Teddy Jon

Ode to My Teddy Jon

Nine years was not enough.
Less than three of them were mine—
such a short time,
for such a forever love.

You charmed us with your little dance –
Just scratch the right spot on your butt
And your back legs would do a cute hippity hop.

You were fifty-three pounds
of goofy, joyful sweetness,
convinced you were a lap dog—
climbing up anyway,
then becoming a happy,
unmovable lump.

You always greeted me at the door
with a toy,
as if my coming home
was the best news of your day.

You tried tirelessly
to recruit Evie into rope-toy games,
hopeful and persistent,
this would be the time she tugged back.

The word “walk”
sent you racing—
so excited you had to grab a toy first,
then flop down while I “saddled you up,”

You charmed everyone you met.
On our walks you scanned the distance,
hopeful for someone to pet you.
Everyone at the vet was delighted by your joy.

You made perfect nests of blankets.
You slept beside me,
some part of you always touching mine.
In the mornings,
you crawled low across the bed
to paw at my head
and kiss me awake.

Sweet boy.
Every sympathy card said the same thing—
Teddy was so sweet.
They were right.

I am so sorry
we didn’t have more time and I wasn't with you when you needed me most.

Enjoy your car rides.
Keep your head out the sunroof with ears flying.
And when you get to the park
Run like the wind, my Teddy Bear Boy.

Our sweet, sweet boy, Teddy. We will always miss your beautiful face, happy ways and playful spirit. We loved you with our whole hearts.