God promised at the birth of time
A special friend to give
"His time on earth is short" he said
"So love him while he lives"

"It may be as long as sixteen years
Or as short as two or three
But will you, till I call him back
Take care of him for me"?

"A wagging tail and cold wet nose
And silken velvet ears
A heart as big as all outdoors
To love you through the years"

His puppy ways will gladden you
His antics make you smile
As guardian or friend he will
Be loyal all the while"

"He'll bring his charms to grace your life
And though his stay be brief
When he's gone the memories
Will be solace for your grief"

"I cannot promise how long he'll stay
Since all from earth return
But lessons only a dog can teach
I want you each to learn"

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

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 I come to call
To take him back again?"

I fancy each of us would say
"Dear Lord, thy will be done
For all the joy he'll bring to us
The risk of grief we'll run"

"We'll! Shelter him with tenderness
We'll love him while we may
And for the happiness we've known
Forever grateful stay."

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

© One Of God's Angels
Author wishes to stay anonymous
Submitted by Brian ~ Sept. 2006