From the Heart

Dedicated to my crazy, wonderful, magical dog; Tallulah Bell Darlene the 1st.

To Me, You're Everything (a poem from your dog)

I’m the one who steals your socks and sprints down the hall.

Not to be bad, I just really want you to chase me.

You’ve been gone all day, and I’ve missed you more than you know.

I know you’re tired. I can feel it in the way you move,

in how your eyes look past me when you walk in the door.

But soon it’ll be bedtime. And I’ll miss you again tomorrow

when you leave me.

I pull too hard on the leash sometimes.

I hear the sigh in your voice when I do.

I’m sorry. I just get so excited when we’re outside together.

Chasing squirrels with you is the best part of my whole day.

Please don’t be mad, I’m not trying to be difficult.

I’m just happy to be near you.

I didn’t mean to drool on your clothes this morning.

I was just trying to say goodbye.

I’ll be thinking about that moment all day

while I sit in the quiet,

staring at the door,

listening for your footsteps,

the beep of your car,

the sound of your key turning in the lock.

You always come back.

At least, I hope you do.

Because to you, maybe I’m just a part of your life. A small piece of your busy day.

But to me?

You are my whole entire world.

And I, I’m just your dog.

Go home and give them that pet. Throw the ball. Let them drive you a little crazy. One day, you’ll miss the mess. You’ll wish you could turn back time—just to chase them down the hall for your sock one more time.