Memories of our dear Tobie

Saturday, January 10, 2009

I feel like I can’t go on about our treasured new puppies without saying a word about our beloved first border collie, Tobie. She meant the world to us, and was our forever friend. She passed away in the early hours of September 25, 2008 after a two year long battle with kidney disease. She was our dear companion for 14 and a half years, and it seemed our lives were planned to accomodate her needs as well as ours. There wasn’t a day that went by that I didn’t take her for a walk in the morning, and sometimes in the evening too. She was always by my side, and became my constant companion when I was home. My husband worked out of the house for several years, and traveled extensively during that time. When he was home at work in his office, she would lay by his desk and keep him company as well. As the years went by, she became hard of hearing, had cataracts but could still see, and struggled with a bit of arthritis in her hips, but she still managed to live a very full and otherwise healthy and happy life. I will include a poem that I wrote shortly after her death. I will remember her smile and her unconditional love forever in my heart.

Constant Companion

She was always there to help us cope with changes in our lives,
When we moved to a new town, a new state, a new country,
When loneliness and homesickness could overwhelm,
She was a constant companion, our best friend.

When a job was lost, an old friendship helped to sort it all out,
A new routine took hold, running or walking in the park.
Every day became a new day, a new hope,
With an old friend always present to share the light.

The daily routine was never a bore with the best of friends alongside,
Even the walk to the end of the drive,
To get the mail or the paper became an adventure to share.
Never alone, always a friend in good times and bad.

Awakening in the morning, to say good morning to our friend at the foot of the bed,
Opening the door on return from the day, always there waiting to say hello,
Taking time for coffee and reading,
She was a constant companion forever present.

Now forever to live in our hearts and our dreams,
The memories will fade over time when things change and new memories are made,
But the never-ending love and the smile and the trust
Will remain with us forever in our hearts.