I lost my best friend this week. My sweet Labrador Retriever, Queen Abigail, succumbed to spinal cancer after a brave fight. Queenie, as she was affectionately known, actually adopted me seven years ago. She just showed up one day and walked straight into my heart. I’ve penned a little poem to her to tell her story and help dispel the sadness I feel. I’d like to share it with you.
Ode to Queen Abigail
With the light at play, on a cool fall day, without a hint of strife
She came around, with a happy bound, and walked into my life.
Without a tag, but tail a wag, she made her presence known
Not content, with another day spent, just wandering alone.
She wouldn’t leave, though I believed, she probably had a home
So a note devised, was advertised, so she’d no longer roam
But no one came, to make a claim, of where she might belong
So I let her stay, and to this day, I know it wasn’t wrong.
Loyal and true, she stuck like glue, n’er a whimper would you hear,
No matter where I put my chair, she’d always be right near.
But subtle nudge and gentle budge, would make me understand
That moment sublime, her dinnertime, was very much at hand.
She’d never balk, when I said walk, it suited her just right
And on the trail, she would not fail, to keep me in her sight.
But as time passed, she couldn’t last, and soon she’d start to lag
And though that sign was not benign, still that tail would wag.
So now she’s gone, and I am drawn, from grief I cannot mention
That I’m not seen, with my sweet Queen, and all her rapt attention.
My sadness wells, and eyelids swell, as memories tell the tale
Of all it meant, that time well spent, with my beloved Abigail.
I miss you Queen Bee.
The Cvillean 
I wasn’t a blogging buddy back in 2014, but I saw this link today at the bottom of the current post and couldn’t resist reading your tribute. It is beautiful and so fitting for your Queen Abigail. I know she will always have a place in your heart.
Thank you so much for the comment, Linda. She was so special. I know we always say animals adopt us, not the other way around, but this was the first time it was actually true!
My heart knows both your sorrow from the emptiness in your day because she’s gone and the joy of feeling her in your heart, always close–never to be taken away again. The poem is a perfect tribute from a one companion to another. If I was there, I’d give you a big hug.
I bet Bella is not herself with Queenie gone…
I felt you hug with your sweet words. And yes, Bella is pretty confused. When we mention Queenie’s name, she scoots around to see where she is. She’s been a tremendous comfort for us though.
I know exactly what you mean because I’ve been there so many times. And now Scrappy is showing signs of being a Grumpy Old Man. He’s my only dog and I think my last one. I’ve had a canine companion since I was 18. I’m 56. I hope he has a few more years left in him, but my heart can only take one more doggy farewell.
Oh Al, my heart aches for you and your loss. Queenie is a special girl and she still lives in your hearts, our hearts too, as she became a part of our lives through your writing. I feel she is still there with you. Your poem is beautiful and tears streamed at this end. When these special souls come into our lives, we are changed, and we wouldn’t want to be without them would we? Biggest sisterly, gentle, loving hug for you and Patty. Xx
Thank you, Jane. She is with me still in everything I do. What an awesome companion she was. Still is. Hugs back to you.
I’m really sorry to hear that, I know how hard and sad that can be. The poem struck just the right note and I know she would have been proud of your penmanship. She was blessed to walk into a home such as yours, and you were lucky to have her, and the many memories of her you can take forward
Thanks, ducks. As time passes I handle the loss better. Remembering her provides lots of pleasure.
I’m so sorry Al. Thanks for the poem and the amazing story behind how she adopted you. I just reread your other posts, and saw the lovely photos. It’s so obvious you never ever took her for granted…you knew you were blessed (and hooked!) from the start. RIP Queenie.
Very sweet sentiments, Cindy. Thank you so much. It’s been about 5 days and we’re just getting to the point where we can talk about her and laugh at the funny stories. That’s the great thing….the memories are warm and fuzzy and that’s what pet ownership is all about.
Oh, Al, your eloquent tribute to your friend brings tears to my eyes. I’m so very sorry for your loss.
Thanks, Peg. Writing it has been a big help to me. Queenie certainly deserved no less.
Oh Al, I am so grieved by your loss I can barely write. Why do we keep getting dogs? I know she was an angel. My fried Eddie just lost his beagle hound Lucy, and is wretched over her death. .David has never gotten past losing his Peaches, nor I my Maxie. I’d like to say time heals, but for me the hurt has only gotten less painful. Of course we have two other dogs, because the only thing that helps is another dog.
It’s a vicious cycle, Dianne. We need other dogs to help us through the losses. I think the angel in charge of dog ownership planned it this way. I don’t know how I would have coped with this if we didn’t have our little Princess Bella to hug. She is still confused that she doesn’t have her big sister to snuggle up to.
Now you’re breaking my heart. Give Bella huge hug of me.
She said thanks, you give really great hugs!
Well Al, you have brought me to tears. I’m so sorry for your loss.
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Hi Pam. Didn’t mean to get you emotional too, but I really needed to express myself. It helped bring the tears to wash away the anger and sadness that she didn’t have more time with us.
Still miss you.
What a beautiful poem! I wouldn’t be able to write like that, I would be crying too much. We lost my first pet, Tiggles about 3 years ago. He was a giant wild cat who adopted us & I still ache for him sometimes. It’s not fair that pets don’t live as long as we do 😦
Lots of hugs across the water xxx
Maybe it’s God’s way of making us appreciate our longer lives, but it sure is a hard lesson. I expect it will be a long time before I get back to normal. I miss her so much!
I was thinking as I wrote it that if they were with us much longer that we would all die of broken hearts when they went, so maybe it’s for the best.
Xxx
I am so sorry Her Loveliness Is gone. Thank you for allowing us to know her and how much she meant to you.
Very much appreciate your comment valleygrail. Her loveliness would have been a perfect description of her.
The tribute to her is so beautiful. I miss her too!
I know you do, Raree. Couldn’t tell you last night I had been working on this a few days. Didn’t want to ruin our evening.
That’s why I didn’t mention it either.
As you know, Al, I only have a lend of a furry friend, every now and then. They worm their into your heart, whether you want them to or not, so I am sorry to hear you have lost your dear Queenie. The poem is a wonderful tribute.
Thanks, Marie. Give that furry visitor a few extra strokes for me next time!
All, I will do that on Sunday night. I’ll get to play with her every day for a full week, so she can have an Al hug every day.
🙂
Ah, so very sorry for you on the loss of your dear friend.
Thank you. It is hard but I think this tribute will help me adjust to it.
Al, I think most domestic animal owners (lovers of dogs and cats) will understand the pain you feel at the moment. I know I do.
That is a beautiful tribute you have written to tell of your love for Abigail and her love for you
Take care
Cathy
Thanks, Cathy. She was not quite 10 years (we think) so she should have had so more time with us. So sad but thanks you for your comments.
Oh I am truly so sorry. It is hard to write through the tears that are falling from my eyes. For those that love animals.. losing a furry loved one is exactly like lising a child. The pain and the hurt, the sadness, the heartache and the tears
in time this bereavement will pass but your memories of Queenie will live forever in your heart.
please know that my love and thoughts are with you both
I know you have been through this recently too, Patrecia. It’s so difficult no matter how hard you prepare yourself.
Love n hugs
I’m so sorry to hear this, Al. Thanks for sharing your story, I didn’t know how she came to be yours, or you to be hers. I do know they leave an awfully big hole in our hearts when they depart.
Hi Patti. She just showed up one day….changed my life forever. It was meant to be.
My heart truly aches for you. Anyone who has been loved by a dog knows the pain you are feeling. Sometimes I think they own us, instead of us owning them. I pray your heart heals, and great memories abound.
Hi Tammy. The memories are already abounding. Writing this has helped tremendously. Hope you are doing well.
I am so sorry. She sounds like an amazing dog. Praying for comfort for you.
Thanks, Kristen. She was a gem.
My heart hurts for you Al. Having known the love of a faithful canine companion – gone sooner from me than I could imagine – I won’t say I “know how you feel”, but I will say…I know how I felt. My heartfelt sympathy.
Thanks for your thoughts, Jeri. Only dog lovers can understand the unbreakable bond that forms….and goes on even after they’re gone.
That was very beautiful very warm and very talented. I know I would have loved to have had Queenie as a friend.
Thanks, Steve, it means a lot to have you say that. No doubt you two would have hit it off right away!