Stan Kosiewicz and gentle giant Bucky who crossed over the Rainbow Bridge Aug. 19. Courtesy photo

By STAN KOSIEWICZ
Los Alamos

On a cold winter’s night in the Township of Stanley,
I was born to Amber Moon as a full moon shined brightly.

From this litter of pups you chose me,
To come and protect your dog, Lacey.
She had been having arguments with
Coyotes, racoons, and bears oh my!
Protect her I must, I really will try.

I wondered what name you would choose for me.
You welcomed me home and called me Bucky.
To my eventual great size, I have my father to thank.
I was destined to be big since his name was Tank.
For a Labrador I had great size,
But I was a gentle giant in everyone’s eyes.

Lacey and I encountered many critters,
None of them gave us the jitters.

Often to the tennis courts we would go.
When we got there, I would put on quite a show!
Retrieving a ball was my favorite game,
You threw the ball with such great aim.

A full moon shined bright on my last day.
We would do snippets of things that made us gay.
The first was to retrieve a toy in the hallway.
Then we took our short walk down the street,
Saying “good morning and farewell” to the neighbors we meet.

Back at home with some of my toys we did more play,
For twelve years it was like this most every day.
My time with you two was now spent,
So, over the Rainbow Bridge I went.
I wait for the three of you on the other side,
And when you come over, I shall be your guide.

Your Gentle Giant Bucky, February 6, 2012 – August 19, 2024.