Kobu Chi Chinae

I remember when I first saw you

Shivering and frightened in the corner

All of us there tried to ease your fears, but none could

Weeks went by with no change

And then one day you were gone to a new home

Months later I arrived at work to find you back again

Grown and less frightened

I would take you out to run in the grass

You loved to run and run and run

We quickly became friends

Then one day they asked if I would take you home

I was so happy to have you join us

You brought such joy to our lives

The photo of Emily tugging on your ear and your smile sent to the state attorney’s office secured your safety in our home

Many years came to pass in our family

You were there throughout it all

The birth and growth of many children,

The sickness and well being,

You even shared our grief at the passing of a few of us

But each and every day you were there with us and for us

A true friend in good and bad

The years came and went

And every day you were still the sweet joy you had always been

But time wears on us all

You began to slow down as your knees began to ache

Your nervousness returned after the burglary

Sight and hearing growing older too

It was sad to see my little friend growing old and frail

And still you were a joy to us all

Coming to greet me just a few minutes later with each passing month

I watched helpless as you began to sleep more and more

As it became harder for you to move around I knew this day would come soon

And today I got the news

They told me the time  had come

They told me you had gone

Sadness fills me now

I miss you my friend

But I am relieved that your tired bones may finally rest in peace

You will forever remain in my heart

I will never forget the joy you brought to us all

I will remember the warm hearted smiles that you always greeted me with

I will remember the times you sat with me

The comfort you gave in my times of sickness and despair

Good Bye my friend,

My little Kobu Chi Chinae…