A Friend's Poem and Story

Two of my springer spaniel friends, Guinevere and Theo's  mom, Cynthia Vanaudenhove, sent me this poem and the story that inspired it. Please enjoy reading, but any other use must have Cynthia's written permission since she holds the copyright. Her contact information can be found at http://www.windwalkercoalition.org/Executive_Board__.html
Why I Wrote the Poem
The poem was written because of my Professional Pet Assisted Therapy with a wonderful lady at Zambarano Hospital who has known all 6 of my dogs;  Fallon, Abigail, Scout, Tucker (all 4 gone now) and now Guinevere & Theo. She had an especially strong bond with Fallon and Abbie and had formed a sort of "secret" relationship with them. They would sit close and seem to share secrets. It was amazingly touching. She was their favorite client..or shall I say special friend. And she said goodbye to Fallon only days before Fallon passed away. When I came to tell her, I brought Abbie with me, who sat with the lady as she cried about Fallon's passing. It was deeply emotional but strangely wonderful. Nothing like it! So this is to honor Fallon, Abbie and their special friend...who sadly I cannot name....shhhh its another secret..but my dogs know who!
-Cynthia Vanaudenhove


I'm bringing you Joy on all fours!

by Cynthia Vanaudenhove

God said:

I have a job for a dog.

I'll give him all fours, then he can carry my joy

A wagging tail and a smile, that's what the job requires

Joy on all fours he will do.

And dog said:

I'll bring them your joy on all fours!

That's what I will do

I'll share my toy or shake my paw

I'll sit by your chair or touch feet on the floor.

I know what you see, just a dog, but much more.

Do I remind you of a one that was once yours?

I'm able to reach out and willing to share

I'm soft, I'm gentle, I simply show you I care

Yes for you I am here.. Do I hear a tear?

Do I see something that is hard to bear?

My eyes are sharp, when yours are not

I see deeper than most. A person, and a life, I see what they don't, I see quite a lot!

My ears listen when your voice stops

I can hear what others forgot

Tell me your story, I'll tell you mine.

We'll talk a while and then I'll give you a sign

A sign that will be simply between you and me

A paw that will mean, “ I see, I see”.

My touch speaks to your soul

Your soul is alive and so full.

“What? They can't hear it? “

“Shhh .They aren't a dog.....I'll tell them all. “

I'm bringing them joy. Joy on all fours.

Joy that makes glad & opens the doors

Joy that turns rain into beautiful bows

Joy that creates smiles from once hidden by sorrows

Joy that sings songs that take us through tomorrow

I wish they could see what I see – God's beings

I wish they could hear what I hear –  voices singing

I wish they could touch what I touch – truest feelings

I could tell them so much – it would be healing

But between you & me it will be

Too bad they can't be me

But God made me a dog not a frog or a tree.

He made me to feel and hear and to see

So I could sit beside you today and make you free

I'm bringing them joy on all fours

You see Joy times four is so much more!

Just let me bring them what I'm made for

That's why God made me a dog not a moth or a boar

I'm bringing them joy on all fours

.

Joy is for life, for love and for all.

I'm bringing you joy on all fours.

Now they call me a therapy dog, but I'm just a dog,

A dog God made to bring you His Joy on all fours!

 © 2011 C. Vanaudenhove