Black, curly madness
waiting at the door,
when she became too excited,
she peed on the floor.
Unconditional love and licks
were her claim to fame.
The Festival of Lights
helped create her name.
Always ready for treats
and as sly as a fox,
except when she explored
the cat’s litter box.
A constant companion
for two little boys,
her bark would sound
with the tiniest noise.
With passing years
her sparkle faded,
her steps grew slower
her family waited.
One last hug,
loving touches, gentle words,
a final breath
is softly heard.
Good-bye, sweet Hannah
When family lives miles apart, it’s so difficult to lend support when hurt comes knocking at their door. Today was one of those times. My oldest daughter and her family had to put their beloved dog Hannah to sleep. Most of us who are animal lovers have been through this and I don’t have to detail how painful it is to say farewell to a special pet. Aside from early morning phone calls and a sharing of tears, I had nothing else to offer. Just this silly but heartfelt little poem.
I nicknamed Hannah “Banana Dog” because, for some odd reason, when I visited and called out that name she went absolutely bonkers, running to greet me and tearing through the house like a lunatic before calming down. I also nicknamed her “CSE” for the times she pillaged the cat’s litter box. Don’t expect me to explain, use your imagination.
My daughter and her husband got Hannah shortly after they moved to Florida, several years ago. It was during the holidays, close to Hanukkah, and both were missing their New York families when they happened upon a little black ball of excitement and decided to take her home.
They gave Hannah a wonderful life and she blessed them in return by being an exceptional dog.
Except for the litter box fetish.
