Spike was a min-pin (miniature doberman pincher) that didn’t get the memo that he wasn’t a full-sized doberman. He got so sick at the end that I had to take him to the vet to put him down. Now I’m a big tough Italian man so I thought it wouldn’t be that tough so off we went. I rationalized that it would end his pain.
As the vet injected Spiker I held him and our eyes locked. I couldn’t believe how emotional it became for me. A grown man for goodness sakes!
Spike finally relaxed and fell asleep forever and I managed to keep my composure. I remember being numb all the way home and finally crying as I got home knowing he wouldn’t be there to jump on me as I walked through the door.
Here’s a poem I wrote that same day. How could I have felt so much for Spike? I mean, he was just a dog. Wasn’t he? I know he wasn’t just a pet to us. He was and always will be part of the family.
JUST A DOG
I am a grown man crying over a dead canine.
I was okay while at the vet’s today and thought I would be fine.
After all, he was not a person, he was just a dog that died.
I never thought that I would be one of those who easily cried.
It is not the end of the world, this much I know is true.
But all I can think is “Spike, my sweet Min Pin, I’ll always miss you!”
Yes, he was an ornery and snippy little guy.
But it is so hard to let him go and say good-bye.
The fact is that he was very sick and there really was no other choice.
Still, it kills me knowing that I had to silence his sweet little voice.
It did put an end to his constant pain, but began mine.
It did not help any burying him under a stony sign.
It will be toughest for me when I go to sleep at night.
That’s when the snarling mongrel snuggled up real tight.
Like any dog, he sure loved getting his doggy treats.
I guess there won’t be any more crumbs in my sheets.
Everyone who knew Spike loved him and his tough guy attitude.
But few ever really saw his kind, peaceful and loving mood.
I know that Spike lived a rich and content 10 and 70 years.
I know he was just a dog, but it does not stop the tears!
I am a grown man crying over a dead canine.
I was okay while at the vet’s today and thought I would be fine.
After all, he was not a person, he was just a dog that died.
I never thought that I would be one of those who easily cried.
It is not the end of the world, this much I know is true.
But all I can think is “Spike, my sweet Min Pin, I’ll always miss you!”
Yes, he was an ornery and snippy little guy.
But it is so hard to let him go and say good-bye.
The fact is that he was very sick and there really was no other choice.
Still, it kills me knowing that I had to silence his sweet little voice.
It did put an end to his constant pain, but began mine.
It did not help any burying him under a stony sign.
It will be toughest for me when I go to sleep at night.
That’s when the snarling mongrel snuggled up real tight.
Like any dog, he sure loved getting his doggy treats.
I guess there won’t be any more crumbs in my sheets.
Everyone who knew Spike loved him and his tough guy attitude.
But few ever really saw his kind, peaceful and loving mood.
I know that Spike lived a rich and content 10 and 70 years.
I know he was just a dog, but it does not stop the tears!