What a Bummer

[Shorey]

No sooner do I post in a thread about kissing dogs that I learn my old friend Bummer has died and gone to the sheep bothering doggy heaven in the sky - just above Luton.

Bummer reached the ripe old age of 9.3 recurring. He was so named because we actually found his original name - Titus Andronicus - too boring.

He died of death. Probably smoking related.


RIP Bummer

[lemon boy]

bummer, Bummer.

-- Here are the dog "poems" that have come my way over the years. As always

Remember that the pain of their passing is never so great as the joy they brought you during life.


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Dog's PLEA

Treat me kindly, my beloved friend , for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me . Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between blows , your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me learn . Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps fall on my waiting ear.


Please take me inside when it is cold and wet, for I am a domesticated animal no longer accustomed to the bitter elements. I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth . Keep my pan filled with fresh water , for I can not tell you when I suffer thirst .Feed me clean food that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding , to walk by your side , and stand ready , willing and able to protect you with my life , should your life be in danger .


And , my friend , when I am very old , and I no longer enjoy good health , hearing and sight , do not make heroic efforts to keep me going ....please see that my trusting life is taken gently . I shall leave this earth knowing with the last breath I draw that my fate was always safest in your loving hands .


-Anonymous-

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The Rainbow Bridge
NAHRA News Spring 2000

There is a bridge connecting heaven and earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge is a land of meadows, hills and valleys with lush green grass.

When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather. The old and frail animals are young again. Those who are maimed are made whole again. They play all day long with each other.

There is only one thing missing. They are not with their special person who loved them on earth. So each day they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up! The nose twitches! The ears are up! The eyes are staring! And this one suddenly runs from the group!

You have been seen and when you and your special friend meet, you take him or her in your arms and embrace. Your face is kissed again and again and again and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.
Author unknown

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“I Stood Beside Your Bed Last Night”

I stood beside your bed last night, I came to have a peep.

I could see that you where 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 your tea,

You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me.

I was with you at the shops today. Your arms were getting sore.

I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.

I was with you at my grave today. You tend it with such care.

I want to reassure 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 close to you.

The day is over, I smile and watch you yawning.

And 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."
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A man and his dog were walking along a road. The man was enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to him that he was dead. He remembered dying, and that the dog walking beside him had been dead for years. He wondered where the road was leading them.

After a while, they came to a high, white stone wall along one side of the road. It looked like fine marble. At the top of a long hill, it was broken by a tall arch that glowed in the sunlight.

When he was standing before it he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked like mother-of-pearl, and the street that led to the gate looked like pure gold.

He and the dog walked toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man at a desk to one side.

When he was close enough, he called out, "Excuse me, where are we?"

"This is Heaven, sir," the man answered.

"Wow! Would you happen to have some water?" the man asked.

Of course, sir. Come right in, and I'll have some ice water brought right up." The man gestured, and the gate began to open.

"Can my friend," gesturing toward his dog, "come in, too?" the traveler asked.

"I'm sorry, sir, but we don't accept pets."

The man thought a moment and then turned back toward the road and continued the way he had been going with his dog.

After another long walk, and at the top of another long hill, he came to a dirt road leading through a farm gate that looked as if it had never been closed There was no fence.

As he approached the gate, he saw a man inside, leaning against a tree and reading a book.

"Excuse me!" he called to the man. "Do you have any water?"

"Yeah, sure, there's a pump over there, come on in."

"How about my friend here?" the traveler gestured to the dog.

"There should be a bowl by the pump."

They went through the gate, and sure enough, there was an old-fashioned hand pump with a bowl beside it. The traveler filled the bowl and took a long drink himself, then he gave some to the dog.

When they were full, he and the dog walked back toward the man who was standing by the tree.

"What do you call this place?" the traveler asked.

"This is Heaven," he answered.

"Well, that's confusing," the traveler said. "The man down the road said
that was Heaven, too."

"Oh, you mean the place with the gold street and pearly gates? Nope. That's Hell."

"Doesn't it make you mad for them to use your name like that?"

"No, we're just happy that they screen out the folks who would leave their best friends behind."

[schindlerpiste]

Bummer...He was a cute old coot.


Sorry, man!

[Steven S. Dallas]

That sucks, I'm sorry.

If it turns out he died of oral herpes, don't worry, I'm sure it's not contagious.

[freshie247]

Bumper dude,That's young for a border collie.

[smmokan]

I'm so sorry Shorey, I recently lost my young lab and know how it feels. We send all of our positive thoughts and wishes to you.

[iceman]

Sorry to hear that, man. That's way too young for a Border Collie to go. Dog's don't live long enough in general but that is just not right. Hang tough.

[Shorey]

Thank you for your comments.

I am struck dumb with dumbness. About 48 hours ago, Bummer died. Today, Bummer is found sitting by the door of the morg in the vets surgery, only moments away from being swept into a Biffa bina dn carted away for burning. Hungry, gagging for a puff on his pipe, and none the worse for dying of death for a few days, he strolls to the car, pees on the wheel and then hops on board.

The vet tells me I'm lucky. I disagree to a certain degree of about 180 degrees. I have my Bummer back, that's good. The family still hate bummer and some look sheepish which is a fucking stupid way to look when in the company of a sheep dog. I suspect foul play, I suspect poison of Bummer pre death. The undertones of William Shakespeare are clear to see, here. Bummer was poisoned - BUT not enough.

This weekend I shall mostly be with Bummer, catching up on our two days apart. Harrassing sheep, soiling that bit of the pavement that runs between the post box and the lamp post, and chasing cars with reckless abandon. Trully stoked, the weekend is made.