The time has come to retire Joyce
She has given me purpose and at times, more of a voice
Brings joy, laughter and smiles each and every day
While at work, and at play
I know, I'm procrastinating, postponing this
When I do give her up, she I will deeply miss
In ways I cannot even begin to express
But, I know it's time for her, its best
I do better with the written word
My sentiments, my voice and emotions are conveyed and more eloquently heard
I'm not as articulate when I speak and vocalize
When it comes to Joycie, she is much more, than my guide, my eyes
When I talk about this I begin to weep
The emotions are very deep
I start to choke up and start to cry, feeling my heart ache
Knowing the difficult decision I have to make
She is my little princess, my Golden Girl
Is more precious to me than diamonds and pearls
My shining star, bright light
Love does, Lead the way for those without sight
She is loving, playful, smart and sweet
A cuddle bug, sleeps at my feet
Often, right beside me as we lie and dream
It's been a wonderful 9 years, we have been a great team
We immediately bonded the day we were paired together
Got through all kinds of stormy weather
Through life's long and winding road
She has helped me carry the load
It was April 26 2010 when she changed my life
We became even closer after I was no longer a Wife
The last 5 years it's just been her and me, she is a special one
My anchor, my sun
My ocean, mountain and rainbows
An adorable pup with velvet ears, brown eyes, pink nose , tail and toes
A coarse coat, that is caramel in color
She has a little personality, she is like no other
Is sensitive, loyal and has a warm heart
I do not know how we will part
When my marriage failed and divorce I was,
I felt angry, hurt, alone but Joycie did what she does
Nuzzles my face, comforts with wags and licks the tears away
At times is the only one who makes my day
She has a willingness to help, whether when guiding, provides comfort and healing
Always knows what I'm feeling
WE do not speak the same language, but we do not need to
There is understanding and messages sent, that's what we do
Not with words or barks but with love and trust
This is a must
Needed is a strong bond , the connection we made as a pair
The partnership, commitment, all the moments shared
She has perfected nonverbal communication,
we understand by loving, listening , hearing and observation
As a young dog she was known as jumpy Joycie as she greeted all whom visited our place
She jumped, wagged and licked them in the face
Even then, she licked you to death , beat you with her tail, flopped down so you would rub her belly
Lied there like a lump of jelly
She knew she had your heart, that she did win
And she lie there, content with a smiling grin
She went to work with me, appointments and to stores
The Bank, library, Museums and shores
Basketball games, concerts, plays and other shows
To the movies, the park and at home where creative writing I do compose
She is there with me visiting with family, friends, going to parties, dinner or just hanging out
Been there when I moved , ponder life and have doubt
Was there when we were robbed in 2013
And when my screen reader JAWS is not speaking and I do not know what is written on the screen
She was there when I was interviewed on Valley Views, the KEZ 99.9 Radio station
Been on my San Diego and New England Vacations
We took busses, the light rail, cabs, uber, planes and walked on foot together
She wore her booties in the hot summer weather
She did not like her booties, preferred walking in bare feet
But Mom knew better, wanting to protect her paws from the desert heat
The first couple blocks she galloped like a horse
So, then I walked funny, like a drunk of course
She would Calm down
And then we were fine as we traveled around the valley and or here in town
As an older dog she traveled to Vegas , Minnesota, Texas and Mass
She still likes running, playing and rolling in the grass
She was there when I was State Secretary for ACB, Attended Toast Masters Meetings and Church
With me at the beach and now as I conduct my job search
She has gone with me to Conventions, the gym and to tap dance
Been with me on dates with first my ex-husband and a couple years ago when I tried again at a romance
That , was wonderful, exciting and fun, while it did last
But, that is now, in the past
Joycie adored them, Both special in their own way
The recent Guy more so, and He and I are good friends today
I value him and our friendship, He, is a great Guy, glad, him, I'm continuing to get to know
And Joycie, also thinks so
She was with me when I resigned from my job after 18 hears last June
While I'm at home cleaning house, dancing, singing aloud and cranking the tunes
When I'm reading and when I did my first Karaoke solo last Fall
We have been together through it all
She has been with me through my anxiety, depression, grief, loss and when I have been ill really bad
Had pneumonia, shingles, a torn rotator cuff or when I was sad
When I have been under a ton of stress, had insomnia and could not rest
Or for whatever reason food I could not digest
I was there for Joycie too
When she has had tummy aches, bad ear infections and in pain
She became dehydrated and hospitalized overnight , afraid of fireworks , fire alarms , thunderstorms, or heavy rain
As a young dog she was tuned in , aware, hardworking and on top of her game
The last couple years it's not been the same
Like us humans they too reach retirement age
Are not as enthusiastic to go to work and want to turn the page
Take stage left, wear the harness less and stay at home, loaf around
Play, get some, people food, be like any old hound
Bark at the neighbors and take a nap
No harness, no boots and try and lie in others laps
Some dogs their health declines, others, their minds wonder and they are no longer focused and alert
Cannot guide well or keep us safe and from getting hurt
Or just not happy about doing the job like they did in their younger days
Walking routes, crossing streets, getting through a maze
A crowd of people ,or get bored
These things we cannot afford
As a team, we take care of each other
She is my eyes, my helper and I, her Mother
Everything cycles and we all do age
This is the worse phase
For a blind person whom as a Dog Guide
Their our shadow, 24/7 he or she is by our side
There during our life journey, for a decade or more
They are more than a guide, companion, child and best friend
They are all these things and there till the end
Life events, Obstacles ,adversity, with us they endure
They, live in the moment, go with the flow, help us glide
In our life's driver's seat and they take the ride
Later this year we will go our separate ways , fewer days we will share
She will be in someone else's care
Enjoying retirement, add to her quality of life her time here will soon be done,
Act like a dog , have fun in the sun
Then, I will be unchartered terrain
Yet love will remain
There will be a huge void, a major transition, some rough seas for some time
But eventually I will be fine
It's the selfless thing to do
And I will move forward, somehow we will get through
Joycie and I
When it comes time to say goodbye
It won't be goodbye ,rather , see you soon
She is an Angel, a Gem, a Godsend
I will love her always ,even at the end
Love you Joycie
