He lived with an ailing liver for years, yet one would never know it because he never complained, he never showed it. He was always happy, he was always hungry, he was always ready and willing to work or play. He watched over my things and my family, he safe guarded us.
Two months ago, he suddenly, simply could not walk or stand. While he still had his dignity and his pride intact, we served him a dinner of steaks, vegetables, and all the M&M's he wanted, and then wept as he took his last breath by the doctor's hands.
I'm not poetic, and I tend to ramble. But here's my a lyrical tribute to the preacherman.
The day Preacher came us.
Ode to Preacher
You were sixteen months old, yet a puppy at heart
You befriended Palomino by taking the shoe off his foot
Summer 2007, he loved the sun
You were wild; walking with you was akin to a wrestling match
Yet, in no time at all, you were heeling like an obedience champ
Fall 2007, at work at the loading dock
Summer 2008
You were a champion in Canada, and almost one in the U.S.
There was no doubt about that when you met other dogs
You had a ferocious bark, and the strength of wolves
2009, chasing Frisbees
But beneath all that rippling muscle was a tender heart of gold
You were stoic to a fault, deceiving all with your calm and steady demeanor
All the while your physical strength waned with your ailing body, day by day
Happy Birthday! McDonald's treat
You ate, you ate well! Pumpkin from the garden, apples off the trees,
Celery, spinach, and even tomatoes; you'd eat beets if only there wasn't carpet
Some things you ate, that made me wonder, were cardboard, socks, and babies' shoes
Oh yes, let's not forget, the Sonicare brush, one crisp Benjamin, and my last Manolos
Summer 2011, garage saling
You were loyal to a fault, despite my own ferocious bark and angry words
You still came when I called, cuddled on my lap, protected me
2012, liver shrunk to 70% normal size
You did not know your own strength, even Baby Jaida held you back
You thought little people were yours, until Quinn made you hers
Oh, how your body hurt, and suddenly stopped working
But still, you laid down your angst and your pain for Quinn
Quinn will not remember your faithfulness, but I will engrave your memory in her heart
Just as your being made permanent footprints on mine
2013, tearing up the tissue to get to the cardboard roll
2014, can't give him meds for his fungal infection because of his compromised liver
As you took your last breath, I hope you felt my arms holding you tight
As you looked at me for the last time, I hope you heard me tell you "Thank you"
February 2015, already limping and always good with Quinn
Now go, run and run, chase all the squirrels beyond the rainbow
Go, bark at the top of your lungs
Preach, my preacherman
