For Emma - December 19, 2005 to December 13, 2015

They say she was only a dog and this is true.

Only a dog that made my empty house feel full of love.

Who greeted me always with joy and a stubbly wagging tail.

Who danced to the Rolling Stones and Credence Clearwater.

Who never turned down a car ride even if it was down to the library and home again.

Who snored in her bed next to mine and reminded my of my husband.

Who fiercely barked at every mail man, UPS and Fed Ex delivery truck until they came in the house. Then they were friends she hadn't seen in months.

Who went on visits to Memory Care and reminded old men of their long forgotten dogs.

Who walked beside me on Hospice visits and listened to Kay talk about her loved dog.

Who went camping and loved every new smell.

Who could tell time and reminded me when 5 o'clock dinner was approaching.

Who never complained at gently stepping into the bathtub even though she knew what was coming.

Who marched in our local Memorial Day parade with my Dad's Marine Corps cap lopsided on her head.

Who loved ice cream so much she tried to eat it in one big gulp.

Who tried to please at my every wish even though she sometimes couldn't understand what I wanted.

Who played hide & Seek with a fuzzy purple octopus.

Who listened to school children as they read to her in the in the library.

Who, when we walked on the boardwalk, people would say "Can I pet her? I used to have a Doberman." And she leaned next to their leg and hoped for a treat.

Who tolerated me putting tutus and Christmas outfits for Furry Friends circuses on her without complaint.

Who 'played dead' with one eye wide open looking for treats.

Who sat unmoving by my side as I grieved the death of my daughter.

Yes, Emma was only a dog. But she was my dog and so much more.

                                                                     Katherine Hodgin

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