The canine ways will gladden you, His antics bring a smile, As a faithful friend he will, Be loyal all the while.

He'll bring his charms to grace your life, And though his stay is brief, When he's gone the memories, Are solace for our grief.

I cannot promise he will stay, All on earth won't return, But lessons only a dog can teach, I want you each to learn.

I've looked the whole world over, In search of guardians true, And from the folk that crowd life's land, I have chosen you.

Whatever love you give to him, Returns in triple measure, Follow his lead and gain a life, Brim full of simple pleasures.

Enjoy each day as it comes, Allow your heart to guide, Be loyal and steadfast in love, As the dog there by your side.

Now will you give him all your love, Nor think the labor vain, Nor hate me when all is done, To see him go again?

I guess each of us would say, A glad heaart is not all they have For all the joys this dog shall bring, The risk of grief can stun.

We'll shelter him with tenderness, We'll love him while we may, And for the happiness we've known, over the grateful days.

But should the angels call for him, Much sooner than we've planned, We'll brave the bitter grief that comes, And try to understand.

If by our love we've managed, to make his life a joy, In memory of him that we have loved, And to help us while we grieve;

When our faithful friend departs, This earthly world of strife, We'll just get another pup, And love him all his life.