Ocho “Ochie Von Och” Washington

Dear Ocho,

We will miss you,

how you used to sit and watch us eat,

lay beside us or by our feet.

How you waited by the door,

excited to see who was there

or what was in store.

We will miss how you used to

lick crumbs off the floor—

more than just crumbs,

they were pieces of love

dropped from us to you,

always wanting more.

We will never forget

your loud, chipper bark,

how it could be heard

near and far.

Your sweet smile and licks

always brought light to a dark day.

Till the end, you fought hard.

You saw it all with us,

never complained,

never had anything bad to say—

just a wagging tail,

ready to follow us

throughout our day.

A small dog full of fight, 

who brought so much joy to our lives. 

You had so many funny moments,

like how you always wanted

to run off free without a leash.

Now you have gained your wings,

and one day

we will meet again,

our Och, our best-friend.

We love you always “Ochie”