Dog Days Are Over

They lost the dog (best friend to both of them)
seven weeks and (but who’s counting) three days
ago. Too early to say for sure (grim
without him though) but they’re thinking that they
won’t get another. They’re still expecting
to see him come charging back at them with
a big stick in his mouth. He loved fetching,
top speed, anything they threw. Full of life,
he was, just over seven weeks ago.
It was so unlike him to wander off.
If only they’d put the lead on. But no
amount of sorrow, guilt  and being tough
on themselves will bring him back. They loved him.
He loved them. They have that. Which is something.