My deepest sympathy. This comes to mind:


HE'S A GOOD DOG
As recorded by Fred Eaglesmith on "Ralph's Last Show"

He's a good dog; I've had him for years.
He used to get up when I'd walk by; now he just lifts up his ears,
And he thumps his tail on the floor when I talk to him.
When I talk too long, he just ignores me and he goes to sleep again.

He's a good dog; I got him as a pup.
I tried to teach him all the tricks, but then I just gave up,
'Cause he's never acted very bright, though his eyes they've got this glow,
And I think he actually knows some things that actually I don't.

And he never barks at strangers, then he never barks at cars,
And he howls at the coyotes while they're howling at the stars,
And he scratches at the back door till someone lets him in,
Then he scratches at the other side 'cause he wants back out again.

He's a good dog, but one of these days,
I'm gonna have to drive him into town and have him put away,
'Cause he don't hear that good no more, and he can't hardly walk,
But until then I look at him and I say, "He's a good dog."

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There's a poem that Bryan Bowers recites with some chords behind it, making kind of a talking blues type thing. It's called DOG. I often do these as a set.


DOG
Written by Tom Dundee
As recorded by Bryan Bowers on "By Heart"

The whole thing started 'cause it looked like fun
When other people had a dog; "I'm gonna get me one,"
I said, "Have a little friend around the place."
So I went to the pet store down the street
And lyin' in the middle of a canine heap
Was a sleepy little puppy with a quiet sort of a face.

The next few weeks were certainly strange
Between the barkin' and the thinkin' up of names
Old Blue he wasn't and Spot didn't really apply
So I settled for Harry, just because
That's how he is and that's how he was
And that's how the house gets more and more as days go by.

For a time I was careful where I sat
The rug got funky and he chewed up my hat
And it still happens once in a while when he gets mad
But it's been pretty even after all
I taught him what I know about playin' ball
And he's helped me get rid of a lot of stuff I used to have.

Sometimes friends drop by for a couple of beers
And we all sit around, take turns rubbin' his ears
And callin' him; it's been that way ever since he was a pup.
He sleeps on the bed and when I turn over,
He turns over, then I turn over,
Then he turns over, then I turn over, and we get up.

As my life keeps movin' through the different conditions
The big changes come with the slightest decisions
You're in for a surprise when you think you got it figured, I've found.
'Cause who ever thought I'd ever dote on a pet,
But lookin' back now, I always forget
How I filled up the time before my dog was around.

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These may not be suitable for a memorial, but they may be a comfort to anyone who's lost a dog. Wish I could send the tune for the Fred song. Good luck.