I stood there thinking
I was only a failure,
It was time to quit;
My bonny dog barked like there
Was a reason, hackles raised.

I had thought I might
Rehome the two, someone would
Want glorious dogs
I could no longer care for;
Wookie had other ideas.

She became shadow
In my every movement,
She nudged, licked, my hands,
If I thought it all over
She believed it was not, yet.

Despite the tears, howls,
Of desperation and pain,
That fine dog of mine
Was determined this was not
Separation season, mine.

I have not the heart
To continue but it seems
The decision is
Not mine to make, the rescue,
Now is my faithful rescuer.

I face the future
Bleeding, scarred, tail between knees,
But I am resolved
To carry on the mission,
So I do not make her leave.

© Jo Ann J. A. Jordan

I hope you had an excellent Valentine’s Day. Mine was spent with dogs alone. I am still reeling, keep thinking I am alright and then take up fresh tears again. I would rather not open this vein here, but again, I promised myself I would do this daily, so there it is.

I am not always sunshine. If I do not acknowledge the shadow, its hungry maw will swallow me screaming alive.

Do as you will, everyone does anyway. God go with you and bless your dealings and creativity. May you have better days and always strive for your best.

I assure you once I have bandaged my wounds and put myself aright, I will be rejoining the effort to win, win, and win again. It is not over. I am not done. Survivors have a way of surviving even when their will is broken, and their goals fade away. Maybe some crazy dog makes them see that no matter what is in the closet, they have to keep on until there is no other choice.