Taffy
The point at which I knew Taffy was
the perfect bet was not because of a trick,
nor a whisper (a la Cesar Milan).
For a spaniel, her shape was odd.
She could pack on pounds begging for cookies,
going from one family member at a time.
Once, she ate string, and she sat still
as I eased it back out of her mouth,
her breath not what one would wish for in a dog.
Her coat didn’t shine, and she had
a lifelong taste for running in the back forty
to roll in dead things, then eat them.
But one night, Taffy laid down
on my lap when I was feeling quite sad.
She gently put one paw on my hand.
And I melted into a puddle of mush.
© 2012 Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil
PAD #2!
For The Sunday Whirl: Trick, Pack, Point, Whisper, Smell, Shape, Shine, Taste, Wish, String, Pet, Paw.
Also with my Poetic Peeps, Poets United.
Sharp Little Pencil 
oldegg
The trust a well loved dog gives you is well worth the messes and bad breath and the fight to remove that delicious (in his mind) odour with an unwanted wash. This is of course a whole new genre to embrace “Me and my dogs”. I really loved this.
Sharp Little Pencil
Robin, I had a feeling you would be one of the folks who commented. Yes, she was a great dog (gee, I didn’t mention her gender…), and I’ll write more about her and her own “superhero” talent at another time! Peace, Amy
Lance
I like the pacing. Most of all, as a person who calls him dog his son, this was heart wrenching.
well done
Sharp Little Pencil
Lance, we have been cat people since I had to rent for so many years as a single mom, and I really long to have a dog again. Manic-depressives with PTSD and SAD need excuses to get outside, and what better reason than to walk the puppy? Thanks, hon. Amy
Lance
we have a dog and cat. they’re treated the same as our daughters.
janniefunster
That is so sweet. It actually brought a tear to my eye, that last line. pets do come in handy when we need some love.
Why DO they roll in dead stuff??
xo
Sharp Little Pencil
They roll in dead stuff because they can!! They seem to forget the washing down and hosing off that comes after. Apparently, it’s all worth it to get to the rolling. Never understood it either! (wink) Amy
booguloo
It’s amazing how they sense when things are wrong and even greater is their compassion for the sad.
Sharp Little Pencil
I’m in total agreement. They also know when people have cancer, and they’ll lick, lick, lick at the site until you go to the doctor. (If it’s something to do with the “naughty bits,” I’d imagine this would be rather embarrassing…) Dogs rule, but so do cats – I’m the rare person who loves them both equally. Thanks, Michael! Amy
scrappygrams
love this because it’s so true of animals and…kids!
Sharp Little Pencil
Well, all but the rolling in dead stuff, I hope! (wink) Yes, my daughter was always the first one to sit with me when I was down… but the cat always knew where it hurt and would, say, lie on my belly during my monthly. So cats and dogs? Either, or, love ’em all! And kids first and foremost! Amy
kaykuala
The beauty of touch can never be doubted, Amy! Feelings may differ coming from among souls but when touched it certainly melts. Great observation and a great verse!
Hank
Sharp Little Pencil
Hank, I read an article about seniors who are widowed and very much touch deprived, not in a sexual or romantic way, but in a simple hand being held. I remember this whenever I perform music at nursing homes or go on pastoral visits with Lex, to put a hand on the shoulder, to give a hug if it’s offered… Touch is a healing thing. Thanks for pointing that out. Peace, Amy
purplepeninportland
I totally get this in my heart and gut.
Sharp Little Pencil
Oooooh, now I know I ‘done good’! Thanks, PPIP, that means a lot. Peace, Amy
julespaige
You have reminded me of the last faithful four footed gal I had. She has not been replaced as I a bit of me went with her when she left. Thank you.
Sharp Little Pencil
Jules, I’m sorry for your loss. My friend Sherry lost her beloved wolf Pup last year… it’s truly losing a member of the family, I understand that so well. Peace to you, Amy
Pamela Smyk Cleary
So sweet, Amy! In spite of all their nasty habits, it’s hard not to melt “into a puddle of mush” at their unconditional love and intuitive compassion. Thanks for sharing this one. 🙂
Sharp Little Pencil
I know what you mean. Even if you have to perform bizarre ablutions like cleaning out their ears or wiping their snooky noses, it’s all worth it. But I love cats just as much, because they have that independent streak… thanks, Pamela, and peace, Amy