Buster.

Tonight the night is lonely.

I sit upon the neatly made bed.

But my master never came to crawl in beside me...

The house is quiet and the dogs are whining at the door-

I can only think what has happened this time.

Morning comes the sun rises through a single opened shade.

I am whisked away with a single rough grasp and tossed into a dark bag.

If only she had picked a different trait surely loyalty wouldn't be fit these days.

Although I wear the trait inside me remembering in my heart to stay faithful.

Tossed around then soon I am placed in ah yes another bed...

This place is a little different not like the travels we've had before.

No plane rides, nor long travels, no tossing about through a luggage check point...

No Mickey hat's, nor rivers to look out upon, no interesting smells, or laughing faces to be seen.

Feels strange here I don't feel very comfortable.

I find solace with the grip of my master -

Ahh... to be in the clutch of her unyielding arms.

She squeezes me tight and takes in my smell, soon she is fast asleep.

I listen to each of her breaths in and out slow and easy...

I stand guard and watch people come in and out

I look up to see the face of her mother lost in apprehension.

Seems we frequent this place all too often.

The nurses toss me about and act as if I am nothing at all.

Ouch. Jeekers man, you would think someone would have a little respect!

A machine beeps I am tossed aside and soon

crammed tight against an icy window pane.

In the hustle and bustle I try to sneak a peak-

Dude lay off her! She's my primary caregiver!

I watch as they hit her chest and poke her with needles.

STOP! Hey mom, make them stop!

It was so peaceful just moments ago now I have slipped to the floor...

Yuck. Look at the dirt! I stare laying limp at the quick moving feet.

Hey! Slow down don't take her away! I am laying here on the floor!
Don't forget me!

I hate being left behind!

As I look to see the bed move out of sight and tubes extended everywhere.
Nurses shouting orders doctors walking at a fast pace.

Silence overcomes the room... She's gone.

Ouch darn it! I hate getting stuffed into bags...

I am in a muffled journey hearing words I don't know ICU? Ventilator?

It has been a few days someone picks up my bag...

They dig around a little...

Hey! not so rough! Don't you see all of my holes?

My stuffing is almost all out!

If I lose it all what will be left to cuddle?

They pick me up!

I am reluctant to be back in her arms.

She's a little peaked tonight and looks very weak...

She isn't herself but looks calm and at peace

Surely I have done my job.

I will remain loyal.

Written by- Victoria Wilcox