'Oreo' The Border Collie

It is with great sadness
that I report the passing of a Sweet Border Collie, 'Oreo' Black, who during his short, in dog years, but not nearly long enough in human years, touched the lives of everyone who knew and loved him. He leaves behind, his happy to have known and loved him, with a tear in one eye, and a smile in the other, his 'Dad, and 'Mom' (my brother/sister-in-law), and his 'cousin', 'Buddy' Black, his horse 'cousins' that he loved to herd and torment even when they didn't need it, his chicken and pig friends, the squirrels that were too fast for him, and skunks that weren't.
The creek at the bottom of the pasture where he loved to play 'mud dog' during summer heat will clear up and return to normal creek things, but his memory there will remain forever. The woods where he scouted and played, and from which he constantly brought back anything that would cling to his long coat, will now be quite of his bark, but loud in his absence.
When a Border Collie 'leaves', the noise of his absence is louder than his bark. Oreo will be missed for sure, but the memories of this incredible BC who while here, took the place of his owners shadows will last a lifetime. Other Border Collies may come, we hope, and go, we always hope Not, but there will only be One 'Oreo', the Border Collie. I think he has found his own herd of sheep. Peace.

I penned a poem for 'Buddy' a while back, and I wish to dedicate it to 'Oreo', and his 'parents' by inserting 'Oreo's' name in place of 'Buddy's'.

'Sleepy Head'

Oreo’s head
Lays on my feet,
Both they and he
Are fast asleep.
Like wind mills go
His little feet,
Looks like he’s found
A flock of sheep.
So there he lays
So very sweet,
And Oh, so ever jolly.
My Oreo boy is quite the treat,
This sleepy Border Collie.