My grandfather used to recite this poem to me all the time.. it was one of his favorites. He was born in Ireland and came to America in 1930. He died a few years ago and finally finding the exact words of this poem on here means sooo much to me.. as someone commented above me " i feel like i won the lottery" Thats excatly how i feel finding this... thanks so much! I even named my new puppy after the dog in this poem and in memory of my loving Irish grandfather whom i admire more than words could descibe. RIP popop.. love you & miss you soo much!