Thelma, I relate entirely too well to this poem. I lost my own dog last September after ten wonderful years, and I am not ashamed to admit, my heart absolutely broke and I am still desperately sad now.
In March, we bought a new puppy and, unfortunately, I spend half of my time looking at her and thinking of the mess she will leave me in one day.
It does get better (I lost a Labrador too when I was 17) but you never forget - and nor should you.

Take care and all the very best,

Ben

This has terrible timing for me, a close friend just suffered the loss of her beloved pup of 14 years yesterday. He was like a child to her and it gave me an insight to her pain, considering I've never lost a pet or felt such pain about an animal - for that I thank you, but again crazy timing.

Anyway, onto your piece - I love the way you caught all the personal elements of your relationship but also made a piece that many could understand. Well penned, I'm sorry for the ache you're enduring though.

So so achingly sad :-(
The only comfort I can offer is ... what an awesome life your dog had with you! Look how absolutely loved he/she was! That is one lucky dog indeed to have spent it's life being so very adored by it's human. :-) x
=^.^=

Thank you both for the comments! My boy is completely fine, though. I'm just always anxious and afraid that something bad might happen to him.