BRIGADIER’S LAW
One fateful Friday evening,
Clip clopping down the street,
Brigadier was on the job
His rider in his seat.
He proudly wore his breastplate
Showing off the crest
Of Toronto Police Services,
Out on their nightly quest.
Called the Gentle Giant,
Brig was eight years old.
He never knew what lay in store
Or what was to unfold.
A beautiful golden Belgian cross,
With a sense of playfulness,
Anxious to please, he did his job,
Never showing stress.
Working with communities,
Controlling drugs and crime,
Police Service Animals
Protect what’s yours and mine.
Suddenly - without warning,
Brigadier was struck!
Violent – Deliberate:
Evil run amok.
He took the brunt of impact
And saved his rider’s life.
The van sped off and disappeared
Into the shadowed night.
Two broken legs and writhing
In excruciating pain,
Brig died upon the sidewalk
Where he laid his golden mane.
A great wave of emotion
From this devastating death,
Swept across the nation,
As the city felt bereft.
These very special animals
Bridge barriers and walls,
Providing search and rescue
And safety for us all.
Blue Moon, Elvis, Viscount,
Shared that dreadful night.
They carry on with courage
For the crimes they help to fight.
Brig’s spirit lives for evermore,
Though empty stands his stall.
But the Criminal Code of Canada
Protects them not at all.
We’re proposing an amendment,
Nicknamed “Brigadier’s Law,”
To protect Police Service Animals
From harm such as we saw.
Magnificent and valiant,
Brig suffered so much pain.
It’s up to us for making sure
He didn’t die in vain.
Linda Squires
Forgetmenot Poetry
forgetmenotpoetry.ca
