Eclaire

Were you thinking of me

my little precious one

when you were in your dense, black prison

shrouded in darkness and fear

Trapped

in cages stacked one on top of the other

where your toes were constantly splayed

from wire floors beneath your paws?

Crammed

tightly together with other dogs

mean and cruel

who tore open your eye

and took your food

while you starved

and they urinated and defecated

on your head and body

Abused

by men who came in and grabbed you roughly

and threw you who knows where

to go and be bred

time after time, after time

until your uterus prolapsed

and your master didn’t want you anymore

because you couldn’t make him money

Were you thinking of me

my little precious one

when the compassionate Vet

called the rescue organization

and they came and paid for your surgery

and took you away

to a quiet place to recover

and be well cared for and safe?

Were you hoping for me

my little girl

when you were waiting at the foster home

and you didn’t know what a toy was

or a treat

or how to run free and play

and be happy

and feel loved?

I was hoping for you

but I didn’t know it

after my husband died

and I needed someone

to give my love to

and to feel loved by

but I didn’t want

or need a new husband

I was thinking of you

when I heard you were damaged

and abused

and thin and scared and scarred

because I was too

and I knew that you were the one

for me - And I was the one

for you

I love you my little precious one

You’ve come such a long way

in the past two years

from a frail, tiny girl

cowering in the corner

in fear for many months

not knowing who I was

or where you were

Frightened by every noise

or fast movement

and people, and animals

and trains

You didn’t know what grass was

or how to pee outside

and you didn’t know words

or kindly human touch

But now you know my precious one

what true love is – what peace is

as you lay on your side

and I gently rub your body as you relax

and trust me

and finally, let go

and lick my hand in gratitude

and now I know - you were hoping for me too.