February Poem of the Month

Oh wisdom
in your fur coat
and whiskers.
What don't you know?
sometimes I believe
I have seen my soul searched
in your eyes,
how much time passes
between us without word?
how much do you know
that I've just begun
to understand?

spirit of grace
and humor
on all fours.

I came across this poem by Pam Reinke in a book called Animals as Teachers & Healers by Susan Chernak McElroy. Though it doesn't specifically mention a dog, I think of Shandy each time I read it.