To a Lady

You were here, at my work, long before I ever got here. I fixture, moving about the trailers. I don't remember when we met, but I'll never forget how you used to wait for me to drive past in my golf cart so that you could jump out, and laugh when I screamed.

When I returned, you were still here. and I got to know you better. Your feelings towards me were luke warm, at best, even though you seemed to be excited to meet anyone else. except that one guy. you never liked him at all. You simply put up with me. I cleaned up your vomit, I bought you food. Still you snubbed me.

I advanced in position, you advanced in age. Still spry, you drove our landscaping manager crazy eating all the ducklings. I'm glad I never saw you tear into a bit of roadkill. I still can't believe you would go swimming in the reclaimation ponds.

Still I would stop and talk to you, looking deep into your eyes, wishing for the day when you would jump up when I approached, happy to see me. once, I thought you did, but as I drew closer, and you saw who it was, you turned and walked away. I never stopped wanting to be your friend. I don't know if you know how many times I made sure your drinking water was fresh and clean, how often I cleaned your water bucket.

Then you had a stroke, and I oohed and ahhed over you and prayed for your comfort and an happy ending. when I saw you the other day, looking forlorn, I told myself to stop, and offer you a kind word and a pet on the head. You didn't even seem to notice me, but that was nothing new. They took you to the Dr that day, and you died while you were away. you are to be brought back and buried here, next to your friend Pasquale in a place of honor.

I know we will all miss you. I'm sure you won't be replaced. You belong to a time gone past in the history of my company, when puppies ran free and greeted our guests. You'll live on in our memories. I'll miss your shaggy black head on my porch inthe morning. I'll miss giving you treats, the only time you would have anything to do with me. I'll miss admireing your haircuts and the cute little bows they would put on your ears.

goodbye Lady. Run with Pasquale forever.