I’ve had dogs all my life. In fact, I can’t remember a time in my life when I didn’t have a dog. But my Australian Shepherd, Paisley, had been getting up there in years, and at the end of February, we lost her. I’m thankful we have the retriever in the house to distract us, because losing this one hurt.
When we got her, I had a wonderful Golden Retriever, who had already claimed me. My wife wanted a dog that stuck to her like Cricket stuck to me, so the plan was that Paisley would be her dog. But things don’t always work out the way we think they will. My wife was a good sport about it, but she sent me pictures every once in a while of both Cricket and Paisley lying by the door while I was gone, instead of coming in and hanging out with her.
When we lost Cricket, Paisley stepped right in to fill the hole in my heart, and she’s been there ever since.
I hope you don’t mind me sharing a cowboy poem I wrote about her. Maybe it’ll strike a chord with you for a good old dog you’ve had, too.
At the Door (For Paisley)
We drove halfway ‘cross the country —
Oklahoma’s where we met.
You were s’posed to be my wife’s dog;
I already had a pet.
But when you settled in at home,
It became quite clear to see,
The one who you were bonded with
Just happened to be me.
You loved your newfound humans;
The boys and Mom were fine.
You were a perfect fam’ly dog,
But I was yours and you were mine.
From Day One I was wrapped around
Your dainty little paw.
You were glued to me and seemed to think
I didn’t have a flaw.
On those occasions I was gone
To places dogs can’t go,
You’d stay at home and watch the door
And wait for me to show.
But time is cruel, and dogs don’t stay
As long on Earth as we do.
I had to say goodbye to you
Before I wanted to.
To let you go sure broke my heart.
I won’t lie and say it didn’t.
This tough old cowboy blubbered
Like a baby when you went.
But I ain’t gettin’ younger,
So one day down the line
If I play my cards right,
I’ll find myself in the Divine
Grace of the Creator,
Up there at those Pearly Gates,
And I bet my bottom dollar,
That’s right where Paisley waits.
