It’s Friday. An end to another week. This past week was not much fun. We have been looking since last Sunday for my mother and my son’s dog, Shatzi. We walked and drove the roads. We put up posters and talked to neighbors. We got a few tips that didn’t turn up anything. And then yesterday, my mother was the one to find her broken body not too far from home. Shatzi had been hit by a car. She was not the first pet here to meet this fate. My son, Robbie and I dug a grave last night, and retrieved her body for burial. While we worked with quiet resign, we talked about all the pets that we had loved and lost. My pets. Robbie’s pets. My mom’s pets. It is a part of our lives. We are a family that considers our pets as one of us. They fill a void in all of our lives, for each of us something different I am sure. They are never mad, always there, always happy to see us, always happy to follow no matter where we go. Our pets are our companions that listen to us chatter on as we go about our days, and turn their heads in understanding, as if they are hanging on every word.
This morning I am thinking about my mother and my son. 
I know that time will fill the space that Shatzi has left. But, I know the pain of losing an animal. My thoughts are with them this week. I am hopeful that peace will find them soon. I know Shatzi will be watching over them as well. I decided to share this poem, and write this tribute to Shatzi as well as those that have gone on before her. Our furry family members who are gone, but never forgotten and live on in our hearts, in our minds, and our treasured pictures.
Missing you
I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep. I could see that you were crying. You found it hard to sleep.
I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear, “it’s me, I haven’t left you, I’m well, I’m fine, I’m here.”
I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea. You were thinking of the many times your hands reached down to me.
I was with you at my grave today, you tend it with such care. I want to re-assure you, that I’m not lying there.
I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key. I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said “It’s me.”
You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair. I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.
It’s possible for me to be so near you everyday. To say to you with certainty, “I never went away.”
You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew….. in the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.
The day is over.. I smile and watch you yawning, I say “Goodnight, God bless, I’ll see you in the morning.”
And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide, I’ll rush across to greet you and we’ll stand, side by side.
I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see. Be patient, live your journey out… then come home to be with me.
–Colleen Fitzsimmons
