A poem for my dog

Oh Oliver!

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Oh Oliver! What joy you bring Splendid like regal splendour Special like a day in Spring

Your curious soul’s a blessin’ to behold I promise to take care of you, even when you’re old Oh Oliver, what a happy day! When dad and I drove you home You wandered the yard, eager to play A free spirit always looking to roam

Nothing’s changed, and for that we’re grateful

You keep us present, finding you was fateful

Oh Oliver, you prance like a prince! You get smiles from sad souls by the sea Devilishly handsome, he can easily convince

That we must live in harmony

You don’t even know the impact you’ve had

On us all, and for that we're glad

Oh Oliver!

I cherish those sunny days we’re together Loving and in the moment, petting golden fur

Picture it now, the sand and ocean, perfect weather

One day you’ll help me raise a family

But one day at a time, good boy, we’re so lucky

--

When we lost our first dog, Coco, it was hard on all of us. Especially my mom. She was a light in our life. Both my parents are older and retired, so having a dog has given them (including myself) purpose, and a reason to get out in the world. Coco was a cockapoo, like Oliver, and was such a sweetheart. She was in very good health for almost thirteen years, but one day, as things happen, she got sick, fast. It was all so sudden.

Several months went by and I went to a pet store in Red Bank with my father, just to see some puppies. We didn't have any intention of getting a dog, but we were certainly entertaining the idea.

The house was too quiet without her. Things didn't feel right without a dog in our home.

We were brought to the back of the store, where they had a few cockapoo puppies who were napping. I'll always remember seeing Oliver for the first time. It was love at first sight. He was the only one not napping. He was hopping up and down, just a small little thing, wagging his tail furiously in excitement. He was so happy, joyful, and innocent. I remember the woman telling me "he's got a ton of energy." That's okay, I said. I knew I wanted a dog I could run with and go on adventures with. And I knew it had to be this dog.

It only took a few days before we came back and purchased him. I remember telling my dad we have to get this dog. Something was telling me this puppy is going to be a part of our family. Sometimes you just know. Sometimes things in life just happen, and you need to embrace them. But anyone who knows me knows I like to take my time with decisions. I like to weigh pros and cons, before making a final verdict. I didn't need to with Oliver.

Funnily enough, I originally wanted to name him Kratos, because I'm a nerd and love the game God of War. Admittedly, it didn't go with him. So we used it as a placeholder as I was thinking of human names we could give him. Naturally, I went through a ton of superhero names. Oliver Queen came to mind...and BOOM!

He looks like an Oliver.

"Oh yeah, he's an Oliver," my mom said.

We've had Oliver for almost six years now, and he's truly been such a joy to have. I love dogs because they're all so unique and different. They have their own personalities, their own quirks. Oliver is certainly a character, and he welcomes (most) people with a loud bark. To the people who he trusts, he's the most gentle, kind, and loving dog I've ever met. To put things in perspective, my dad is not an animal person, and he was always reluctant in getting a dog. Ironically, now, my dad (although he doesn't like to admit it) is absolutely in love with Oliver and feeds him breakfast and takes him on early morning walks every day.

My mom proudly tells me that people always smile at him when they cross paths. "Everyone tells me how handsome he is! I just wish he wouldn't bark at people so much, because he's perfect otherwise!"

I think what I wanted to convey most about my poem is that, yes, it's specifically about my dog, but I don't think what we have is necessarily unique. What I mean is that I think most people have special bonds with their dogs, and they're a major source of happiness for people. Whether we realize it or not, dogs teach us so much. I'm always in awe at how fixated and focused Oliver can be, in the moment, even if it's just for a treat. A silly example, sure, but my point is dogs live in the present. Oliver loves to go in the car to simply see and walk around new places. That's what makes him happy, and being around the people he loves. That's it!

Maybe that's all we need too, we just didn't realize it.

With everything that's happening in the world, it just reinforces that we need to embrace our loved ones, and cherish the time we have together, because tomorrow is not guaranteed.

-JTC