Sadly, we lost Delilah (formerly "Janet Jackson") to pancreatic cancer on November 23 this year. She was almost 12 years old. We adopted her 11 years ago. I've written a poem in remembrance of Delilah, which I think captures her life and spirit as best as words can; although words are never enough.

Ode to a Coonhound

One day on December 14th 2013
We drove home with Delilah on a snowy evening
She was a good dog at first, obedient and sweet
Although we quickly realized she was fast on her feet.

Then she escaped from the yard to travel near and far,
And got to know the neighbors when she jumped in their car,
Which was just cleaned. And there was the landscaping
She thought she could improve - by digging trenches gaping.

And bad enough to see by all the neighbors everywhere.
Yes, everyone quaked when they heard her running here and there.
Yes, every neighbor knew her since she woke them up at night
After she treed a racoon and bayed blaringly at the sight.

I received quite a lot of texts telling me to go to Hell,
As frustration grew and I knew I'd never catch her til
She was ready and she was hungry. Then she dragged herself home.
And when the sun was barely rising, I found my hate mail had really grown.

You know, she also dug up the foundation of my old stone home,
The structural engineer asked, "did she really do that, all alone?"
Well, she had some help from the woodchucks who tunneled 4 feet down.
Some say she was only thwarting the enemy underground.

Yet, some thought she was vexing and not a good dog at all.
The engineer, a religious man, prayed for her lost soul.
That's no exaggeration. There are witnesses to bear
The stories that I'm telling; and many more I wouldn't dare.

Now I'm picking up her ashes from the ER where she died.
And I can't help but thinking: there was no dog quite that alive
Who charged ahead in life with boundless and unbridled joy
Running by my side in sleet and snow or perched up on a kayak, ahoy!

Some nights I'd catch her staring at me, with those soulful eyes.
She'd wander over to kiss my cheek; and I'd scratch her sides.
Then she'd rest her head on my lap; and I could hear her sigh,
That was the way she looked at me on the terrible night she died.

I will always love you, girl.

~ Your Mom

Delilah's Happy Ending Page