In Memory Of Beauregard
Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened. ~Anatole France
Photograph by K. Alan Lewis
Kal, one of my cyberfriends, just lost his dear dog of nine years. Beau had prostate cancer which, when discovered, had already spread through much of his body. Kal loved his friend too much to allow him to suffer with pain any more than he already had. Therefore, he made the very painful decision to put him to sleep. Kal’s heart is hurting right now. He will miss his friend terribly. Please remember him in your thoughts and prayers. Anyone that is a pet owner knows how much a part of our lives these animals can be.
I was always so moved when Kal wrote about his four-legged child and friend on his site. It was clear just how much they meant to each other. I am glad that Beau had such a good home, such a loving parent to love him and care for him. My thoughts and love are with Kal and Beau as I dedicate this poem to them both.
Man’s Best Friend
Animals! Oh what friends -
if we want them to be;
touched by their innocence -
we are forever changed.
It is a gift indescribable,
so precious, and unforgettable
as they quietly see into our hearts
and somehow understand.
Spoken words of exchange
are impossible, they say -
between man and this lovely
wide-eyed creature.
Yet, love’s language is always present -
if we just listen…
of acceptance and devotion
they so generously give away.
A best friend,
a faithful consoler,
and a true companion -
is the presence of such a comforting
and trusted friend.
Mysteriously, such pure love is possible
between them and us -
for when tears are shed at their loss -
we grasp this truth again.
Lovingly dedicated to Alan and Beau in memory of Beau’s happy life on this earth.
~Viola Jaynes
August 19, 2008
One of my cats died earlier this year — she drew her last breath in my arms. I’ll be forever grateful for the time we shared, and the experience she gave me of loving someone to the end.
ari
Comment by Ari Koinuma — August 20, 2008 @ 7:16 pm
Ari, I am sorry you lost your cat…but like you said, it is wonderful that you two had each other and that you were there for her to the very end. I am certain that must have been very comforting for her.
I had a cat that died early from a brain tumor, and like Kal, it is difficult loosing someone and thing we dearly love. Thanks for sharing, Ari!
Comment by Viola Jaynes — August 20, 2008 @ 9:38 pm
Viola, as I said in the private email to you, words cannot express the thankfulness I have for your words in this post and poem. In the midst of the pain and grief, glimmers of sunshine illuminate the cloudy skies of despair in words such as yours. Beauregard was quite a special person in my life, and will always be missed. Thank you for capturing some of the wonderful aspects of the connection between pets and their human counterparts.
Comment by KAL — August 20, 2008 @ 9:49 pm
My dear Kal, you are so very welcome. I will hold you close to my heart in the coming days, praying for strength and encouragement for you. I know you will miss Beau so much and in those moments, when your heart seems to ache, perhaps you can smile and know that he was lucky to have had you, and that you were so very enriched to have him. My thoughts are with you. I know this has been so hard for you.
Comment by Viola Jaynes — August 20, 2008 @ 10:41 pm
Your friend is in my prayers, Viola. I remember when my beloved pooch made the journey. A friend had animal communicators call me and tell me that our friends know their time and accept it with grace and that all I could do was love them through the transition and into the future.
There is a wonderful book about what animals teach us about death and dying by Rita Reynolds called Blessing the Bridge. Perhaps this would be a good read for your bereaved friend.
Comment by SandyCarlson — August 22, 2008 @ 5:35 pm
Sandy, thanks for telling me about this book. I will check into it and perhaps mail it to Kal.
Comment by Viola Jaynes — August 22, 2008 @ 6:46 pm
Such a lovely poem that so well describes the intimacy that people can have with their pets. It’s a very deep and unconditional love which makes the ending of your poem so sad too. I enjoyed reading this because you were able to evoke emotions in me.
Comment by nicki42day — August 26, 2008 @ 9:37 pm