My friend brings me the paper each day
Licks my face when he wants to play
Warms my feet on cold winter nights
Barks at noises with nary a fright
Exercises me on cool mornings
Swaggers ahead always sniffing

Twas not long ago when he was just a pup
Food in his bowl and water in his cup
Gnawed on furniture and marked his scent
I cursed at him without his consent
But always he would make amends
And my heart filled with love again

Not long ago my friend went to sleep
Never to awake I began to weep
My furry companion too old to walk
His bark grew weaker as he began to cough
The vet found a tumor in his throat
His death certain, his chances remote

My friend lay buried beneath the oak
Where once we ran and delighted folk
I shall forever remember my furry friend
Who hid my shoes in the den
Always a smile and willingness to please
My friend remains a part of me