Gone

There is squirm room for the most
rigorously held theories in exceptions
that seem to refute them while still
not entirely negating a theory that so
often seems to uphold its own virtues
like the one that contends companion
animals so often resemble their humans.
In this instance, the dog, an impressive
one indeed whose attentive eyes,
actions and reactions attested to her
intelligence and whose conformation
led to the impression that she represented
an outstanding example of her breed
was paired with a fine-boned, delicate-
featured woman of hesitant demeanor
though it was evident enough that they
doted on one another, constant companions.
Although not seen all that often, when
they were, it was always together each 
attuned to the other. The last time was
vastly different than what had been the
norm. The woman alone, wan and
indifferent, so you knew without asking 
that the dog was no more and you 
unhesitatingly proffered your most 
sincere and sorrowful regrets hardly 
aware that tears had sprung unbidden.