You were always my friend,
from beginning to end,
and I’m so lost without you now!
For sixteen years long
we both shared life’s song
you were more than a dog somehow.

I promised you pup
that I’d give you up
and let go when it was your time.
Too soon came the day
when I had to say,
“Go to sleep pup,
you’re no longer mine.”

This I spoke in your ear
as the shot disappeared,
into the vein of your leg.
Your life gently passed,
so peaceful and fast,
my tears I dried with a rag.

My sweet dog was gone,
how could I go on,
life lost its meaning to me.
A companion and friend,
faithful friend to the end,
unconditional love, you see?

When you left me,
my heart broke in three
and I wanted to follow you there.
But God said to me,
“Be faithful, you’ll see
I won’t give you too much to bear.”

So I’ll live my full life
through trial and through strife
though the sadness is within me still.
I’ll wait for the day
when we’ll meet and we’ll play
as I get past the top of life’s hill.

As my life ends here,
and my time is near,
it’s you I’ll be thinking of.
You never asked much,
just a gentle touch,
and to sit by my side gicing love.

Once my soul rises up,
and I see you my pup,
I just can’t help but smile
You’re a tail waggin’ scamp
and your front feet do stamp
on the clouds you’ve sat on all the while!

Jump into my arms pup,
and I’ll lift you up,
we’ll proceed to that sweet by and by.
Through Heaven’s Gate,
I just can’t wait,
we’ll live forever in that garden in the sky!

Sharon Burgess-Guidry
©1995