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Asher Blaisdell

January 19, 1996 - December 4, 2007

 

 

The day before you left me

leaves swirled on the ground.

We slept out in the sunshine

and happiness abound.

If I'd only known it was the last

I'd kiss your nose.

I might have had to kiss it,

a thousand times or more.

I thought you were feeling better,

as nap you did not do.

You kept your blue eyes on me

and locked me in your view.

I suppose you knew

you'd have to go away,

which is why you couldn't bear

to look the other way.

We took the mental pictures

and tucked them safe inside.

We coaxed our fears with ice cream

and savored all the time.


The day before you left me

was so much more than sweet.

I'm glad I had the time

to lay upon your feet.

Hours in the sunshine

were two forever friends,

silently still speaking,

we were talking heart to heart.

I told you that I loved you

and asked you how I'd know

the time would be right

to let my sweet bear go.

You didn't answer that one,

too stuck inbetween,

for your bones were very tired,

but who would care for me.

And so we lay together

for hours on the porch,

taking silly pictures

and releasing all our doubts.


Remember when you met me,

your ribs shown through your fur.

And you slept there on my porch,

until I opened the door.

Reluctantly I did,

and how I did not know,

that you would save my life,

and change my life as so.

I thank you for the adventures,

the laughter and the love.

The howls and hikes

and most of all,

for making me your own.

I'd always battled loneliness

until you stole my heart,

and off we walked together,

I never thought we'd part.


On the day you left me,

the snow it slowly fell,

encircling your weakened feet

and landing on your tail.

Small, sweet artic kisses

they whispered out your name.

A call so old

you rised to meet it

and walked along your way.

I'll never know how you did it,

kept up that noble grace.

So quietly you fought,

you did it all for me.

I didn't see your illness,

I couldn't take your pain;

the cancer so deep inside

in every single vein.


On the day you left me

you made it very clear,

that you would stay beside me,

and hobbled very near.

And oh how I loved

the loyalty you showed,

but I couldn't let your spirit

watch your body go.

And so we made the trip,

one last one side by side.

I stroked your long, soft fur

and told you not to cry.

For you had been a good boy,

which no one could deny.

I laid you on the blanket,

a soft place to rest your head,

and brought your yellow ducky,

to send you with the best.

I told you how I'd miss you,

although I didn't know,

how vast the missing is

when your best friend goes.

I asked for you to wait

across that rainbow bridge,

to run and play

but then one day,

come back to run with me.

I saw that you were ready

when you closed your eyes,

and though I did not want to,

I knew you had to fly.

Our lives flashed before me,

and flooded up my eyes.

I held you in my arms

for that one last final time.

And then cupped your face between my palms,

and then I watched you die.

So peacefully you went to sleep,

so soft went your gaze,

and I stayed to hold you

until I knew it true,

that our grand and loving journey

was over with and through.


On the day you left me,

so many hugs I got.

So strange it seemed for others

to try and fill your spot.

I walked among the forest

and your favorite swimming hole,

so shocked and confused,

and facing the unknown.


On the day you left me,

I fell asleep that night,

choking on my tears

and clutching your ducky tight.


So when tomorrow comes

and I cannot see your face,

I'll be thinking of your smile

and of your honor, your grace.


When tomorrow comes

and I cannot touch your fur,

I'll say a silent prayer

for everything you were.


When tomorrow comes

and your blue eyes no longer shine,

I will think about our friendship

that continues over time.


When tomorrow comes

and I'll hear your howl no more,

I'll try not to laugh

when I think about your snores.


When tomorrow comes,

please don't be surprised,

that it is I who sits on your porch,

waiting to be let inside.

And then our journey will continue,

like not a day was lost.

The loneliness will vanish,

the pain will go away,

and side by side we'll remain,

forever and always.





Asher, my sweet, beloved friend.

It is you that I will always miss.


Thank you for making me so entirely happy and content.

Who knew a dog could be so wise?


Oh yeah, you did.


I love you Bear.



~Brandi