This poem is my tribute to our sweet pup. He was happy-go-lucky to the end - never complaining or grumpy. He still tried to do his dogly duties and carry on as usual. I'm so glad that my family brought Riley to the facility several months ago. He was so damn cute, and he knew he was!!! There are volunteers who bring their dogs in, but it's not as special as seeing your own pet.
The Life of Riley
He was 25 pounds of wiggle and silky golden fur, and quickly became my family's favorite Christmas gift. We christened him Riley - my grandmother's maiden name. My mother's best buddy, he was her unflagging shadow, padding behind her wherever she went. She considered Riley to be her furry grandchild. The two were inseparable.
Riley was my day-time companion. Many times I would wake from a nap on the sofa to find him protectively wrapped around me.
Paul walked Riley around the neighborhood, but he soon became too strong - straining at the leash so hard he nearly jerked Paul off his feet!
Bruce's smoke-break pal, he dutifully trotted outside with him, except on the hottest of days.
Riley was Steve's dancing partner, and he joked about buying a saddle for the 115 pound pooch. Steve claimed Riley was surely part pony.
Riley's best-loved toy was one of Grandma's old shoes - purchased toys were a low priority and usually ignored.
Even as a pup, he had a "big dog" bark, using it one night to scare off would-be intruders at our back gate.
Riley always had to lick out the tuna fish can, and would eagerly await for his table scraps at each of our meal and snack times. He parked himself at Grandma's chair, since she was the most generous.
One holiday season Grandma and I were baking sugar cookies, each secretly feeding Riley. He got so "hopped" up on sugar that he literally did hop on his hind legs, making a very large bunny in our kitchen. We laughed so hard we forgot to grab our cameras!!
Riley enjoyed a bubble bath till he outgrew the tub, but he hated getting wet in the rain! He'd bark crossly at raindrops. "Puppy" was frightened by storms - his body shook as it would thunder and lightning. He also hated the noise the garbage truck made and barked furiously at it!
He never fussed about taking his meds, and he loved how they'd "fuss" over him at the vet's and the groomer's. He was the vet's "Big Boy".
Riley loved car rides; he'd carry his leash in his mouth to indicate he was ready to climb in the car and go for a drive. He refused to use his igloo-shaped dog house, even though we made it nice and very comfy for him.
Riley was a happy soul, sweet-tempered, curious, friendly, with personality plus. He was full of light and love. My God, how we loved him, and treasured his time with us here on earth.
Our beloved canine truly did live the "life of Riley."
Riley Chance Spears
October 27, 2000 - August 4, 2010
Rest in peace, Puppy, Rest in peace.
In other news:
Congrats to Robert C. for moving on up to another facility with assisted living. Keep singing the songs we grew up with - ones that are now the "oldies"! Mr. Columnist - I'm so proud of you!! Thanks for sticking by me and with me, and for always having my back.
I have a new roommate - her name is Nancy. My previous "neighbor" got to go home. She wasn't on a vent, so not sure why she was placed with me.
To Mom, Paul and Peg - hope you are having a great va-cay. Have a safe flight on Friday.
That's all for this week. I'll be back here in seven.
Love Always, Darci
Wonderful tribute and memorial to Riley and he was the best dog I ever had. My mom and I shall miss him.
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