Saturday, April 25, 2015




I tried to walk Ghoti at least once a day, around the block, at the park or any field I could let him run in. He wore a collar and leash maybe ten times in his life, due to the fact that he would listen to me, and respond accordingly. The mailman, Julian, was deadly afraid of his large, black, bulk, and would refuse repeatedly to deliver mail if Ghoti was sitting on the porch. Julian didn't realize that Ghoti would do no harm, and I went through many battles, not only with Julian, but with the local post office. Yeah, they were right, but I just wanted to let them know. Julian eventually came to know Ghoti, and they greeted each other whenever Ghoti was outside.

When we walked I would call him by many different names, for no reason whatsoever, other than as terms of affection. He never seemed to be confused, but would respond.

Below is a partial list of some of Ghoti's a.k.a.'s:

- Morvelda

- Pooka Dooka Doo

- Footapoo

- Bach A Lacha Doo Choo

- Sweet Patooka

- Fordozia

- Wapoopinch

- Bobba Loopa Doo

- Ba La La

- Va Roopda Loopda

- Fish Iosis

- Ponka

- Ooga Booga Boo

- Ba Lacha Gnu

- Baboonza

- Pooka

- Poomp Da Da Roo Doo

- Sadaunka

Goddamn I miss him . . .









Saturday, April 18, 2015

My quadruped's job was domestic
he kept all around him at ease
by licking and barking and napping
while he wasn't hard to appease.

For more than a decade he never
thought once about running away
the two of us had an agreement
that neither of us ever would stray.

'Cept once when I had to move eastward
(I left him with capable care)
still when I'd come home for a visit
I knew that for me he'd be there.

And I still have this scene in my mem'ry
of him taking naps in the yard
till when he heard my car coming
he'd jump with his tail wagging hard.

It's true that a dog is man's best friend
and it's true that I'll never forget
that a dog is often quite more 
than that which we just call a pet.