Memorial Poem

 God promised at the birth of time,
A special friend to give,
Her time on earth is short, he said,
So love her while she lives.
 

It may be six or seven years,
Or twelve or then sixteen,
But will you, till I call her back,
Take care of her for me?
 

A wagging tail and cold wet nose,
And silken velvet ears,
A heart as big as all outdoors,
To love you through the years.
 

Her puppy ways will gladden you,
And antics bring a smile,
As guardian or friend she will,
Be loyal all the while.
 

She'll bring her charms to grace your life,
And though her stay be brief,
When she's gone the memories,
Are solace for your grief.
 

I cannot promise she will stay,
Since all from earth return,
But lessons only a dog can teach,
I want you each to learn.
 

Whatever love you give to her,
Returns in triple measure,
Follow her lead and gain a life,
Brim full of simple pleasure.
 

Enjoy each day as it comes,
Allow your heart to guide,
Be loyal and steadfast in love,
As the dog there by your side.
 

Now will you give her all your love,
Nor think the labor vain,
Nor hate me when I come to call,
To take her back again?
 

I fancy each of us would say,
"Dear Lord, thy will be done,
For all the joy this dog shall bring,
The risk of grief we'll run.
 

"We'll shelter her with tenderness,
We'll love her while we may,
And for the happiness we've known,
Forever grateful stay.
 

"But shall the angels call for her,
Much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes,
And try to understand." 

Author Unknown