From the day we first laid eyes on you, you were cute as you could be,
Ripping up newspapers on the floor, while your eyes were filled with glee.
You were so very tiny, that in a pocket you would ride,
And a fruit basket was your bed, where you slept right by our sides.
You found your way into our hearts with your antics cute and funny,
Though eating bees so many times cost us plenty of money.
No trash can ever stood upright once you joined our family,
Then you'd grab a Kleenex and run under the bed, out of reach from me.
Anything leather was fair game - you chewed wallets, belts and shoes,
And Trevor and Ed got so mad they were ready to get rid of you.
But they left those things within your reach, so you weren't all to blame,
And with maturity you stopped that -- more well-mannered you became.
Your cute growl at dinnertime was funny and unique,
As a drama queen, licking your empty bowl got the attention you did seek.
You've been my constant companion while I worked from home,
And you gave me someone to talk to when I was in the house alone.
You warned me when strangers came, barking loud and fierce,
I always felt safer with you around, though you sometimes hurt my ears.
We played ball and tug and other games, much to your delight,
And snuggled together on the couch to watch t.v. at night.
When you suffered the vestibular attack, I watched your health decline,
And I knew the day we'd have to part was growing closer all the time.
When you cross that Rainbow Bridge, sweet dog, t'will be the worst day for me,
But I know I love you so very much that I have to set you free.
So meet up again with Winnie dog, have fun and run and play,
And I'll be running to you with open arms when I cross that bridge someday.