Walking with Sophie

Summary

The content is a heartfelt reflection on the loss and remembrance of Sophie, a beloved dog whose absence is deeply felt by her human and canine family.

Abstract

"Walking with Sophie" is a poignant poem that captures the grief and memories of a pet owner after the loss of their dog, Sophie. The author describes the emotional journey of coping with the absence of Sophie, who used to lead walks but now her sister, Syau, takes the lead. The poem touches on the intimate moments of sorrow and the subtle ways in which Sophie's presence is still felt, such as when Syau sniffs Sophie's collar, finding comfort in her lingering scent. Despite the pain of losing Sophie too soon, the author finds solace in the belief that Sophie remains with them in spirit, and takes comfort in Syau's resilience and occasional signs that she too feels Sophie's enduring presence. The piece concludes with a note that Sophie and Syau were adopted as a bonded pair and that although Sophie did not make it to their two-year anniversary with the family, her memory lives on and is cherished.

Opinions

The author expresses a deep sense of loss and ongoing grief for Sophie, indicating a profound emotional bond.
There is a belief that Sophie's spirit continues to walk with the family, providing a sense of comfort and continuity.
The author acknowledges the resilience of Syau, Sophie's sister, who has adapted to the loss while occasionally showing signs of missing Sophie.
The act of letting Syau smell Sophie's collar is seen as a powerful moment of connection and remembrance, suggesting that scent can be a strong conduit for memory and emotional healing.
The author seems to take solace in the idea that Sophie will continue to be part of their lives through their memories and the shared experiences with Syau.
The inclusion of personal photographs and the backstory of Sophie and Syau's adoption adds a layer of intimacy and authenticity to the narrative, emphasizing the real and lasting impact pets have on their owners' lives.

A poem of remembrance

We walk with you but you’re not here.

Your collar hangs on the bag I carry — I touch it often remembering you leading the way when you were healthy, lagging behind when you weren’t.

Your sister’s in front now that you aren’t. Does she still miss you? I don’t know.

For a week, she did, crying at night, walking through rooms looking for you in corners and under furniture.

At the door, she looked behind hoping you were there, that you’d run ahead as you always did to be first to pee in the garden.

I let her smell your collar, a simple gesture of desperation — anything to stop her sorrow — and it worked.

She sniffed up and down the woven gray, holding your scent in her nose and in her heart, receiving a message I didn’t hear, couldn’t smell, but already knew. . .

You’re gone but here.

That’s the assurance she needed — the promise I had when I watched you slip away, escaping the cancer that took your sight, your energy, and finally, your life.

I knew you were leaving in one form but staying in another to walk with us as long as your sister does. Now, she knows that, too.

Sometimes, she cries in her sleep. Is she thinking of you or chasing a squirrel? Not sure, but I think she visits you and doesn’t always want to come back.

Let her come back, Sophie, for a little longer. We lost you too soon. It’s not her time.

Let her stay and we’ll all walk together until she can’t walk anymore.

We adopted Sophie & Syau in July 2018. They were 10-years-old — a bonded pair. Tragically, Sophie didn’t make it to their two-year anniversary with us. Despite her short time in our family, we miss her terribly. Syau is doing well. She’s strong and healthy and only occasionally cries in her sleep.