Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumns's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die...
Cisco was a white labrador retriever and my best friend. She was born on November 11, 1996 and had her life taken from her on October 6, 2001. She was killed by two pitbulls. I will never be able to get over this because of the brutality of it all. She took a piece of me with her that day when she died. It is something that I will never be able to give back to another dog again. Cisco was not just a dog to me, she was a part of me. I lost a piece of myself with her.
Cisco grew up with me at the polo fields where we worked. She ran mile after mile while we exercised the horses. Never did she let up unless she saw water to jump in. She was the most fit and muscular dog I have ever seen, completely by her own choice. (She wouldn't have it any other way.) Soon Cisco and I moved off to college where she helped me with my own horses. Everyday we went to the barn to work with my horses. Cisco would run circles around them and keep them in line. They loved and respected her at the same time. She would lead them around and keep her eye on them. This past Easter 4/15/01 my first baby foal was born. Cisco was there for that and his first 6 months of life. She raised and trained him, not I. Every time I look at him now, I can see her there with him, almost in his eyes.
About two years ago Cisco learned to bird hunt and track and it just came naturally to her, or so she wanted me to think. She was the most intelligent, kind hearted, and loving dog I have ever owned. My heart hurts every time I go to the barn or anywhere else alone these days. I will never stop loving her though, for I know one day she and all the dogs that came before her will be reunited with me again. I think anyone who has ever owned a dog knows that every once in a while one comes along that is so different than the rest. With Cisco it was so apparent to me that she was that very companion. She knew exactly what I was thinking and feeling all the time. I was blessed to have experienced her in my lifetime.
Thanks Cis. All my love~~~~Kel