Your life was way too short, five years not near enough,
You wouldn't believe how being without you here can be extremely tough.

I see the strips of sun painted across the ground,
And remember with a smile how you would follow it around.

The den is so empty; you're no longer there,
You'll never again smoke a pipe and lay without a care.

No more running outside in tandem or watching the squirrel in the tree,
We now realize all the hugs we gave you; you probably wished we'd let you be.

Grouchy old man we thought you were just being,
But we had no idea the pain you were really feeling.

We'd see you sit down slowly and then stay down all day,
So many pictures we have are of you that way.

Your love of the sun had you lying on the deck as your fur became very hot,
But while you were out there, worry you did not.

My regal pup, we always thought that you would one day speak,
Using a British accent is how we thought you'd greet.

I had no idea what was in store when that fateful day arrived,
It really was something that couldn't have been contrived.

I saw that you were hurt, but believed there was a fix,
Though when the vet said you were paralyzed, I thought it was a trick.

My eyes then over-filled with tears, and I looked into your face,
I needed you to give me the answers, even just a trace.

On the floor you, Daddy and me were, trying to decide your fate,
I couldn't believe it was really time for you to go see heavens gate.

We went through the solutions we were told we could try,
Then thought of the last couple of years and all we could do was cry.

We had to show you mercy and only think of you,
There was no room for our emotions, so we knew what we had to do.

Five years of wonderful memories and so much love you've given to us,
We had no choice but to return it and to not make a fuss.

Daddy held your head up high, as I laid across your warm body,
And as the vet gave you that final shot, we told you to go run to Toby.

What an awful day that had turned out to be,
But now you are healthy and running completely free.

My shepherd mix, my Nico Meeko is what you'll always be to me,
And now you are our furry angel in heaven that we'll one day again see.