Missing Sophie

The Power of the Dog

by Rudyard Kipling

There is sorrow enough in the natural way

From men and women to fill our day;

And when we are certain of sorrow in store,

Why do we always arrange for more?

Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware

Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.

Buy a pup and your money will buy

Love unflinching that cannot lie -

Perfect passion and worship fed

By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.

Nevertheless it is hardly fair

To risk your heart for a dog to tear.

When the fourteen years which Nature permits

Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,

And the vet's unspoken prescription runs

To lethal chambers or loaded guns,

Then you will find - it's your own affair -

But. . . you've given your heart to a dog to tear.

When the body that lived at your single will,

With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!);

When the spirit that answered your every mood

Is gone - wherever it goes - for good,

You will discover how much you care,

And will give your heart to a dog to tear.

We've sorrow enough in the natural way,

When it comes to burying Christian clay.

Our loves are not given, but only lent,

At compound interest of cent per cent.

Though it is not always the case, I believe,

That the longer we've kept 'em, the more do we grieve:

For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,

A short-time loan is as bad as a long -

So why in - Heaven (before we are there)

Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?

Reminders of Sophie

Dale's been going up to Madeline Island for 6 weeks during June and July since 2002. He's also rented the same apartment every year. I was just up there this past weekend. This picture hangs in the living room and I remember the first time I saw it in 2002 how much it looked like Sophie. The owners of the apartment, Mike and Dave, are big lab fans and have a yellow lab named Gracie.

A Card from Warren and Gary

A sympathy card came in the mail the other day from our friends Warren and Gary. It said:

"Dear friends, our hearts go out to you as you work through the sad feelings around the loss of your beloved Sophie. We will have memories of her happily walking past our house, tail wagging and her sweet smiling face. We know the pain you're facing and share our sympathy and healing thoughts."

Above is the portrait Tucker by Rebecca Collins.

The Comforter

The Comforter

by Anonymous

The world had all gone wrong that day

And tired and in despair,

Discouraged with the ways of life,

I sank into my chair.

A soft caress fell on my cheek,

My hands were thrust apart.

And two big sympathizing eyes

Gazed down into my heart.

I had a friend; what cared I now

For fifty worlds? I knew

One heart was anxious when I grieved -

My dog's heart, loyal, true.

"God bless him," breathed I soft and low,

And hugged him close and tight.

One lingering lick upon my ear

And we were happy - quite.

Tom's Card

Dale's boss Tom sent the above card. I love the quote at the bottom.

Until one has loved an animal,

a part of one's soul

remains unawakened.

-Anatole France

Sympathy

My friend Noel sent the card pictured above. She wrote the following note:

"Dearest Joe & Dale, My deepest sympathy for the loss of your beloved Sophie. I know your hearts are hurting in having to have said goodbye to your girl who you rescued on that snowy evening so long ago. Love and Peace, Noel"

Thoreau

Every blade in the field-

Every leaf in the forest-

Lays down its life in its season,

As beautifully as it was taken up.

-Henry David Thoreau

With Sympathy

Recently our veteranary clinic sent the card pictured above. It was signed by all the staff and included this note from Dr. Schuld:

"Joe and Dale, I know it's been a few days now and I am sure your house seems very empty and quiet. Sophie wasn't just another dog and you weren't just any dog caretakers. I'd like to think you all found each other for a reason. We will all miss this very special friend and know we are all better for having known her. You are in our thoughts."