Abbey

Year after year
My ever-smiling Abbey
Was there.
When all else was wrong,
When my own kind sneered and spurned,
One patient friend stayed golden and true.

No warning, one morning,
Awakened, she was less, then still less, herself.

Next dark day,
Midst blazing August heat,
Cold truth confirmed.

Reliable Abbey!
Gentlest entity of creation!
I could always count on you.
At the end, how could I repay you?
I could but meekly expedite your exit.

I'd fondly known others of your kin;
None rivaled your miraculously
Quiet,
Refined,
Mindful,
Cheerful,
Forgiving,
Uncomplaining,
Knowing nature.
Never was there,
Never will there be,
Another quite like you!

Abbey,
You make me wish
The believers are right.
No soul could better merit eternal life.
How could cosmic chance engender you?
Alligator snappers approach two centuries;
Bristlecone pines, millennia.
What merciful Intelligence grants noblest dog so little time?

I'm disappointed.
I'm deeply grateful.
My heart is heavy.
I can never forget.

My imperfect tribute to the best dog in the world, Abbey (Golden Retriever). Her always trustful, serenely happy, brown-eyed wisdom was irresistible. At fourteen, she too suddenly needed Sleep. I mourn.