It was 14 years ago that you became a part of my life.
And no one knew your exact age, but we suspected one or two...

A troubled puppyhood you had- many different homes, allergies, a move and cats who felt mad...
And then came a man, who could no longer walk.
But he loved you enough to give you to me.

And then he was sad, but then he was glad to see you in your new yard running free.

Wherever you were you made friends, with people and kitties and doggie and bird friendships too.

Sniff 'n with PK and Faxi and The PITA, Duncan, then Daisy, Juliette, Buddy and Tucker, while Ruff would swim laps and laps in the pool.

The robins each spring,
Found your soft fur that was brushed.
Building nests, for their baby blue eggs and to sing.

And as gentle as a lamb- the children just loved you; they ate vegetables, did homework just to snuggle up to sleep.

And you herded the babies, with a nudge of your nose, back to their blankets no worry or peep. Sly was on guard --watching babies... fall fast asleep.
Everyone marveled at how much you talked, a real conversationalist, I recall; you even talked on the phone,
Earning you a place on the sofa in more homes than just your own.
Along with gifts from afar, bandanas from London, California gourmet cookies, ice cream and LOTS of prime bones.

No one came to the door without your big roar,
And you chased the deer from my hostas, never bored.

As if just for some fun,
To create a commotion, you jumped out to scare, to make the turkeys all run.
And even when they took to the air,
You still were not done.
Cause you did the same thing with that 200 lb bear!

And you got him up the tree -- and you were ready to bite.
Until I pulled you inside and the bear ran away. What a sight!
Thank goodness, dear lord for his flight vs. a fight!

You had a mischievous side too, most especially with sweets.
Quite fond of fresh blueberry pies;
And cheesecake batter too, with whiskers dripping -nose deep.

Those holiday cookie gift tins would often go missing when left by the door.
A regular routine when UPS arrived was your hunting for more.
You stole them, then ate them and acted so shy.
From behind the woodpile, you'd reappear, not to look me in the eye.

You did the same thing with steaks set to thaw,
A preference for Delmonico, you had more than four guilty paws!

When we moved to the city -- Fran our trainer taught both us old dogs new tricks.
So despite the commotion and barks from the yards,
You stayed right by my side, nary a pull or a tug - no canine conflicts.

A social butterfly you became when we W-A-L-K ed on the street.
As the parents would point and the children would run,
Just for the chance to give a hug and a treat.

You liked Schumann under the piano, and later would curl up with me,
To watch Charlie Rose on the bed and fall asleep to the TV.

Each night I would pat your head and stroke your hair,
Always knowing, a day would come, when you would no longer be there.

You were always right with me, wherever I was, by my side.
So when the time came for you to sleep in my arms for that very last time,
I whispered --such a good boy -- then I cried.

Like the man when we met, the hardest thing EVER for me,
Was to love you enough to let you be free.

I still look and reach out, hoping you will be near.
And friends say you are,
Because later that day, a double rainbow did appear.

Some called you a fuzzy person - and others a wise soulful spirit.
But on one thing we all agree.
You were special, as special could possibly be.

GOD's special gift,
Spelled backwards...
To me.