

This is an ode to my puppy, Bear, who has been with us since shortly after Shiloh passed away (we got him in mid Nov 2008). I never once have mentioned him publicly, because I didn’t want people to think that I was trying to replace my daughter with a dog (by the way, Shiloh will never be replaced, not by any animal or another child). But I have decided it’s time to dedicate a post to Bear, who’s really been my and Andreas’s savior over the past year.

Bear, you claim to be a dog

But are you really?

There’s so much ‘person’ in your personality

At times you act so queerly

   

You’re a cheeky little bugger

Always doing something naughty

Chewing socks, chucking rocks

Looking at me haughtily
   
But all these things I can forgive
For you have been my savior

I yell at you and cry on you

Even when you’re on your best behavior 
   
I know you don’t understand any of this

But mommy and daddy are very sad

We’ve lost our only daughter

As well as Lou, your grandpa and my dad

   

But you have been my constant outlet

I don’t know what I’d do without you

For loneliness, sadness, hurt and love

And my mothering instincts too

    

So thank you for being you, Bear

Always the perfect fur baby

I owe you for my life thus far

About this there is no maybe