Recall!

High and clear the whistle keens,
Recall! recall to me,
but he for whom the whistle cries
is now forever free.

A graceful dog of black and gold
a long untiring stride,
a willful mind though spirit kind,
companion, partner, guide.

Of twelve years and countless miles
your working days were made,
From London Bridge to mountain track
a master of your trade.

Now evening's breeze to memory brings
soft sounds from out the dark,
the silver wrathe of playbell chimes
and the ghost of a shepherd's bark.

(Written for a friend gone forward into the silence.)

Dear Cowboy,
"You literally walked into my life one day. You were my dream dog... a dog that I fantasized about since childhood. You were my first GSD, and a perfect example of what the breed was all about. Your devotion to me was continuous. The bond that we shared was like no other that I had ever experienced. After a trial, the late kind judge Bill Fields once commented to everyone about what a "true love affair" you and I had. You were always there to
lick away my tears and stand strongly for me to hang on to. Oh, how I need you now to lick away my tears, and to hold me up now as I try to endure your loss. Everyone that ever met you or knew you loved you dearly. You had charisma. Now, everyone misses you dearly and I for
one cannot wait to have you at my side again someday. When I leave this world, I shall whistle and wait for you to come bounding to me as you once did here on Earth. Then, my pain will be gone as yours is now. I love you, my beloved Cowboy."

In Memory Of ...

"Cowboy BH, TT, CGC"

Approximately 1987 - Sept. 9, 1999

"Some animals, like men,
leave a trail of glory behind them.
They give their spirit to the place where they have lived, and remain forever apart of the rocks and streams and
the wind and sky."
~Marguerite Henry~

"The Silhouette"

The silhouette stands boldly
at the end of the hallway
ears erect, eyes like jewels
the tail, it softly sways.

This wouldn't be the first time
I've seen him stand nearby
his image clear as crystal
from the corner of my eye.

His visits I don't share with some
who think I've went over and beyond
the grieving time they deem I need,
they say I should move on.

I sometimes pity people who
have never felt just cause
to share the bond between two souls,
one with hands and one with paws.

The silhouette reminds me
what the others say is wrong
for as long as breath goes through me
there exists our mighty bond.

When the Keeper calls me home
and the Bridge gates open wide
our bond will deepen ten fold
as we walk through side by side.

You see, I am the lucky one
as I've been truly blessed
for someday we'll walk together
as eternal silhouettes.

By, Terri Onorato

This song, sung by Tim McGraw, was playing on the car radio as Cowboy took his last ride.  That morning it was drizzling, but the sun was shining.  Many people from across the North American continent have written to me to tell me that they saw a rainbow on that day.

"All Our Tears Have Reached The Sea
Part Of You Will Live In Me
Way Down Deep Inside My Heart
Days Keep Coming Without Fail
A New Wind Is Going To Find Yourself
That's Where You Journey Starts
You'll Find Better Love
Strong As It Ever Was
Deep As The River Runs
Warm As The Morning Sun
Please Remember Me

Just Like The Waves Down By The Shore
Going To Keep On Coming Back For More
Cause We Don't Ever Want To Stop
Out In This Brave New World We See
Oh The Valley's & The Peeks
I Can See You On The Top
You'll Find Better Love
Strong As It Ever Was
Deep As The River Runs
Warm As The Morning Sun
Please Remember Me

Remember Me When Your Out Walking
When The Snow Falls High Outside Your Door
Late At Night When Your Not Sleeping
And Moon Light Shines Across Your Floor
When I Can't Hurt You Anymore
You'll Find Better Love
Strong As It Ever Was
Deep As The River Runs
Warm As The Morning Sun
Please Remember Me...

Please Remember Me"

"The bond with a true dog is as lasting as the ties
of this earth can ever be."  -Konrad Lorenz

"The Spirit of a German Shepherd Dog"
I was standing on a hillside, in a field of blowing wheat
And the spirit of a German Shepherd Dog was lying at my feet.
He looked at me with kind dark eyes, ancient wisdom shining through
And in the essence of his being his love shone clear and true.
His mind did lock upon my heart as I stood there on that day
And he told me of this story about a place so far away.
His tale did put my heart at ease, my fears did fade away
About what lay ahead of me on another distant day
"I live among God's creatures now in the heavens of your mind
So do not grieve for me, my friend for I am with my kind.
.
My collar is a rainbow's hue, my leash a shooting star.
My boundaries are the Milky Way where I sparkle from afar.
.
There are no pens or kennels here, and I am not confined
But free to roam God's heavens among my Shepherd kind.
I nap the day on a snowy cloud, gentle breezes rocking me
And dream the dreams of Earthlings and how it used to be.
.
The trees are full of liver treats and tennis balls abound
And Milkbones line the walkways just waiting to be found.
There even is a ring set up - the grass all lush and green
And everyone who gaits around becomes the Best of Breed.
For we're all winners in this place, we have no faults, you see
And God passes out those ribbons to each one, even me.
I drink from waters laced with gold my world a beauty to behold
And wise old dogs do form my pride to amble at my very side.
At night I sleep in an angel's arms, her wings protecting me
And moonbeams dance about us as stardust falls on thee.
So when your life on earth is spent, and you stand at Heaven's gate
Have no fear of loneliness for here, you know I wait".
~Author Unknown~