The secret power of a great dog

I’ve known many people who had been blessed with the amazing love of a great dog.

It is a special bond forged through many moments of happiness, comfort, joy, and maybe a few trials.

Going through those special times with a gentle canine soul, that only seeks to bring you a deep kind of love, is truly an unmatched experience.

I have known many great dogs in my life.

And while they never stay long enough, when they are with me, their ability to share their patient devoted strength leaves a deep impression on my heart.

Yesterday, I had to say good-bye to one of those great dogs.

Jesse was no longer eating and her body wouldn’t absorb the life-giving water she drank.

She was one of the best dogs I’ve had the honor to know.

I will keep her kind-hearted spirit with me as I continue to walk this path of sharing the love of great dogs with all of you.

She went peacefully with me by her side, resting her head in the crook of my arm.

May she play and run in the green grassy meadows where all of the other great dogs roam across the rainbow bridge.

I hope when its my time to leave this earth that all of those great dogs will surround me to walk me home.

So, in Jesse’s memory, I have written this poem as a tribute to all the great dogs that grace our lives for a short while.

May you find comfort from them as I did in writing them.

THE GREAT DOG

by: Jennifer Stoeckl

In the heart of a great dog lies a river, wide and pure,

A steady current of devotion, unwavering and sure.

They gaze with warmth, so sweet and bright,

Guiding us gently from shadow to light.

A nudge of the nose when tears start to fall,

The soft press of fur against the pain of it all.

They listen without speaking, just resting their head,

As if they could gather the words left unsaid.

With each wag of the tail, a promise they make,

To stand by our side, no matter the ache.

Bounding with joy when we call out their name,

Yet still in the quiet, their love stays the same.

When morning's first light spills gold on the floor,

They wait at the door, heart eager for more.

Not just the chase of a ball in the air,

But the bond they protect with a tender care.

A great dog stays close on a walk through the wood,

Ears tuned to hear what they wish we understood.

In the hush of the night, they guard with grace,

A silent sentry, a comforting space.

The American Dirus, steadfast and true,

Watches your heart like a hawk scans the view.

With patience that lingers and calm so deep,

They notice the fears you try to keep.

They wait, unspoken, for the moment you break,

To be there with you by your side in the ache.

To bear the weight with a quiet grace,

And show you the strength in a gentle face.

Oh, saying goodbye is the cruelest test,

For a heart that has known such tenderness.

But to close the door on love's sweet song,

Is to miss the place where we both belong.

For these great souls, in fur and bone,

Teach us truths we've never known—

That to give, to trust, to love, to grieve,

Is the legacy only they can leave.

So let not sorrow close your door,
A great dog's love can long endure.

For in their eyes, we see the way,

To be better humans, in each new day.

We have a few great dogs still looking for their forever home.

Where their deep love can be cherished.

Where many of life’s memories are yet to be made.

Patch’s gentle, patient soul pierces right through your heart with his bright yellow, slanted eyes.

He could sit by your side for hours as you snuggle together.

And Barracuda’s positive attitude yearns to sit next to the girls as they play with their dolls, dressing her up as one of the friends at the party.

Denali would love to go on camping or fishing adventures, ever the devoted companion by your side.

Yes.

It is hard to say good-bye, but there are SO many memories to be made in the meantime.

Maybe a few great furry memories are waiting for you!

https://direwolfdogs.com/dogs-for-sale/puppies

Jennifer Stoeckl is the co-founder of the Dire Wolf Project, founder of the DireWolf Guardians American Dirus Dog Training Program, and owner/operator of DireWolf Dogs of Vallecito. She lives in the beautiful inland northwest among the Ponderosa pine forests with her pack of American Dirus dogs.