Degenerative Myelopathy

How do you return from yet another LONG disappearance without your Beautifully Unique Beagle/German Shepherd mix sleeping soundly on the bed? {Well…. She would have been sleeping soundly before a BOOMING, heart-stopping, loud firework just randomly exploded}. On Monday, June 15^th, 2020, {yes, yes, nearly three LONG weeks ago}, Rose Elizabeth, {also known as Rosey/Rosalita}, was euthanized. This poem expresses where I have been all this time…. Becoming Rose’s Caregiver/Physical Therapist/Nurse/Doctor, and then eventually watching her swiftly slip away from me during the global coronavirus pandemic’s timeline. 2020 sucks. This poem was the last one that I composed before Rose died. Peace and love, Mary Lou

Edited by Kara Kent!!

‘Today, I consider myself the luckiest Mutt Mom on the face of this Earth.’ -- Me, {also known as Rose’s Mama}

Degenerative myelopathy;

Oh, Rose, this has caused disabilities;

First, it was the left hind leg, then the right;

But, you’re resilient, and you fight;

Degenerative myelopathy;

It’s basically ALS in doggies;

Your hind legs give way and you collapse;

Are they getting paralyzed, perhaps?

Degenerative myelopathy;

Also known as ‘German Shepherd disease’;

For one year, I’ve watched you grow old;

And witnessed this disease swiftly unfold;

Degenerative myelopathy;

It does not care about pedigrees;

For three months, I’ve watched you slip away;

As your ‘time’ draws closer every day;

Degenerative myelopathy;

But, at The Rainbow Bridge, you will be free….