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Virgil

VIRGIL, MY MIRACLE DOG

Virgil, my Basset Hound was 9 years of age,
When through his strong body a fever did rage.
I was told he’d not make it even through the night,
Death was now imminent, his end was in sight.

I rushed home from vacation on my vet’s urgent call,
Climbed into his kennel where I remained with him all
Through the night as he hung on to life,
His breathing quite shallow, his body in strife.

In the following four weeks, he struggled to endure;
I can hardly remember, it now seems like a blur.
Transfusions, forced feedings, and medicines galore,
My living room a triage and I wished I had more.

With a wag of his tail, I knew he would strive
To brave this endeavor and for me stay alive.
Hundreds of well wishers, much love, and more prayers
Poured in from Daily Droolers as if he was theirs.

With blood vessels collapsing, vital organs shutting down,
I then felt it might be to the bridge he was bound.
Though the vets tried their best; his time had now come,
But tearfully I then knew that he had to come home

To spend one more night, his love there to share,
He’d return in the morning and he would die there.
He was carried inside, made comfortable as could be,
We cooked one more steak as a fond memory.

He took a few bites which I knew wouldn’t stay,
But hold them he did in his stomach that day.
The next morning he arose his bladder to relieve,
The first time he had walked in three weeks, I believe.

For the next two weeks from my hand he was fed
Little bits at a time, he was supposed to be dead.
I slept with my arm on him all through the night,
Perhaps winning the battle, and maybe each fight.

Then one week later he barked at the cat,
His very first sound and I then knew that
Moment he barked, I knew we had won.
My Virgil was back as when he’d begun.

Two weeks had gone by, we returned to the vet,
Virgil walked in so proudly as astonished eyes met
A quite recovered dog who was given no chance,
Of a successful recovery and his life to advance.

No reasons were offered why Virgil lived on,
Except one thing for sure, as I, a determined one,
Willed him to live and just wouldn’t give in,
And Basset Hound lovers had all prayed for him.

Every day I awoke, he was there by my side,
For 4 1/2 more years he remained to abide.
As God’s gift I was bound in unconditional love
Now blessing my life as was sent from above.

Finally, he left me after 14 1/2 years,
My eyes became drenched from emotional tears.
His memory will forever remain in my heart,
My miracle dog I had known from the start.

But love will not die as we mortal beings,
Love is forever as eternity brings
Loved ones together for the rest of their days,
My Virgil is included for now and always.

- Written by my friend Tom, as told by my mom

Virgil is with the Angels

Virgil
December 31, 1991-Febuary 4, 2006

Saturday, Feb. 4 just before midnight we helped our dear sweet Virgil pass over the Rainbow Bridge. He was beautiful in life and he was so beautiful and peaceful when he passed.

Rest in Peace sweet Angel man, God how we love you