Eddie and Chloe here. One of our dog pals, Cola, from the dog practice places asked if we would share a poem she wrote. We said “yes” since our motto is “All dog poetry is good poetry.”

ENJOYING THE JOURNEY (Copyright © 2016 by Cola)

(Dedicated to my friends Chloe and Eddie, Buster’s memory, other Pals O’ Tom, as well as Tom himself, who “gets it”)

She saw bubbly spirit within
So decided to give it a spin
And take on my little brown soul

Obedience, dog sports, and shows
Enjoying dog company wherever she goes
For her these things were the goal

So we socialized, visited, stood
In time I learned that I could
Be gone over by judges and pet by the strangers
(She always made sure to protect me from dangers)
This life was becoming quite good!

My breed standard says “may be reserved”
But I overcame shyness for those who deserved
My very best whuffles and wags!

My demeanor is really quite sweet
I will do ANYTHING asked for a treat
But my Favorite is chasing the bags!

We work hard – she’s so proud of me
Not a single point gained has been free
But the valuable lesson she learned
No matter the titles and treats that we earned
Love who I Am not who you want me to be

EDDIE and CHLOE (Copyright © 2016 by Crimson Chloe)

Brown fur and bob tails we both do sport,
Eddie has rough fur but I’m a smooth-coat.

I am real friendly but Eddie is shy,
But our tails both wag when a friend comes by.

My voice is crisp and practically alto,
Eddie’s voice is more basso profundo.

Fast friends we were when I arrived,
Friends we will be for the rest of our lives.

The handsome brown-colored, brindle-marked, bob-tailed dog is me, Eddie. The white-colored, brown-spotted dog was Buster J. Brown. Buster fought a noble fight, lived to see another year, and earned two more working titles after his cancer diagnosis. Buster was an All-American dog who earned many working titles in his life time. Buster’s life humanely ended on March 4, 2015, at the university small animal clinic. Mister Tom and I were with Buster in the end. Buster was twelve-years old, give or take.

Buster was, and always will be, my and Mister Tom’s best friend. More than anything, this blog gives the best insights into what a wonderful and special dog Buster was. Mister Tom says that Buster and I helped him appreciate what remarkable creatures we dogs are (but, we already knew that). We dogs are your best friends, faithful companions, and confidants. We have our distinct personalities. We share our lives and touch almost every aspect of the lives of our human companions. Our influence is at times overt and at other times subtle and almost imperceptible.

The first poem below was written by me.

The blog page will continue except that the contributions will be coming from me, Eddie.

We will miss you our dear friend, Buster.

BEST FRIEND (Copyright 2015 by Captain Eddie)

From humble and ignoble birth,
Buster proved himself and his worth.

Eager to greet and eager to cheer,
Buster brought joy to those held dear.

There to comfort on good and bad days,
Satisfied with a smile and maybe some praise.

And with last pulse and breath exhale,
Forever glad that we were there.

~~~

This second contribution is from a dear friend and poet who wishes to remain anonymous.

FRIENDS (Copyright 2015 by Anonymous)

Some of our friends talk funny,
Not to worry, that’s
Because they are not human –
They’re merely dogs and cats,

Merely some of the best of friends
A person’s ever had,
Always being faithful,
Never getting mad,

Always showing affection,
Never being untrue,
That’s why when they have to die,
We are blue… we are blue,

Easy to say, “Just get another” —
That’s what everybody claims,
That seems quite insensitive,
We have different aims,

We will use our memory
To keep their noble lives in view,
That’s important to our faith
And helps remind us what they do…

Buster here. I am the white-colored, brown-spotted, handsome terrier dog. Eddie is the brown-colored, brindle-marked fellow. Eddie and I are happy dogs. I would be happier if I got lots and lots more food. No matter what, Eddie is deliriously happy. His bob-tail is always wagging. We have noticed that people usually smile when they see us. And, they smile even more when we come up to them to say hello. We return those greetings with smiles of our own.

Smiling Eddie

SMILES (Copyright 2014 by Buster J. Brown and Captain Eddie)

Grins always begin our greeting,
Hearts open at first meeting.

Glimpses even though askance,
Returns a smile within our glance.

It’s in our nature to be full of cheer,
No guesswork that we’re sincere.

Some say we lack the social graces,
With our tails wags and beaming faces.

A touch or kind word is our reward,
Exuberance loosed and unbarred.

Buster here. I am the white-colored, brown-spotted, handsome terrier dog. Eddie is the brown-colored fellow. Mister Tom says he is a very lucky man for having two such devoted friends as me and Eddie. We make sure we know where Mister Tom is and what he is doing all the time. We do this to keep him out of trouble. His patterns and actions are cues to us on what to expect.

WATCHFUL (Copyright 2014 by Buster J. Brown)

I watch your face for telltale clues,
I’m always waiting for things to do.

When you stir from your chair,
My hopes are that we’re off somewhere.

Sounds you make are a giveaway,
I hear and know the meaning conveyed.

A nod, a glance, some other gesture,
Could portend a big adventure.

In case you are unaware,
I’m ready to go, my time to share.

Buster here. I am the white-colored, brown-spotted, handsome terrier dog. Eddie and I have very few tangible possessions. Sure, we have our toys and we each have our favorite blankets and beds. However, Mister Tom says each day we give him the most valuable gift imaginable. We show him how to live in and enjoy the present. Every morning there is the exquisite feeling of the perfect stretch after a good night’s sleep. Our trips outside are always filled with wonder and anticipation. No matter what, Eddie and I are always ready to live in the moment. We have no worries about what the future brings. We have no regrets for our past. Each day is a twenty-four hour miracle.

THE GIFT (Copyright 2014 by Buster J. Brown)

Adventures in every trip outside,
Our delight and verve is tough to hide.

Glee when meeting new friends and old,
Greetings enthusiastic, never cold.

Approach each moment for what it’s worth,
Rejoicing as if it’s our rebirth.

Regrets not obsessed are left behind,
For us there is no daily grind.

Smiling Eddie

The handsome brown-colored, brindle-marked, bob-tailed dog is me, Eddie. Buster is the white-colored, brown-spotted dog. I am a deliriously happy fellow. My bob tail is constantly wagging. My tail wags when I see a Pal-O-Eddie™. It wags if you say my name or when people are laughing nearby. When I am really, really happy my tail wags in a circle. Regardless, I call tail wags my “happy tail.” Oh yeah, you can substitute the poem below for the lyrics to the song “Happy Trails.” (Note from Mister Tom: apologies to Dale Evans and Roy Rogers)

HAPPY TAILS (Copyright 2014 by Captain Eddie)

Happy tails to you, I glad that you’re my friend.
Happy tails to you, my glee will never end.
I’m cheery when we spend some time together.
No matter work or play, . . ., whatever.
Happy tails to you, glad to be your friend.

Buster here. I am the white-colored, brown-spotted, handsome terrier dog. Eddie is the brown-colored fellow. Summer does not mean lazy days for Eddie and me. We’re up early for our morning workouts. We practice something almost every day. Mister Tom likes having us do things together. We do long sits and long downs together. We’ve learned to go to our respective crates when Mister Tom says, “kennel.” Mister Tom likes us to practice the “sit” command and “down” command while we both are facing him in a front position. When we do these things, Eddie spends a lot of time watching me and what I do.

UNMATCHED PAIR (Copyright 2014 by Buster J. Brown)

We could not look more dissimilar,
From general appearance to color of fur.

Distinctive ways we meet and greet,
Different ways we play and eat.

Personalities certainly very unique,
Including the sounds when we speak.

Yet working side-by-side you’d swear,
What an accomplished unmatched pair.

Every day begins with the possibility of a new adventure. We are always watching Mister Tom and listening to him when he comes and goes. There is no telling what excitement may be in store. We’re not just talking about rustling of treat bags or the smell of a fresh banana being peeled. We want to be involved as much as we can in everything. Even when Mister Tom is working on some project in the basement we eagerly watch and wait. How do you think we figured out about computers and email and making our own blog? We are thanked for our help in any project. Grocery shopping is always interesting. As Mister Tom brings bags of things into our house we consider it our job to investigate everything he unpacks.

We are keenly aware that when Mister Tom grabs a dog leash there could be adventures outside or practice learning new things. Visits to our back yard are always filled with excitement. Mister Tom seems almost as interested as we are in things happening in the yard. We help him check out the trees and plants. He is not as interested in bunnies and squirrels, however. Even after all these years we can’t get him to chase after the bunnies. He does not know the fun he is missing.

ADVENTURES (Copyright 2014 by Buster J. Brown and Captain Eddie)

Each day a new adventure brings,
We’re poised for almost anything.

Movement about could be a clue,
Of some undertaking to do.

We’re first in line to volunteer,
Always eager and in good cheer.

Leisurely walk or expedition,
We’re always a welcome addition.

No matter what the escapade,
We’re there to help and aid.