Because you will not be forever,
Hope against time though I may,
Paint your picture in my memory,
Eyes blue with age, muzzle gone gray.

Because you walked with me in Springtime,
Puppy-clumsy, running free.
As you grew, we grew together--
You became a part of me.

Because I shared with you my sorrows,
Not understanding-- simply there.
Often spurring me to laughter--
My friend, you know how much I care.

Because the years have slowed your fleetness,
Though your spirit still is strong.
I promise I will take more time now,
So that you can go along.

Because you do not fear the future,
Living only in the now,
I draw strength from your example--
Yet time keeps slipping by somehow.

Because the day will soon be coming
When I will no longer see
You rise to greet me - but in memory
You will always walk with me.

-Gayl Jokiel-

Loving you was easy, you made my life so sweet,
Silently, you stole my heart, and ran me off my feet.
Barking and running, wagging your tail; you really were a star,
Everyone loved and pampered you, and I'd take you for rides in the car.

You'd travel everywhere with me, we'd cuddle up in bed,
There wasn't much room for the two of us, you felt as heavy as lead!
I'd feel your nose around my neck, your soft warm breath on my ear,
I'd watch you as you slept by me, without a trace of fear.

Your life was quite horrendous, now you're safe and warm
With a mum that really loves you, safe from any harm.
There'll come a time when you'll have to go, to your home and brand new start
But I who have loved and fostered you, will have a broken heart.