Pepper, June 2001 "I'll meet you over there." Photo by V. Koski Priscilla, 1981-2002 
Photo and poem excerpt (written 1993) by Deborah Beachboard "Priscilla" I knew I was in trouble when as I brought her home, she stood on my shoulder and squalled in my ear... Manx, need I say more? With her elegant air I know she's descended from a kings royal breed.... Companion through a dozen years, ten pounds of character, God's gift To spare lonely hours.... Is there a heaven for such as she? |
Author Unknown I will send you for a while, a puppy, God said, for you to love him while he lives and mourn him when he's dead. Maybe for twelve or fourteen years, or maybe two or three but will you, 'til I call him back, take care of him for me? He'll bring his charms to gladden you and should his day be brief, you'll always have his memories as solace for your grief. I cannot promise he will stay since all from earth return, but there are lessons taught below I want this pup to learn. I've looked the whole world over in search of teachers true, and from every one of them I have chosen you. Now will you give him all your love, nor think the labor vain, nor hate me when I come to take my dog back again? I fancied that I heard them say "Dear Lord thy will be done", for all the joys this pup will bring, the risk of grief we'll run. We'll shelter him with tenderness, we'll love him while we may. And for the happiness we've known, will forever grateful stay. But should you call him back much sooner than we've planned, we'll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand. If, by our love, we've managed, your wishes to achieve, in memory of him we loved, to help us while we grieve, when our faithful bundle departs this world of strife, we'll have yet another dog and love him all his life. |
