“It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life, gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are.” – Unknown

A Few of My Favorite Ella Posts:
What Mutts Are Made Of
Ella’s Hostage
Monday Mischief: Skunked
And Now A Word From Our Mutt…
Pretty Ella Evokes Jealous in Camera-Happy Collies
Upside Down Tug
Five Random Facts: Ella
I’m pretty sure Ella was trying to bury me…
Ella’s Puppy
Ella Loves…

A Few of My Favorite Lassie Posts:
Lassie & Lassie
Shadows
Swoon
My Fly Collie
Kissies
Santa Paws and Reindeer Dog
Happy Birthday, dude!
How to Make a Collie Snow Angel
AKC Canine Good Citizen
Gentleman

My favorite poem. It’s beautiful, tear-jerking, perfect and comforting:

I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying, You found it hard to sleep.
I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,
“It’s me, I haven’t left you, I’m well, I’m fine, I’m here.”

I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea,
You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me.
I was with you at the shops today, Your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.

I was with you at my grave today, You tend it with such care.
I want to re-assure you, that I’m not lying there.
I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.
I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said ” it’s me.”

You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.
It’s possible for me, to be so near you everyday.
To say to you with certainty, “I never went away.”
You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew…
In the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.

The day is over… I smile and watch you yawning
and say “good-night, God bless, I’ll see you in the morning.”
And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I’ll rush across to greet you and we’ll stand, side by side.
I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.

Be patient, live your journey out…then come home to be with me.

Author ~ Sammie Klaehn