Menoxtra; Letter to my Pawpals

Murphy and Stanley (Dood Mayorz of Blogville) have invited all Blogvillagers to write a letter to their pets. The J's may not be physically with me, but their legacy lives on!

Hari OM

My Darlings,
This letter can only be started with the obvious declaration.  You are missed!

Jade, my ever-red-eh? dog, it has been six years since you departed but you are with me still. Your pictures smile out at me from shelves, you turn up often in these posts. It is not that I am sad. Not at all! You lived a long and healthy life, for which I am grateful. You even accepted the nappies so gracefully when the need came.

We old biddies need a little protection to prevent
embarrassment don't we?


You loved our long walks and helped keep your lax two-legger fit; you excelled at command work and ball-fetching and it would be hard to find anyone who could tame sticks the way you did. You surprised us both by enjoying dancing and nobody could believe how much you understood when asked to do anything.  Even more impressive was when you asked ME to do something; AND I obeyed.

Not that you didn't ask questions.  Oh no. Things had to be logical - in dog terms. If you thought mum had lost the plot, you let her know in firm but fair terms that you would have nothing to do with the nonsense!

There came a time when nonsense ruled.  Life was in upheaval. Things grew dark. A veritable annus horribilus. I am here telling of it because of you and Jasper. The two of you gave me reason to rise.

Jasper, silver-furred sage, you were the tailor of tranquil, an exemplar of equipoise, a marvel of meditative mastery. Jet the Giant Agouti awaited you and you created wonder at how you befriended him, appeared to acknowledge his elder status.  Then when Jade arrived, you took her under your paw, taught her the routine, showed her playtime and chase time and when to behave. You also knew how to brew up trouble and leave her holding the wrap(per...)

From the second we met you took up position on my left shoulder. That was to remain your station throughout life. Nothing delighted you more than to rest there, yogi-like, as I rocked and rolled to the music of the day. You adored our nightly groom sessions, allowing my fingers to trawl deeply through your underfurs. Massage for you. Therapy for me.

Ever together in life, you pined so, when your 'sister' departed. In a sense I lost you at the same time. You searched for her. You cried for her. You seemed to think I had hidden her from you. Our relationship changed.

She had been your friend and sleep-partner for all her years. Never were you apart. I went off to work so you became accustomed to my absence.  Jade leaving wrenched us apart.  You faded before my eyes. Yet three more years we had. We shared meals. We shared furniture. We shared tears.  No more groomies though.  No more shoulder. She was your true partner and so I was relieved when you left to be with her. Ever together in the after-life.

Jade, you taught me patience and showed me my anger. You taught me how to communicate without words and never gave up till I got the message. Through you I discovered true devotion and when to stand my ground. You allowed me the privilege of seeing you to the close of life.  I shall ever treasure your nose on mine as we said farewell.

Jasper, you taught me affection without attachment, that solitude was a place of contentment and that meditation had purpose. From you I came to understand togetherness with air between and sharing without expectation.

From you both I received endless forgiveness and Love with the capital 'ell'. Our time together was full of grace. There may come others but none would ever replace.

Thank you for being in my life. Rest well.

Your ever grateful 'mum'
YAM xxxxxxxxxxxxxx