Onyx

2008 - 2020

We always wanted a dog, for as long as I can remember
But we didn’t have the means and we weren’t sure when the right time would be
Finally we got a house and the parents gave us a green light
So we started searching for a pup that was would fit us just right

We came across you, looking so innocent
You were the runt of the pack, supposedly shy and decent
We couldn’t help but melt, when we saw your little face
Bothering your brothers and sisters in the Homeward Pet cage

Took you out to play, saw you chewing rocks
This one has got some spunk to him, he’s going to be our boy
Driving home in the car you couldn’t help but wiggle
You tried to jump out the window, thinking about it now gives me a tickle

The first couple years were rough, you had quite the bite
Foil, glass, shoes, cables/cords, Vaishu’s ankles; none of these were safe, your chewing gave us a fright
How much longer we asked the vet, till you stopped chewing?
6-8 more months she said, it had us all gasping

Eventually you became 2-3, your compassion and care started to surface
You were energetic, but you were also not the same menace
You comforted us through our hard times, rejoiced with us during the good
Most importantly, you were present no matter what the mood

We began to see you as a brother more than a pet
You had all the qualities of an amazing being, you bet
Almost everyone you met, you left an impact
Because whatever you did was genuine and from the heart, never ever an act

I remember when we had a gathering and Ashok uncle came over
His leg was in pain and he couldn’t get comfortable
You went over and gently placed your head on his leg and let your love run through
Ashok Uncle said he couldn’t believe his pain relief, he couldn’t believe it was you

You finally got Mango as an addition to the fam, she added extra spice to your life
At first you were terrorized, then with your patience with her, we were the ones in for a surprise
She became mellow and kind, a dog changed for the better
We didn’t realize you were such a good teacher!

Dog haters and lovers alike, none could say no
Not even Komal, even she learned to let her terror go
A decade with you passed too quickly, we didn’t even notice that you become so near and dear
So when we had to think about the end, of course we were filled with fear

Now I sit here, waiting these dreaded last few hours
I can’t help but question the decision made
The end comes too soon.
I’m just glad you spent your years in happiness and not excruciatingly in pain
As I reminisce, I can’t help but thank you for everything I’ve gained

Thank you for teaching me how to be more caring
For showing me what true kindness is
For showing me unconditional love
For being patient with me through all my poking and prodding
For teaching me to have that fighting spirit to the very end
To keep trying to bring joy to yourself and others around you
For being a presence of constant positivity in life
Even now, though you know the end is near
Your patience, perseverance and energy are inspiring to me

Your last day was a blast, but your body has grown tired
It’s time for you to rest for a while, my friend, then move on to the next tread
We love you and are going to miss you more than words can describe
But we understand you have to go; it’s hard, but it’s right

May you have endless balls to fetch, fields to run in, rivers to swim in
More than anything, may you always feel the love that you’ve selflessly given
Rest in peace Onyx, our brother, our friend, our family.