ODE TO ZIG

You were one of 17 when you were born, yet I knew you were the one for me

I drove 3 hours south to get to you to find the kindest eyes I ever would see.

Around the special and old, you knew to be gentle and kind,

Yet still played hard and rough-housed with the younger in mind.

Charging full speed at little girls, moving just in time with a fright,

Creating excitement, loud laughter and squeals of delight!

Chasing around the fireplace, attacking at the end,

A teenager’s laughter -- Oh what a best friend!

At the park or the beach, a social butterfly, through and through,

There wasn’t a human nor dog you wouldn’t befriend, it’s true.

With the salty air and sand on your nose heading to the ocean

Surfing big waves, chasing tennis balls - always in motion.

Crossed many miles during spring, summer and snow,

On the lake, boat and mountainous trails, you were always in tow.

You ate remote controls just to get the taste of our hand,

And pooped out numbers and plastic all over our land.

One Christmas, pounds of hidden chocolate were your feast,

Then a drawer full of medicine -- and you vomited like a beast!

You just knew to come when anxiety or sadness filled our heart,

Softly climbing upon us and cuddling until it all fell apart.

Vocalizing your joy when we laid together on the floor,

Rubbing your belly and snuggles full of love to the core.

Surfer, Hiker, Traveler, Big Brother, Son and Best Friend,

You have jumped tall shoulders, Ballaholic till the end.

But now you’ve slowed -- can no longer jump, swim nor run,

I see the energy is drained and the pain replacing the fun.

So, I will say goodbye for now, Ziggaroonies, my Ziggers, Our Ziggy, Buddy and Pal,

When my time comes, greet me at the rainbow bridge wagging that happy tail!