A kelpie bitch

A kelpie bitch, she came to us when she was just a pup

We had her first at Riddell’s Creek while our boys were growing up

She did the things which all dogs do for she was ’just a dog’

She ate us out of house and home - she could out-eat a hog!

She stayed with me up in the bush in Queensland, on our farm,

She barked at nights - at nothing, but kept me safe from harm

She drove me daft - just being ’her’ with messes that she left

But now she’s gone I’m telling you - we’re all feeling bereft.

We took her to the vet last night and said our last ’goodbyes’

She was old and had a tumour - the right thing, in our eyes.

Both boys came home to dig her grave, and say their last ’goodbyes’

Today we’ll carve a marble cross to mark the spot she lies.

But through last night the mem’ries came of things she did - and ate

For sixteen years, she’s been our friend – A very special mate.

(© Carol Reffold;

Author’s note: “Holly Dog died, 5th February, 2005”)