A Dog is a Master

saw a white and red Buddha running at play.

It crossed their front lawn, without owner in sight.

He ran to the road, gave the two quite a fright.

So, they called to the dog, not knowing his name,

and this dog he looked over, then gingerly came.

His blue eyes on fire, his smile so wide,

He glowed like a lantern, lit up from inside.

The man declared proudly, "This is our pup!"

And the woman replied, "Don't get your hopes up."

She did not realize that they had been picked

to be loved and adored (hands thoroughly licked!)

on a regular basis. This was their mutt-

or, rather, they were his humans; case open and shut.

A family was made on that cool, fall day.

And the couple was changed in a permanent way.

Every life that encountered the pet

was touched in a way they would never forget

He taught love, he taught hope, and bravery, too;

priceless lessons for more than a few.

Make no mistake, a dog is a master

at creating love amidst a disaster.

When you see a swift Buddha running in glee,

and he falls into your life like a mystery,

don't turn him away without a thought

because he may be a love yet untaught.

That was the case with our adoring dog, Django,

a Buddha no doubt! Who left us long ago.

He appeared from the heavens, and left the same way

a mysterious gift who just couldn't stay

But his lessons keep us warm, reminding us of his light

As we welcome new lessons-and dogs!-in our life.

In memory of Django... our little Bodhisattva--We love you wherever you are!