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Open Poetry #47
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JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana

0 posted 2011-05-17 02:31 PM


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hadn't seen old Maude for a week
Zoe and I began to worry
the times before
when we'd seen her
she wasn't up on her feet
she wouldn't even try to come to us
something she always does
night before last I knocked on the door
where Maude lives
needed to find out what I already knew
that she was dead
the man shook his head and
told me she was still alive
in fact he'd given her a bath
the day before
to try to make her feel better
and she would stop just lying around
didn't work
so we didn't see her that night either
last night as we passed by her house
we stopped
every so often and called
for her
we worked our way to the back of the house
no Maude
I called for her some more
stood there
feeling kinda bad
and finally
told Zoe she wasn't coming
and we started walking away
all of a sudden
a loud, but strangling bark
caused me to turn back
and there was Maude
trying to run to us
wanting that head rub
wanted to say hello to Zoe
touched me
she was too weak to come
but when she realized we were leaving
she found the grit
to call us back
I will never forget that moment
watching her trying to run
when she could barely walk
to come to us
I took this picture



~ Plastic surgeons are always making mountains out of molehills. ~

© Copyright 2011 Jerry Pat Bolton - All Rights Reserved
OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa
1 posted 2011-05-17 02:39 PM


Happy, frightened sobs.  Thank you, thank you.  Please tell Maude (again if you already did) that her Auntie Di loves her.

Owl

OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa
2 posted 2011-05-17 02:41 PM


I was terrified when I saw the title, and most of the way through the poem.  Am glad that Maude is still with us and that is a beautiful true story.  Am still terrified, though.  She isn't ready to go to Heaven yet.

Owl

Lori Grosser Rhoden
Member Patricius
since 2009-10-10
Posts 10202
Fair to middlin' of nowhere
3 posted 2011-05-17 02:51 PM


Thanks for taking us there Jerry, God bless your heart!
Lori

JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana
4 posted 2011-05-17 02:53 PM


Yeah, this dog has managed to get under my skin, I don't mind telling you. Thanks Owl and Lori.

~ Plastic surgeons are always making mountains out of molehills. ~

OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa
5 posted 2011-05-17 02:56 PM


She's got under Zoe's skin too.

Owl

JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana
6 posted 2011-05-17 02:58 PM


You bet. When Maude is too ill to come around when we're there Zoe cries.

~ Plastic surgeons are always making mountains out of molehills. ~

OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa
7 posted 2011-05-17 04:11 PM


Ohh, poor darling Zoe.

Owl

dreamgal
Member
since 2011-03-17
Posts 442

8 posted 2011-05-17 04:58 PM


Thats wierd Jerry, I posted a reply here? I dont know where it went?

Dreamgal

gotta run out the door but will try and repost it?

JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana
9 posted 2011-05-17 05:26 PM


Thanks, Dreamgal. That happens to me often also. when it does I just refresh the page and it usually comes up.

~ Plastic surgeons are always making mountains out of molehills. ~

Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
10 posted 2011-05-18 12:23 PM


You know, JP, when someone gets a good bath,
with a whole lot of hands on attention, that
can indeed put one into a good stupor. It
sounds like the owner cares for Maude...but
I fear for Zoe....

You might want to let the boss know that
when Maude's demise is imminent, or even after,
that he allow Zoe to come give final respects.

Dogs do that...just like elephants. Dogs..cats, all of our creatures know.

And mourn. Go ahead, let him know that if
these aren't your wishes?

They are PiP wishes.


Marchmadness
Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271
So. El Monte, California
11 posted 2011-05-18 01:25 AM


Like Diana, I am an animal lover and was very touched by this story.
                               Ida

AlCowie
Member
since 2011-05-13
Posts 92
London, UK
12 posted 2011-05-18 04:24 AM


Loved it! It reminded me of my grandfather's dog, Louisa.

When my grandpa died, I didn't know it but she went to live with a family friend. Many years later, we went to stay with the family friend and they had this ancient black lab, so old she never got up to greet people anymore.

The moment I walked into the kitchen she got up and came straight to talk to me. I'd not have recognised her (it had been years and I was only 15 at the time), but she recognised me, her friend from childhood.

Got to love them our animals!

JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana
13 posted 2011-05-18 07:03 AM


Yeah Sunshine, Zoe I think senses The Maude is sick. Any other dog she is a little feisty with, but with Maude she is strictly in the loving mood.

Thanks, Ida, for your kind words.

I hear you Al. Dogs love and remember humans just as we do, Thanks for stopping by.

~ Plastic surgeons are always making mountains out of molehills. ~

OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa
14 posted 2011-05-18 07:32 AM


Jerry, I agree wholeheartedly with Karilea and I am so glad she thought of that.  I am sure the owner will let you take Zoe. Not only will she want to say goodbye, but she needs closure, otherwise she will be very anxious.

Owl

Margherita
Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236
Eternity
15 posted 2011-05-18 11:34 AM


So deeply heart wrenching, dear Jerry. Thank you for this update. I feel like saying a loving prayer for dear Maude and for Zoe as she lives this friendship so intensely.

Love,

Margherita

Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
16 posted 2011-05-18 11:47 AM


Yes, Jerry, dogs know. And commiserate. In fact, most animals are very aware of age, and they mourn just like we do. In fact, they do it even better.

I'm pretty sure I've shared with you my cow poem. And...think of what you know of elephants. All too true.

Thank you again for sharing.


JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana
17 posted 2011-05-18 11:53 AM


Thanks again, Owl.

Margherita , that is sweet of you.

Yes indeed, the cow, Sunshine, and the elephants actually mourn like humans almost.

~ Plastic surgeons are always making mountains out of molehills. ~

Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
18 posted 2011-05-18 12:56 PM


Oh Jerry...this touched me in the Precious place.  Now that she is gone, my cat still mourns and has even taken over some of the dog's duties.  It is touching to see this love that goes on, deomonstrated in such a way.  Love the heart in this...thanks!
JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana
19 posted 2011-05-18 01:37 PM


Thanks, Martie, this is my second posting about Maude. Sure they feel emotion, most animals do I'm quite sure.

~ Plastic surgeons are always making mountains out of molehills. ~

OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa
20 posted 2011-05-20 03:04 PM


How is Maude, Jerry?

Owl

JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana
21 posted 2011-05-20 03:19 PM


She was okay last night. I saw her and kept called her name because she wasn't responding, finally she raised her old head and looked at us, then lay it back down.

~ Plastic surgeons are always making mountains out of molehills. ~

[This message has been edited by JerryPat2 (05-20-2011 04:24 PM).]

OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa
22 posted 2011-05-20 03:45 PM


Loving her through my tears.

Owl

CocoBaci
Member Elite
since 2000-05-06
Posts 3043

23 posted 2011-05-22 01:40 PM


Gosh, this touched the heart in so many ways.  Thanx for sharing...  
*~Coco~*

JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana
24 posted 2011-05-22 02:05 PM


Thank you, Coco. I had written another poem about Maude, and thought I needed to update it because I got so many comments on it and everyone was so concerned about her. I'll be making another pass by her house during Zoe's and my last walk of the day, if anything has changed I'll let everyone know. Thanks again.

~ 24 hours in a day ... 24 beers in a case .... Coincidence? ~

Amaryllis
Senior Member
since 2010-05-20
Posts 1306
Mi now
25 posted 2011-05-22 06:38 PM


So very touching...what a beautiful dear old lady,...I hope she will be okay, and no suffering...

A

JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana
26 posted 2011-05-22 06:48 PM


Oh, so do I, A, thanks.

~ 24 hours in a day ... 24 beers in a case .... Coincidence? ~

OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa
27 posted 2011-05-23 11:29 AM


Tearfully very frightened.  Give Maude my love, please.

Owl

JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana
28 posted 2011-05-23 11:44 AM


No use to be tearfully frightened, Owl, she was alert last night.

~ 24 hours in a day ... 24 beers in a case .... Coincidence? ~

OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa
29 posted 2011-05-24 11:38 AM


Oh, that is good news - especially on Daisy's birthday - my doggy in Heaven - her second birthday there.  I miss her and Tigger and Flicka so much.

Please give Maude my love every day you see her.

Owl

Word Weaver
Member
since 2011-03-06
Posts 437
California, USA
30 posted 2011-05-24 12:42 PM


Grabbing for the Kleenex. This really gets to me Jerry. You can see that she's ready to go to the Rainbow Bridge in the picture. God bless her and all of God's creatures.

Marcia


OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa
31 posted 2011-05-24 12:45 PM


Not quite yet, ready, Marcia, but soon.

Owl

JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana
32 posted 2011-05-24 12:58 PM


Some days I think it is the end
then she perks up and gives me a grin

~ I went to a restaurant that serves "breakfast at any time" / I ordered French Toast during the Renaissance ~

OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa
33 posted 2011-05-25 04:48 PM


Maude is savouring every bit of every moment with her owners and with you and Zoe.  Give her my love every day too.

Have you seen her today, Jerry?

Owl

faithmairee
Senior Member
since 2011-01-05
Posts 1441
Poe Haven, USA
34 posted 2011-05-26 08:23 PM


i was so afraid this would have a sad ending and am so happy it didn't...i've always believed dogs are God's special animals because dog is God spelled backwards...my dogs are really special to me...your poem was deeply moving and i am praying for Maude...seriously

Love,


Faith

There must be a poem in here somewhere.

JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana
35 posted 2011-05-26 08:45 PM


Oh, Maude will leave us, it is just a matter of time, Faith. I came to like the old dog very quickly and she liked Zoe and I, and if at all possible she will get to her feet and come to the fence for a head rub.

~ I went to a restaurant that serves "breakfast at any time" / I ordered French Toast during the Renaissance ~

OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa
36 posted 2011-05-27 11:22 AM


I am happy Maude is still hanging in there.  Love to Maude.  Continued thanks to you and Zoe, Jerry.

Owl

JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana
37 posted 2011-05-27 02:24 PM


I've got her in my daily itinerary, Owl.

~ I went to a restaurant that serves "breakfast at any time" / I ordered French Toast during the Renaissance ~

OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa
38 posted 2011-05-27 08:28 PM


Thank you Jerry and Zoe.

Owl

OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa
39 posted 2011-05-29 12:37 PM


How is Maude?

Owl

JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana
40 posted 2011-05-29 06:51 AM


Didn't see her last night.

~ Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock ~

OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa
41 posted 2011-05-29 09:27 AM


Oh, gosh.

Owl

JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana
42 posted 2011-05-29 09:29 AM


I don't see her every night, Owl. She has a huge backyard to hide in with trees and shrubbery and a tool shed, nice backyard.

~ Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock ~

OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa
43 posted 2011-05-29 05:59 PM


Thanks for that.  Is it cold in Louisiana?  I know you are on the brink of summer, but I don't know anything about the geography and climate of Louisiana.  Do you know if Maude goes inside at night?

Owl

JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana
44 posted 2011-05-29 06:37 PM


We are what is called in the semi-tropics. It is in the nineties these days. Maude has so many places to rest. The house itself is built above ground as so man in this part of the Louisiana because of the flooding from hurricanes. There are two sheds out beyond their spacious patio with bubbling mermaids, et al. Maude has it good, Owl, never think otherwise.

~ Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock ~

OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa
45 posted 2011-05-29 07:24 PM


Thanks again.

Owl

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