FOR THE MEMORY OF THEO
1/10/94 - 8/31/99
By Sarah L. Gales

  He was my first guide and really had an impact
on my life.  The poem is by me Sarah L. Gales  Theo worked from October 14, 95 until October 15, 98 when he was retired due to cancer.

Traveling Wings

Once I loved a dog
He was my partner and my friend
He was my eyes and led me forward
He gave me strength when I had none
He walked beside me with the good times
And pulled steadily through the bad
He was my wings when I would travel
And he guarded me when I did sleep
He was comfort for my loneliness and sorrow
He showed me joy morning noon and night
He knew the way when I was lost
Only squirrels could lead his thoughts a stray
He smiled at passers by
Sharing with them his boundless love

One day his stride seemed unsteady
And I learned that he was sick
He didn't wear his harness anymore
And so I did the best I could
I fed him from the table
He barked at pastured cows each dawn
And ran around the farm and fields doing as he pleased
He still tried to scratch his ear
Even when there was no leg
Still he was my partner and my friend
The days passed by
Days of happy thoughts and special things
Cherished days to be remembered

Then mostly he would sleep and dream
He was tired and it was time to set him free
You'll never hear me say that it was easy
To give him that one last hug and kiss
I feel that he was ready
To receive this one last gift that I could give
It was all I had to offer
For all he had given me
And his loyal service as my guide
I gave to him the gift of freedom
I knew it was a special gift to be received
Since a partner and friend
Had once given it to me

I love a special dog
A partner
And a friend
No longer is he flesh
But our bond still remains
Time will never touch it
And memories shall not fade away
Our spirits are wrapped together
In a gift of freedom
And traveling wings