Remembering Leader Dog Zoe
Remembering, with Love and Honor, Leader Dog Zoe
(April 23, 2007-March 16, 2016)
by Alice Jane-Marie Massa
If I were a sculptor,
I would have chiseled
into a block of marble
a lasting monument
to you and your beautiful ways.
If I were a painter of canvas,
I would have re-created
your portrait as you always sat
in your princes, posture-perfect pose.
If I were a skilled photographer,
I would have captured your likeness–
mid-stride, your harness up,
your head held high and proud
to be in the lead.
If I were a painter
with water colors …
oh, but I have painted you
a thousand times
with water-color tears–
pictures developed only in my mind:
the painful hours and moments of your unexpected final day,
the precious and blessed years
that you
generously and lovingly
shared with me.
Since I am not an artist,
I have crafted only words for you
during this past measured year,
these last twelve months,
these fleeting fifty-two weeks,
these recent 365 days–
without you
at my lead
or beside me.
To give tribute
to your greatness,
I could only dedicate
a small book to you,
dedicate this blog to you,
remember you
and thank you
at the highest altitude
of gratitude,
tonight and always.
In loving memory of my third Leader Dog, Zoe,
who passed away one year ago
at 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 16, 2016,
at our home in Milwaukee–
Alice and Willow, my fourth Leader Dog
March 15, 2017, Wednesday
alice13wordwalk 
Dear Alice,
Sympathy cards often read “Words cannot express. . .” But your words do express so beautifully your great love for Zoe and your deep sorrow at her loss. I am so sorry that Zoe is no longer at your side, but I know that she will always be in your heart.
With love and sympathy,
Mary
Mary–Thank you.
Talk with you later–Alice and Willow
Alice–Thank goodness you are not a sculptor, artist, or photographer, because your “water-color tears” turned into this beautiful tribute to Zoe are words that we can each interpret in our own minds. You have created not one image, but as many as the people who read the words. I am lucky to remember Zoe’s beauty and have photographs of her as well, but believe me, I saw her with different eyes when I read this today.–Sue
Sue–Your comment means so much to me. Many thanks.
Enjoy your new cat–Alice and Willow
Alice, what a loving tribute. You’re in my thoughts today.
Abbie–Many thanks for taking the time to comment.
Take care–Alice and Willow
You’re welcome, Alice, and thank you.
Alice, your tribute to Zoe is just as lovely as she was. Zoe was gone too soon, but in her abbreviated time, she made a lasting impression on everyone that she met. We are thinking of you today on the anniversary of your loss. – Jenna, Nick, and Harper
Jenna and Nick–Thanks for commenting. Of course, I will never forget all that the two of you did to help me one year ago tonight. I am so sorry that you lost your Midnight too soon, also, this past year.
Thanks always–Alice and Willow