A poem.... remembering a dear canine friend, "Sunshine", a male Sheltie, who died unexpectedly, in 1995.... after having been a companion with our family, for more than 10 fun-years.

Read this poem out loud....
and think about one of your current doggie-pals, while you read about ours.
Pay attention to the "allegorical" implications.... about us humans.... and our Master.


This is a picture of "Pearl", age three, in April 2006.

(Addendum 3/25/04) -- We now have a female Sheltie, who was born 4/11/03. We acquired her, on 6/3/03. Her name is "Pearl".... and she has become an important and fun part of our life. This poem about "Sunshine" is also dedicated to our "Pearl" (whose full registered name is "The Pearl of Kingsway").

---

"Sunshine" is my name.
(Sometimes, they call me "Sunny".)
Actually, my name is "Golden Sunshine".
My last name, they say, is Todd....
For I bear the name of him who directs me,
And teaches me,
And guides me, and watches over me, and protects me --
My Master.
(Sometimes, I hear my humans call him "Dad", or "Pop"....
And, with a smile.... sometimes they call him "King".)

They tell me I'm a "dog";
They call me a "Sheltie".
I don't know exactly what that means.
Sometimes I think I may be a "human";
A lot like (or, kinda like) the Master --
Him.... whom I serve.

But, really, I know that I am different from the Master --
My thoughts are not his thoughts;
My ways are not his ways.
But, within my self, I try to be like my Master.
(I'm beginning to see why they call him "King".)

Sometimes I think that I am doing right....
And that I am "responding" as the Master wants.
Other times, I know that I am falling short --
Far short!

Sometimes, the Master leads me by my collar.
To show me his way.
And, lotta times, I pull on the lead --
To tell the Master where I want to go.
Occasionally, the Master jerks me by the collar....
When I don't agree-with what he wants me to do.
He leads me where he wants me to go...
And, truly, that's okay with me.
(I keep trying to learn his ways....
And to do what's right.... in his eyes.)

My Master takes me places.
He takes me where he wants me to go.
Sometimes he lets me know where I'm going....
At other times, I have no idea where he's leading me.
But.... this I have found out --
The Master is always there with me, at my side....
If I don't see him, I feel his presence, close to me.
At times, we go the easy way....
Like going for a ride, in a car.
Other times, we just start out....
(The Master and I)....
Going wherever he chooses to take me.
I always enjoy going with the Master.
I feel safe -- and I have fun, and joy.

The Master (The "King") is in charge of the doors,
In my life.
Sometimes, he opens the door, for me....
To free me.... to let me explore new horizons.... "outside".
At other times, he closes the door....
When he knows there is danger.... out there.
He knows what is safe, for me....
And he knows what's best for me....
Because he really loves me.

If I do something wrong,
I hear the Master say "NO",
In a loud and booming and scary voice.
So, I quickly learn what I can do....
And, I've figured-out a lotta things I can't do.

When I'm good, and when I respond correctly,
the Master says, "Nice doggie"....
And he pats me on the head.
And that always makes me feel good....
And, a lot better.

The Master takes care of me.
Everything I have is from him....
And belongs to him.
I don't really "own" anything;
But, whatever I possess, whatever I claim to be mine,
Is really his --
The Master's, that is.

The Master is always busy.
I don't really understand what he's up to --
But, then, I guess I'm not really supposed to understand.
After all, I'm not like him, yet --
Try as I may!

I know that my Master loves me
Just as I am....
Just as he trained me to be.
And I know, that one of these days,
As I grow, and learn....
And as he guides me, and teaches me....
And as he helps me to mature in my thoughts....
I'll get to be like him.... just like him.
Maybe, then, he'll call me one of his "children".

For now.... It's like I said before....
They tell me I'm a dog.
A puppy-dog.
But, still.... I'm not sure.
I believe that I am growing, and changing....
And that I'll soon get to be
Just like my Master.
Then, I'm hoping.... I'll be with him
All the time.... forever and ever.