I write to channel upsetting emotions, it helps me, I don't know if it helps anyone else. So this can be a space where people can share their poetry, a space to share emotions. Here's my first one Cassie ~~~~~ It hurts because you aren't with us. It hurts because it wasn't fair. It wasn't fair because of your age. I only knew you eleven months, but your owners knew you for your eighteen months. Eighteen months full of playfulness. A wagging tail. A wagging tail that thumped the wall or the cage every morning. A delighted face when I came round. The never ending energy to play. The need for attention, but also for respect. The understanding of feelings. The care for your toys and rags. The hate for the Red Arrows. Your love for your family. The almost smile on your face although people say dogs can't. Your farts that used to stink out the room. Your cheesy feet, no matter how much they were washed. The way you used to sit. The hugs you gave. The high fives. Are all represented by the tears now rolling out of my eyes. The fur going around your eyes was the first sign we missed. By the time it was spotted, it was too late. They couldn't save you. We couldn't save you. Yes you fought to stay alive, but the amnesia and the cancer of the blood and bone would of meant you died just before Christmas anyway. You thought you were coming home. Your tail was wagging, when your owners went to see you for the last time. They couldn't do anything apart from let you sleep without the pain. Now I still expect to see you poke your head out the cat flap to say your last goodbye before I go home. Now I still expect to see you waiting for me when I come round. Now I still expect you to be behind the stair gate waiting. Now your space is filled in their house. But to be honest, it isn't quite a home. The hurt still hasn't healed. The space is filled in the home, but never in my heart. We all miss you Cass.