THE LIFE OF THE GUIDE
Devilish eyes and impish grin,
A heart that's full of vigor and vim,
A shape that's always changing size,
Devilish grin and impish eyes,
Running races from tree to tree,
This is the life of the Guide-to-be.
Serious eyes and solemn smile,
Chances to stop and think for awhile,
Harness tugging and waving hands,
Getting used to the noise of bands,
Trying and learning and waiting awhile,
This is the life of the Guide on trial.
Watchful eyes and confident smile,
Ready to go another mile,
Devoted to man as a dog can be,
Providing a way for the man to see,
Ever alert and right by his side,
This is the life of the blind man's Guide.
Soulful eyes and satisfied smile,
But ready to stop and rest awhile,
Still devoted with heart unchanged,
Although the pattern is rearranged,
Still craving his place by his master's side,
This is the life of the Guide retired.
Slumbering eyes and contented grin,
Dreaming about what once had been,
An expression that tells of years now past,
A model of patience in stone is cast,
Eyes that still strain to follow the path,
This is the Guide at rest in death.
written by then-16-year-old 4-H
member Melanie Trueax of Danville, California
upon the return of her fifth dog
to the school for training.
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