Two dogs – so different – not only in age but in personality.  They are often the focus of my day in retirement.  If I want to have a water-cooler conversation, they are my only choice during traditional working hours.  They bring me frustration and joy, as they are always full of surprises.  They are both schnauzers, and both were adopted with distinct separation issues.   Tinker is from the Decatur, Illinois Animal Shelter, and we think she is 15, while Tally is from Austin, Texas and 5 years younger.  I had started a poem about them earlier in the day, but it wasn’t until I come home later that I had the punch line:

 

T-N-T

 

She’s Tally the Terrible,

Furry and Black.

A bundle of energy,

The Leader of the Pack.

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Tinker’s her opposite,

Nearly twice her age.

We had to rescue her,

From a shelter cage.

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Tally’s a rebel,

Her eyes are like coal.

You can see right into,

Her ornery little soul.

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Tinker’s so reliable,

But a step behind.

A bundle of nerves,

She rarely unwinds,

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Tally is aggressive,

Pulling you along.

She has the Right of Way,

And you are always wrong.

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Tinker’s always smiling,

And loves the shade.

When it comes to water,

She won’t even wade.

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Tally bounds out the door,

Always ready to play.

But let her off the leash,

And she won’t stay.

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Tinker’s much smarter,

Will stick by your side.

But when she wants food,

She won’t be denied.

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Tally takes her time,

As she slowly eats.

And waits very patiently,

For any extra treats.

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Tinker’s always hungry,

And gobbles up her food.

Anything of yours is hers,

That’s her attitude!

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Tally has a tub,

Filled with stuffed toys.

Chewing off their limbs,

Is one of her joys.

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Tinker likes to chase,

A squeaky tennis ball.

When she brings it back,

Toss it down the hall.

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Tally gets bored,

Sleeps on our sheets.

Growls at the cat,

Loves anyone she meets.

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Tinker’s always worrying,

And barks all the time.

Sometimes you wish.

She was a quiet mime.

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Tally’s like a mountain goat,

Looking down on all of us.

She’ll paw you as if saying,

“I could use more fuss!”

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They’re T-N-T together,

Oh, the grins they’ve amassed.

An explosive combination,

That make our lives a blast.

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I got a surprise this evening,

As I walked in the door.

I want to know which one of you,

Pooped on our kitchen floor?

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Copyright 2017 johnstonwrites.com