|
ROCKY AND ME
"ROCKY AND ME"
* * * * * *
I bought this pup and brought him up and trained him for the trials;
to be the best to win the cup, for this, we traveled miles.
My memories of him never dim, he was more than just a dog;
all my time was spent with him...as mist does with the fog!
Day and night we practiced long, which was a total grind;
for at first, things all went wrong, I thought I'd lose my mind;
'cause "Rocky" did not understand, he only wished to play;
even on my reprimand, he still would want his way.
* * * * * *
Now this went on for many 'a day, and then, but not complete,
he would respond to what I'd say, but not without some treat.
But "Rocky" came to realize that treating wasn't all,
my voice of firm, but gentle wise, was all I need to call.
Our lasting friendship strongly grew into one solid bond;
for time came soon that we both knew.. a thing of which we're fond....
of what is just a simple game, an exercise at best;
to win the judge's apt acclaim; to pass his drilling test ;
to be the best dog in the shows and take the winner's cup
an acclamation that bestows upon me and my pup.
* * * * * *
I taught him all the moves and tricks a happy dog it makes;
for this contentment oft' restricks many of our mistakes.
While training in obedience this fact remained to be:
that doing this experience, same things for him and me;
for wise indeed was "Rocky", no smarter dog than he,
while I was teaching "Rocky","Rocky" was teaching me!
We both were learning self control, he, much better than I,
now from the past memories unfold, lasting until I die!
* * * * * *
I could place him on a beat: a sit, a stand or lie;
not even a bitch in cycle heat could steal a glancing eye!
He then responds to all commands, my voice or hand it be;
he'd clear the hightest jumping stands and then return
to me.
I would touch a special thing, of leather, metal or wood;
and "Rocky" knew which one to bring, for "Rocky" understood:
that in a pile of fifteen there, placed without inspection,
(for "Rocky" had not seen)
he just used his scent detection with nose so sharply keen.
Then proudly wagging his tail in glee, when snatching up the one,
the only one touched by me and back to me he'd come;
returning item back to me, he came in joyful prance,
his eyes as wide as could be, his pupils seem to dance!
* * * * * *
All this happened long ago and "Rocky" is now gone;
but all the thoughts I have in stow, I'll never be alone.
"Rocky" left us while in glory, he was just a young pup then;
on a roadway without gory, his precious life would end:
but not before he captured many, cups and titles that he won,
hearts of love and praise a-plenty, all agree a job well done.
So from the days of yesteryear come thoughts of "Rocky's" skill.
All our memories now revere...in our lifetime fill!
* * * * * *
William E. Hardison
|