"You aren't supposed to step on the cracks, I'll tell on you," I stick my tongue out at his comment and he laughs. I saunter closer to him on the street as we close in on our destination and he wraps his arm around me. We are just about to the pet store when Peter pulls on my hand and stops on the sidewalk. I turn around confused, "What's wrong? Having doubts?"
"No, I just want to make sure you aren't."
"I'm fine, I want to do this. I'm ready, I promise."
"Do you think we're going to fast?"
I laugh and he smiles sheepishly, "I don't want you to get scared again, I don't want to rush you."
"Trust me, Peter, I'm ready for this. Let's get engaged."

We walk hand in hand into the pet store and pick out our little puppy, our ring, and our promise to each other. He's more playful than the others and his right ear won't stay upright. I like his dopy looking half smile and Peter likes his boundless energy.

After we leave the store with our new family member, Peter bends down to look eye to eye with Marshal. I watch him whisper something in his ear and it almost looks as if Marshall nods. I giggle as Peter straightens up and ask him what he had said. Peter turns to me and smiles the same kind of dopy grin Marshall had and says, "Oh I just warned him not to step on any cracks, as I am very fond of this back."

He places his hand on the small of my back and we walk down the street like everything that was meant to be, was being, and we were at the center of it all.

-bcg (we always talked about getting a dog as an engagement ring)

Dark as the moon lit night,
Fragile as a flower,
I love you as a sister,
I hold you as my child.

I hold you,
I hug you,
you scratch me,
no reason to.

I still love you,
even though you brought me grief.

Love you Dixie

I took a gray blue stand
and whispered
go away,  away,  away
until only ghosts remained
my cowards slowly slipped over my face
or was it tacit wisdom

I saw the harsh paints
it isn't a race
and my crush has duly served it's purpose
a purpose less than I would like

I backed into a corner
what I rejoiced to see released
and put a chain upon my pet
my pet
stay put
now sit

My pet
do you only do
what you are told?

I really don't want to write this poem.
Doing so means you're really going.
You've been a big part of my life.
I was only just turning three.
That was when you came.
You've been here since I can remember.
I don't want you to go today.

I hate how much you're struggling.
I can't believe it's today.
If I could take away you're pain,
I'd do it this very second.
If I could I'd still be seconds late.

There's an ache in my heart.
I know it won't go away for so long.
I don't want to miss you,
Because if I miss you then you'll be gone.
You don't know how hard this is.
It's way too hard to let go.
Why give in?
Too bad there's no other way.

You fought so hard.
It's not your fault and god knows you don't deserve this.
I can't believe it's your time.
I don't want it to be,
But sadly that won't change a thing.

You though, will change everything.
You've always been here.
You have to be here.
Why do you have to go?
I know it's you're time.
I know you've lived long.
I just want you here forever.

I could cry a thousand tears,
But that won't stop you going.
Oh well I can't help,
So I'll do it anyway.
I'll continue crying millions of tears.
Unfortunately though, still you will go.

I won't say goodbye.
Not really a goodbye.
If I do it would mean you're going.
You're not really going.
You can't really go.
You belong here at home.

You might be a dog,
But you're our family.
No matter what happens you will always be.
You can't be going.
I know you are,
But you'll never really be gone.
You still have to be here.
Be here everyday.
Maybe we won't have to move on.

You are the best dog ever.
You always will be!
Even when you're 'gone'.
Wherever you go,
Does anyone really know?
Do we even have to.
I know you'll be somewhere.
I'll see you again.
Until then I'll be missing you.

Very soon I'll have to let you go.
I know it's for the best and all,
But even so it won't help this pain.
At least you won't be suffering your pain.
I have to try to let go,
But that's the last thing I want to do.
You've always been here.
So why can't you stay?
I can't help these pointless questions.

Eventually I'll move on,
I know.
Thats how all of this stuff goes.
That doesn't mean I'll:
Forget you,
Stop loving you,
Stop thinking of you
And I know I won't stop missing you.

Goodbye max.
But this isn't goodbye really,
Because this is not the end.
One day we'll all see you.
Then we can all be happy together again.

If I close my eyes, you're there behind my lids.
If I take a deep breath, you're in my lungs.
If I smell a familiar smell you're in my sense and memory.
If I watch closely, I expect to see you by my side.
If I look at where you walked, I remember the joy.
If I bury my head in the soft silky fur of my other fur babies,
with my eyes squeezed shut and run my hands over their bodies,
I feel you, smell you, and imagine for a fleeting second that it is you.
But, it's not you baby girl.
And whilst my love for my two fur babies here is strong,
I miss the gentle soul that was you.
You alone could make me laugh, cry and taught me pure love.

Curiosity killed the cat
But satisfaction brought him back

It was said
The truth will set you free
But I rather be in a cage you see

The World out there is too dangerous for I
Rather be home safe and cozy by the fire
Warmed up in due time

As you my pet back and pull my tail
I hiss in pain
But there's nothing like being home
Because I felt so alone out there in the cold

So continue calling me Grumpy
Although I'm a cat
As long as I'm with you
I'm ready to be pet
For Curiosity killed the cat
But satisfaction brought him back

You, little one, brought so much joy,
You were more than a beautiful toy.
You turned sadness into laughter,
You just made our lives brighter.

Maybe for some, you were nothing.
But, hey!  For me, you were a darling.
I loved the way you looked at me,
It seemed like I am your best buddy.

Oh what a jolly pet you were to us!
But now you are gone, turning into dust.
I hated the way you suffered,
I was hoping your days weren't numbered.

Little one, you will surely be remembered.
I will treasure the love you offered.
And though it was a painful goodbye,
you still left me a look with a lullaby.