Our Wheaten terrier passed away on July 27, 2019 just over ten years old. Two nights later, half asleep I lay awake listening to the wind through the large tree outside. It was then that I heard a quiet voice, and I knew Oliver was whispering to me.
To My Dads, David and Leonard
The three brave musketeers, yes we are
Lived ten years and then nothing did mar
Oh, we were meant to be,
Yes, together in glee
But our fate—it was shaped by the stars
Very clever I was to choose you
For I pledge you’re my favourite two
‘Twas in Kathy’s back yard
Where the choice wasn’t hard
We embarked on a love that was true
I remember the old one did say
When, at first, he did see me that day
“That’s the one?” and just ‘cuz
His bright face was abuzz
With affection and pride, I would stay
I was Taurus for my Capricorns
So, your condo I came to adorn
You, then, showered your love
And we fit hand-in-glove
Very happy I was to be born
With my clickety clack on the floor
My sharp nails made the sounds you adore
So, my habits you see
Are so deep within me
So I’ll name just a few and some more
When I killed the racoons in their nest
And I did it with passion and zest
For I never feared risk
And the slaughter was brisk
When I’m feral I am at my best
With such fear I was one day replete
Threat’ning cars were then jamming the street
So alone in my hell
This just wouldn’t go well--
It was fate I would soon be dead meat
On the sidewalk I cried all alone
But my instinct then carried me home
‘Tho my death was assured
My demise was deferred--
Without dads I would not again roam
Many thanks for my joy of the week,
Wanda’s farm with her big doggy clique,
For sweet Wanda’s my fave
And ‘bout her do I rave
Now at peace for all time by her creek
My insatiable taste for the rabbit
Is a pleasure that’s really a habit
It’s the smell of their fur
And the taste of the cur
So, no matter your protests, I’ll have it!
That young Coco’s my favourite mutt
And she always goes sniffing my butt!
Pups’re always annoying
And so needy and cloying
My equipment, I’m sorry, is shut!
Dearest daddy did comb me and brush
All my fur, it did feel soft and lush
How those times do I miss
With a hug and a kiss
Oh, please stop me, I’m starting to gush
I am sad to be called so darn soon
But I still hear my favourite tune
For your “Sunshine” I am
So please sing, Leonard Tam
For I love when to me you do croon.
Oh, my favourite memory is best
My two dads did oft hug chest to chest
In group hugs in their arms
I’d be smothered with charm
With each other we knew we were blest
Oh, if I’ve been a good little friend
And our love has then truly no end
If the years they had meaning
And if e’er you stop keening
A new pup your two hearts will help mend
Baby Wheaten I’m sure it will be
We’re adorable, yes, don’t you see
So, you’ll find him a place
For his little black face
To complete your new home as a three
The memorial tree is quite swell
To give cool to my sheltering dell
As I sleep in this spot
In dark earth—cool and soft—
The hydrangea has no parallel
There I see a bright Rainbow quite near
I must travel afar it’s quite clear
I’ll be waiting for you
For we’ll have life anew
And share love and our happiness dear.