Well today marks the "first anniversary" of the death of our precious little schnauzer Benny who made such a difference in our lives during the 6 years that he lived with us. He taught us so many things and because of him we appreciated a simple walk where, like Benny, we stopped to look at the "blades of grass, the flowers, the droplets of rain, the flakes of snow, the waves crashing onto the beach." We will never forget you darling boy. My tears are less, but they still come when certain memories flash through my mind. A year ago at 12:25 pm you took your final breath and dad and I held you and I closed your eyelids over those amazing big, brown eyes and wept into your soft grey fur. It was the most difficult day. I have come to this place every day since and tried to comfort others who have taken and are taking the same journey as we did and it helps.
Remembering BENNY
I was thinking today of the difference you made by being in our family,
You filled our world with daily joy and a reason “just to BE.”
You woke to every sunrise with a smile on your bearded face,
And ran out into your spacious yard, enjoying squirrels to chase.
Every walk was an adventure climbing hills and rocks,
Wading into cold clear lakes, sending geese in soaring flocks.
You always had a smile and greeted everyone along the way,
Your puppy days were happy and we thought you’d always stay
With us and live and love and play and run.
But God had other plans for you and too soon the end would come.
What a terrible day when “cancer” came and broke our hearts in two,
Whatever would our lives be like if there was no longer YOU?
For all the months you fought the fight and bravely faced each day,
Continuing to chase the squirrels and with your toys did play,
But there were times you just lay down and rested by the fire,
We could see you getting slower and so quickly you would tire.
I loved to hear your “puppy sighs” when you fell into deep sleep
I’d sit beside your little bed and silently I’d “weep.”
You were still a little fur boy, 6 years old, so much left to give,
I could not imagine a life when my Benny didn’t live
Within our home and bring each day such joy into our hearts,
How could we ever say “goodbye” and with you ever part?
But that day came much sooner than we planned ,
We sat with you and kissed your fur, dad and I held hands.
The room was quiet, you drifted to sleep, I kissed your fur,
And together dad and I did weep.
This year has been so difficult without you in our home,
We tried to think of the good times, but we often felt alone.
Your scent was here, your basket of toys, your pictures in albums, remembering the joy,
You taught us to take one day at a time and live in the moment and see the sun shine.
We will never be quite the same without you dear friend,
You were one unique puppy right up to the end.
Every night our candles are lit and we pray that wherever you are, everything is okay.
Not a day goes by without thoughts of you,
We walk the trails you enjoyed and the parks that you knew.
We hold hands each night and remember just YOU.
Thank you for sharing your brief life with us,
And no matter how you felt, you made not a fuss,
You left this world with the same dignity
That you had when you joined David, Dad and me.
Your legacy lives on dear Benny in every day we live,
To have you back for one moment, anything we’d give,
But you are free from earthly pain and never will we regret
Knowing one small schnauzer, a truly amazing little pet!
Love Always, Mom, Dad & David
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Benjamin Maverick Von Paws
July 15, 2002 – April 2nd, 2009