Yogi

I remember the bouncy free joyous run with ears flopping of past.  Tearing around the yard at the lake house chasing Kaya and enjoying the treats from up north.  (Boy were they plentiful up north!!)   I remember you racing to the dock to bark at the boats on the lake. Was it Hello!! Hi!  Welcome or Hey – Hear me bark!!??   I watch your back legs shake as you try to run to greet me, and your run is more of a hop. I see your beautiful black with white sprinkled toesies cross in front of each other as you step.   I remember your canny ability to return the proper color Wubba – Yellow, Red or Blue – when asked.  Didn’t matter where it was at the house, you always brought the right color Wubba.   I see a vacant stare – you’re not here, are you already there?   I remember your ability to remember each gift given to you by a visitor and happily run to get it to bring it back to them to show them the gift they gave you still existed!   I watch you bravely face the stairs, only to tumble back down. You turn your head to the side to say no help welcome by this brave boy, I got this.   I watch you sleep more deeply, snore more loudly, tongue sticking out further and further, the sleep of the old and tired. I watch you dream of chasing the bunnies and your limbs still are failing you in your sleep.   We wait for the bewitching hours after dinner where you must bark constantly until somehow it’s ok to be quiet. What are you barking for?  What are you barking at?  Who are you barking for?   I remember your strength as we played tug of war.  Who let who win?  You’d never tell!   I watch as you attempt to navigate and reverse is no longer an option. You’ve become quite good at spinning on those back legs when they won’t hold you for a retreat. I see when your back end gives up on you and you must sit – waiting for the strength to return.   I feel you lean against me longer and your body rest against my legs for support and comfort. I  feel your paw on my foot and you lay so close to me while I work.   I wait for your ears to hear the incoming thunderstorms that used to petrify you, but alas you are unaware.   I pray I’m not waiting too long and pray I’m not making the call too quickly. I hate to see you failing as I promised to keep you and care for you forever.  We were honored to be your in-between parents until it was time for you to go home. We love you with all our heart and are blessed you were with us so long.   Run free My Most Handsome Man!  Run free to Mary Ruth – your first mom!!  Run with no pain and perfect step!  Bark at the boats as you please!  Try to kill the Kong squeakers – there will always be one ready to destroy!   Don’t wait for us at the rainbow bridge – go across and find MR – she has been waiting a long time for you!  And send a sign please, let us know you are reunited and happy, joyous and free.  Love you Yogi Man.  Our most handsome man.