MY MAX

(From Max's Mom: This was the first poem I put up when I first started blogging. At that time, we hardly had any followers, but I wanted to share, what I considered my best achievement in capturing the emotion I have for my dog. Please forgive me for repeating this poem, but I feel that my new friends should see it. If you can, read it aloud...word for word...to get the full effect. Although I wrote it for my own dear Max, I think it speaks more widely than that: It speaks of a general understanding and relationship between loving owner and their canine.....Enjoy!)

MAX

An overwhelming love I feel,

For this magnificent creature at my heel!

Golden oat, tail held free,

Dark, beautiful eyes: all focused on me.

The excitement of his walk, he can hardly contain:

Pawing every step, his leash under strain.


"FREE!", I say:

In a flash he bounds,

Gurgling with pleasure as he makes his rounds.

A sniff here, a 'point' there,

A dart to the stream, a backward stare.

His coat is alight with silvery streaks,

His stance so expressive, it nearly speaks.


In contrast, he hurtles to the darkest of ponds:
Sticky slush and rotting fronds.

And then, he sits in it and stares in glee,

Knowing full well, the fury in me.

A final dip in that filthy lake,

Onto the bank and beings his "Shake!".

I shudder to think of the bath that must follow,

To rid him of the gunge his fur had to swallow!


He stares at me as if nothing was done.

Now, it's bathtime, fo the smell is not fun!

Apologetically, reluctantly he climbs in the bath,

He's so unhappy, I just have to laugh.

I bribe him with treats as I shampoo up his fur,

And he answers my pleas with a soapy slur.

Finally rinsed out! He's as good as new,

Running trenches in my passage - the bath was the cue.

As hunger strikes, he's at my side;

Innocence again, nothing to hide.

I fill his bowl as he patiently watches,

the drool from his jowls just falling in botches.

The meal is his best - it seems to be -

His very existence as he trusts in me.

As night falls, so does he - at my feet!

Our two spirits tied - always to meet.

He'd die for me and I for him:

His short life : a concept just too grim.

My companion!

My friend!

Nothing he lacks!

My beautiful dog!...

...THAT'S MY MAX!!!

Caryl Moll

9th June 2001

---X---

A NOTE FROM MAX:

"Hey Mom...You are getting all mooshy on me!!! Come now! The sun is shining! It's a beautiful day! ...and please tell all my wonderful fur-friends that I am MUCH, MUCH better! We can walk again tonight? Right?

We also want to say a big THANK YOU to STELLA for giving us the 'Most Inspirational Blog' award some time ago. This is a special accolade for us, because we do try to be inspiring in this blog. Many thanks, Stella! If we could, we would send this back to you for the same reason and also to Clive (who already has this award too) and Domi (who also has this award already). Thank you so much to all our bloggy friends who inspire us on a daily basis. If you would like this award, please accept it from our right hand column and write something inspirational for us to read. We love you all!!!

Lots of licks

MAXDOG IN SOUTH AFRICA