For Billy

THE BEST PLACE TO BURY A DOG

"There is one best place to bury a dog.
"If you bury him in this spot, he will
come to you when you call - come to you
over the grim, dim frontier of death,
and down the well-remembered path,
and to your side again.

"And though you call a dozen living
dogs to heel, they shall not growl at
him, nor resent his coming,
for he belongs there.

"People may scoff at you, who see
no lightest blade of grass bent by his
footfall, who hear no whimper, people
who may never really have had a dog.
Smile at them, for you shall know
something that is hidden from them,
and which is well worth the knowing.

"The one best place to bury a good
dog is in the heart of his master."

--- Ben Hur Lampman --

Yesterday our dog Billy died.

Billy came to us when friends were moving overseas.

He was not a puppy.We think he was at least 15. A good age for any dog but exceptional for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Billy was not the smartest dog.( Our friends paid an incredible ammount in vets fees because he insisted on swallowing socks.)

He would never have won a beauty competition in doggy land.(our other Cavalier has the chocolate box looks)

No what Billy gave us was something that is never visible to a casual observer; his complete loyalty.For our 8yo the world has always had Billy. Billy used to "guard" him while he slept outside in his pram.And he was always there waiting to receive secrets when small arms surrounded his scruffy neck.

Loyalty is a rare component,in the modern world, even in human friendship we are told.Billy gave it consistently. He was loyal. He was a true friend. And he will be missed.