Over the weekend, my son and his family lost their beloved little Marley dog. Marley, a tiny little Shih Tzu , was all of maybe 6-8 lbs. of fur. She looked liked a little black Ewok. A wee one but one who ruled big in their household and she kept her ‘brother’ Copper, a German Shorthair in line. Marley was always sweet to the grandkids who adored their little ‘pocket dog’ and grew up with them. She was 15 years old, hated the snows of Colorado but seemed to enjoy the last 3 years of her life in paradise on the Big Island. As a small offering of comfort to my son and his family, I post the following poem which seemed to be especially appropriate to share with my son and his family as well as all of you, as we all ponder the power our pets have in our lives.
I’m Still Here
Friend, please don’t mourn for me
I’m still here, though you don’t see.
I’m right by your side each night and day
and within your heart I long to stay.
My body is gone but I’m always near.
I’m everything you feel, see or hear.
My spirit is free, but I’ll never depart
as long as you keep me alive in your heart.
I’ll never wander out of your sight-
I’m the brightest star on a summer night.
I’ll never be beyond your reach-
I’m the warm moist sand when you’re at the beach.
I’m the colorful leaves when fall comes around
and the pure white snow that blankets the ground.
I’m the beautiful flowers of which you’re so fond,
The clear cool water in a quiet pond.
I’m the first bright blossom you’ll see in the spring,
The first warm raindrop that April will bring.
I’m the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine,
and you’ll see that the face in the moon is mine.
(Author Unknown)
RIP sweet little Marley, with love and butt scratches to you. We will miss you, little one.
Live, love, bark! <3
🙁 so sorry for your families loss.
May be a duplicate comment but the computer started acting weird when I hit post comment. Delete if duplicate!
Very sorry for the loss of your grandpuppy, but very happy she was your family’s to lose. You and she were very lucky.
So sorry for the loss of your grandpuppy, but happy she was yours to lose?
Wasn’t it you who sent me the words of wisdom from Winnie the Pooh? A wise bear indeed…
So sorry to hear this news 🙁 They must be heartbroken. Marley looks like quite the character … I just love how she sports those stylin little booties. Such a sweet poem, I do believe their energy continues to surround us. I hope that idea brings some comfort in this tough time.
Thank you, it was hard, but we all knew the end was near. She’d not been in great shape especially since Copper passed earlier this year. They buried her along side Copper at the base of the large palm tree in the yard and a lovely spot. <3
So sad to hear this…I hate to press the “like” button on such a sad story but want to express support. Once the little ones wiggle into our hearts they never really depart and we carry their spirit and unique personalities with us always.
I totally understand and appreciate the kind words. Those little fur-iends do manage to borrow deep in our hearts. <3
So sorry for your loss. Run fast, run free sweet Marley.
Awww, thanks for the sweet words of comfort, Jodi. We all appreciate it. <3
So sorry to hear this. I am sure your son and his family will always carry wonderful memories with them about Marley.
Many thanks, Nimi-we appreciate your kind words.
Such a touching tribute…the family must be devastated.
Thank you, Helen. They are, little Ms. Marley grew up along side the kids. Everyone is feeling pretty low and sad. <3
A wonderful tribute to a little guy that obviously brought much love to this world. Look at how it spreads even in the sadness of passing on. Lifted me up from over the bridge Marley.Thanks!
Look up my buddy Einstein. You’ll like him. w
I’m sure if Marley finds Einstein, she boss him around like she did with all the other guys. <3
We’re so sorry to hear of Marley’s passing. What a cute little sweetheart! Our hearts go out to your family.
Awww, thank you. She was the cutest little Ewok-looking dog I’ve ever seen. 😉
So sorry for your family’s loss. Love the poem…our pets ARE always still with us.
Yes, they totally are! <3
🙁 🙁 so sorry for your family’s loss. And what a nice gesture from you to share this info and prom with Sam’s followers
Thanks for your kind words, Michael. My son reads the blog, I hope the comments help him and the family as they deal with their grief. <3
we are sending our deepest sympathy to your son and his family (((hugs))) and love too. What a precious baby Marley was. So sad. DakotasDen
Thanks so much, Caren. She led a good long life and will always be fondly remembered. The kids are having the hardest time of it I suspect since they all grew up together. <3
All Marley has to do is find Kyla – she’ll take care of him.
Aw…thanks, Kismet. We;ll let her know that sweet Kyla is there to show her the ropes. Thank you! 🙂
Your son is kind to dogs too, no surprise. Dogs and any pet we bond with, have their own personalities that we always keep with us in memory. It is better to have loved and lost than never loved at all. It’s the moments, the little memories of our connection with them that comfort and sadden us at the same time.
Exactly. I’m convinced they are on loan to us from heaven and leave us better than we were before. Still…it’s a hard life lesson to have to deal with. Thanks LeeAnna. <3
Aw, sweet poem! My condolences to your son and his family. Marley is with y’all everywhere you go now, just as my Kissy and Callie are with me. They leave their pawprints on our hearts forever.
Thank you. Yes, they definitely leave their paw and nose prints on our hearts and souls. <3
So sorry my friend..sweet Marley i know will be very missed..these old sweeties tug at your heart so badly..a beautiful tribute and please hug your family for me and send my heartfelt sympathy..love Bev xxxx <3
Many thanks, Bev. Always hard to lose a fur-iend and a part of the family. <3
I so know 🙁
A beautiful poem for the memory of Marley. She was a pretty little dog. May your son and his family find comfort in the poem. It is one that I had not seen before.
~yvonne
It was the perfect poem for that little muppet. <3
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of their dear loved one. What a sweet way to honor her memory but with a poem so beautiful. You are a good gramma (kids and dogs love grammas)! 🙂
Thank you. The kids will miss that little ‘Ewok.’ 😉
Having lost my own little dog recently I well understand how you feel. I still miss her but I was held up by the many messages of love and support from members of the WordPress Community. I read somewhere that each time a dog dies it leaves a little of its heart with you. I hope that is true because our dogs have such loving hearts and in this world we could do with more love and kindness.
I totally believe that Edgar. We always keep these fur-iends in our hearts. <3
I’m so sorry for Marley and your son’s furmily… and I bow my head for a little dog who was the greatest for their furmily…
Thanks, Easy. She was a little pill but a lovable little pupster. <3