You watched me as I slept, I know.
I feel like I have always known you and that we have always been together. You likely do not feel the same but I know that you care for me deeply. I care for you also. People throw around words of love and friendship but rarely do they consider what these terms mean.
They laugh at each other's jokes, but talk behind their backs yet, I know that you will never do that to me, I can trust you with all that I have and you will never betray my trust, it is just not in your nature.
You flow through life from moment to moment but never selfishly or greedily. When you are in need you ask but when you have taken your fill, you move on and watch as others take theirs. You have taught me what generosity is, you have taught me grace.
You have been the most giving amongst all I have met, even those who tell me they love me have not to this depth. You have given what is yours, you have protected what is mine, even though the temptation to do otherwise may have been strong. There are so few that can control their desires, so few willing to even try.
Those with much more experience, those with so much more training and education fail to control even some of their most basic impulses. You though have shown that nature is strong, but nurture can battle it too. When it comes to taking care, I think you have taken care of me, more than I you. I apologise for this but, I just couldn't always be there for you.
I will always be grateful that you waited and I am grateful that you never showed your disappointment in me. Instead, you welcomed me back each time as if you hadn't been hurt all, as if your heart hadn't broken and the thoughts I may not return ever crossed your mind.
How can I ever repay you for this, how can I make up for all of the moments we shared and all of the moments I missed? All I can do is offer you the same grace you have shown me through all these years. You waited for me with dignity, I will let you leave holding it.
I know you are in pain, I know it is time for the relationship we have to end but I do not want it to be so. I wish I could go back and have one more moment, offer one more meal but, those moments have passed.
Imagine all the times we played together, ran together and how many times you made me laugh. For now, be calm and close your eyes, breathe deeply your last. You are not any dog, you are my friend. I will watch you until you sleep.
Taraz
[ a Steemit original ]
Edit: Our dog Viski has been getting increasingly ill and aging fast. He is still with us but I feel the time is coming so I must prepare.