In Memory of A Stray
One of the most heartbreaking things a rescuer comes across is a dog that you are too late to save. I met one such dog two days after my beloved Gonzo died in my arms. Still grieving for my dog, I happened upon a starving, sick shepherd mix in the middle of the road. I had seen him several times and knew that he didn’t have a home. I could tell he had been hit at least once recently as his neck was covered with dried blood. He had fear in his eyes and his body was tired and full of pain. He would just lay in the middle of the road when a car would come, looking like he hoped to be run over for the final time.
I called my husband who helped me get him in the truck and rushed him to my vet, who confirmed my worst fears…he was too far gone to save. I was so heartbroken, I wrote a poem for him to express my sadness. This poem is dedicated to that poor dog and to every dog that has been discarded or abandoned.
In Memory of A Stray
I came upon a dog today,
He had no one, for he was just a stray.
With no direction he did roam,
Unloved and unwanted, he had no home.
Visibly hurting, sick and afraid,
Nowhere to go, so in the road he laid.
Hungry and thirsty, starvation was near,
While others passed, I couldn’t leave him here.
His mind filled with fear, his body with pain,
My heart broke for him, alone in the rain.
With help I was able to load him in my truck,
This poor, wretched creature who was down on his luck.
He seemed to enjoy those last few miles,
With the wind in his face, I believe there were smiles.
He was too weak, too hurt, too sick to be saved,
At least I could give him relief that he craved.
It didn’t take long before peace he found,
As my tears fell silently too the ground.
Here on Earth, he never felt love,
Surely he will find it up above.
I came upon a dog today,
He’s free at Rainbow Bridge, this precious stray.
Tags: animal rescue, animal shelters, dog, dog rescue, dogs, strays
