This is called a free-style poem. It doesn’t rhyme and is meant to evoke emotion and resonate with others. In Poetry rules, it really isn’t and ode, but the title sounded better than “free-style poem to Sophie”. I hope this resonates with other pet owners.

I brought you home, one cold winter day and made a promise to you,

I told you this was your last home and will be the best you’ve ever had.

You looked as if you understood, and when I asked if you wanted to go home, your tail wiggled.

It was as if you knew what I was saying, and those brown eyes seemed to look at me with so much hope.

The moment I saw you in the shelter, you seemed to pick me out,

You captivated me by the need in your eyes and the way you clung to me.

As soon as I brought you home, you snuggled on the couch and went to sleep,

It was as if you were telling me, you were right; this is the perfect home for you to land.

When I went to another room you followed me,

This would continue until the day you breathed your last.

You were shy, even afraid of the new man in your life, not knowing if you could trust.

It didn’t take long for you to understand that he isn’t the one who hurt you before; he was good.

You started letting him take my place while I was away.

Soon you loved us both and, when either of us entered a room, your tail shook.

Your greeting was a nose bump; you did it to us often, as well as your awkward little dance.

You loved going with us on rides, the beach was one of your favorite places ever.

You loved going on walks and exploring,

Our West Coast home was a great place to walk,

Saturday was your favorite; you knew we would adventure out to the ideal spot.

More than the walks, you couldn’t wait until it was time to snuggle on the couch for the night.

I wish I had known how quickly your life would fade.

I hope you loved our time together; I hope you are running free.

I wish I could find out if I kept my promise to you five short years before.

I hope you are running with the others I have loved, and you are all there waiting to greet me.

To have a pet is a gift,

To have one love you in return is priceless.

It is hard to forget the feeling of their fur and the love they give so unconditionally.

It is hard to forget that empty space they used to occupy, in the bed, on the couch, in your heart.