buster

This poem was sent to us by our veterinarian and his wife after Buster's passing and we would like to thank them for caring so much for our little buddy.

To have loved and then said farewell, is better than to have never loved at all.
For all of the times that you have stooped and touched my head, fed me my favorite treat and returned the love that I so unconditionally gave to you.
For the care that you gave to me so unselfishly.
For all of these things I am grateful and thankful.

I ask that you not grieve for the loss, but rejoice in the fact that we lived, loved and touched each others lives. My life is fuller because you were there, not as a master/owner, but as my FRIEND.

Today I am as I was in my youth. The grass is always green, butterflies flit among the flowers and the Sun shines gently down upon all of God's creatures.
I can run, jump, play and do all of the things that I did in my youth. There is no sickness, no aching joints and no regrets and no aging.

We await the arrival of our lifelong companions and know that together is forever. You live in our hearts as we do in yours. Companions such as you are so rare and unique. Don't hold the love that you have within yourself. Give it to another like me and then I will live forever. For love never really dies, and you are loved and missed as surely as we are.

Ken D. Conover

Now that I'm home, bathed, settled and fed,
All nicely tucked in my warm new bed,
I'd like to open my baggage lest I forget,
There is so much to carry
So much to regret
Hmm...yes, there it is, right on top;
Let's unpack Loneliness, Heartache and Loss,
And there by my leash hides Fear and Shame.
As I look on these things I tried so hard to leave
I still have to unpack my baggage called Pain.
I loved them, the others, the ones who left me,
But I wasn't good enough for they didn't want me.
Will you add to my baggage?
Will you help me unpack?
Or will you just look at my things and take me right back?
Do you have the time to help me unpack?
To put away my baggage,
To never repack?
I pray that you do--I'm so tired you see,
But I do come with baggage
Will you still want me?
Author Unknown

Buster was a stray dog that wondered up to Mommy and Daddy's home in the summer of 1995. He was in pretty poor shape having been on the apparent losing end of a dog fight. Mommy took him to the Veternarian to have him patched up only to learn that he also had heartworms. He endured the treatments well and was soon enjoying a healthy life. Then late in 1999 he was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. A disease, which among other things, caused his skin to turn rough, his hair to fall out, and constant itching. The Verternarian found a special shampoo for him to help with the itching and so he got to enjoy bi-weekly baths. We loved playing with Buster. We would take him in our playhouse and cook meals for him; and, put a leash on him and lead him all over. But most of all, Buster enjoyed attention and we gave him a lot of it. Buster passed away suddently in the early morning hours of June 12, 2001. He was a very affection and sweet dog and we are so grateful for the time we got to spend with him.