My dogs.

They are my other eyes that can see above the clouds;
my other ears that hear above the winds.
They are the part of me that can reach out into the sea.
They have told me a thousand times over that I am there reason for being;
by the way they rests against my leg;
by the way they thumps there tails at my smallest smile;
by the way they shows there hurts when I leave without taking them
(I think it makes them sick with worry when they are not along
to care for me).

When I am wrong, they are delighted to forgive.
When I am angry, they are clowns to make me smile.
When I am happy, they are joy unbounded.
When I am a fool, they ignores it.
When I succeed, they brags.

Without them, I am only another woman. With them, I am all-powerful.
They are loyalty itself. They have taught me the meaning of devotion.
With them, I know a secret comfort and a private peace.
They have brought me understanding where before I was ignorant.
There heads on my knee can heal my human hurts.
There presence by my side is protection against my fears
of dark and unknown things.

They have promised to wait for me… whenever… wherever, in case I need them. And I expect I will – as I always have.
They are just my dogs.

by Gene Hill