So long, my friend ... it has been
a lot of fun, but now it's time to part.

So long my friend .....

Monty, for a few months now,
You have survived on borrowed time.
Good friends and modern surgery
Helped to extend your life.

But, that does not make it easier,
Now that the time has come,
To say goodbye and thanks my friend.
Sorry, but my heart has come undone.

Looking back, there were no complaints,
Not ever, at any time.
Instead, just gentle love and understanding
For your own and immediate family.

And woe betide the stranger,
Arriving unannounced at our door.
Your welcome gave us plenty of warning,
As you danced around the floor.

On the farm, or in the bush,
Or even on the beach,
Comments like, "You cut a handsome figure",
Were made by all we meet.

Snakes in the garden or birds on the aerial,
None of them stood a chance,
Greeted by your warning growl
And your proudest prance.

On guard in your own territory,
Proud tail flying high,
No rock, nor butterfly, nor blade of grass
Escaped your eagle eye.

Even today your fight was real,
Right to the very end.
You did not close your eyes at all,
... did you know, you would never mend?

And, so it is today my friend,
We come to the end of a long and happy road.
No more surgery, no more pain,
Just broken hearts, for those you leave alone.

R.I.P Monty
German Shepherd - a watchdog, loved by all.