Rescue Dog

By Savannah GA Musician and Songwriter Charles Maring

This is a song for all of the dog lovers out there in the world. If you ever lost a pet then you know how hard it can be. However, I don’t think of this as a song about loss. Rather, it’s a story of love, faithfulness, and the honor that comes with caring for a pet from the moment you take them in to their very last breath. This is a song of gratitude.

Sitting on my couch one afternoon, my fingers idly strumming the strings of my acoustic guitar, I noticed a change in the demeanor of my faithful companion, Aya, affectionately known as "Little Hound." Her usually lively eyes were dulled, her tail wagging with less vigor than usual. She didn’t eat over a 24 hour period, and I knew something was amiss.

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With her on my mind I played and a melody began to form, seemingly of its own accord, and lyrics spilled forth effortlessly. It was as though the music was a conduit for the emotions swirling within me, a tribute to the bond Aya and I shared. Little did I know, this impromptu creation would soon become "Rescue Dog."

Two days later, devastating news shattered our world. Aya, my beloved companion of five years, had been diagnosed with advanced lymphoma cancer. My heart clenched in agony as I grappled with the harsh reality of her illness. The next few weeks became an emotional roller coaster, Aya by my side as I navigated the tumultuous journey of grief and acceptance.

Amidst the tears and heartache, I found solace in music. In the dim glow of my studio, Aya resting at my feet, I poured my heart and soul into producing "Rescue Dog" using Logic Pro. Every strum of the guitar, every note composed, was a cathartic release, allowing me to process the pain of losing her on a profound level.

Though sadness enveloped me like a heavy cloak, I was grateful for the opportunity to honor Aya's memory through song. Each chord progression, each lyric, was a testament to the love and companionship she had brought into my life. And as I sang through tear-filled eyes, I felt her presence enveloping me, guiding me through the darkness.

In the midst of sorrow, there was beauty in the process of creation. Through "Rescue Dog," I was able to pay homage to Aya's spirit, immortalizing her in melodies that would echo through time. Though she may have left this world too soon, her memory would live on through the music we created together.

As May 17th approaches, the release date of "Rescue Dog," I am filled with a mixture of sadness and gratitude. While Aya may no longer be physically by my side, her legacy will endure through the poignant strains of her song. She was not just a pet, but a cherished friend, and for that, I am eternally grateful. Goodbye, my sweet Aya, may your spirit soar with the music, forever a part of me.

Rescue Dog - Looking back on our time together