Oh Fly High And Be Free, Sumo!

My alpha dog Sumo died February 4, 5 PM (Manila time)

I never knew I will sit before my sister's PC typing this.
My own PC went pfft and I never had the chance to have it fix.
My time and energy seemed focus on my dogs lately.

Things happened so fast and I watched this frisky proud dog turn 12 years old just last January 15 and in a week, in a snap, he lost everything (his appetite, sense of smell, sight, movement, energy, etc.) that made him the Alpha and leader of his family.

I will miss that smile on his fierce face
that conveyed some special messages
that only existed between us . . .

I will miss him watching me from the corner
and telling me that it is OK to hear the plants sing . . .
to greet the lizard who jumps to meet me . . .
to stare in awe and wonder at the flock of birds
who watches me from my windows at dawn . . .
to feel the energy of a stone,
the healing power of the sun,
and the energy of the moon when it is full,
the pulse of the dry earth on my palms
and the power of the Divine around us.
Yes, that black dog taught me all that!

I will miss his patient self beside his (also senior!) pup Sweepy.
I will miss his humor (only another animal lover can appreciate this!)
I will miss his bravery and compassion
(he barks to call my attention to crying dogs around us!)
and the fierce loyalty even as he lie sleeping . . .

. . . with one eye keeping watch over me
and that look that told me he wanted to leave already . . .
That he needed to go
and I must let him go . . .

I promised him I will not cry
but I was shamelessly crying beside him every day
making him extend his leaving longer than his body can.

It felt peaceful to see Sumo fly free
on the birthday of my late Papa
to where he will be whole again
to where the spirit does not age
and where he will meet his mate Pica
and his other pup Bogart
on a not-so-distant Heaven
called Rainbow Bridge . . .

For Sumo
January 15, 2000 - February 4, 2012