I will lend to you for awhile, a pup, God said,

For you to love him while he lives

and mourn for him when he's dead.

Maybe for twelve or fourteen years,

or maybe two or three

But will you, 'till I call him back,

take care of him for me.

He'll bring his charms to gladden you

and (should his stay be brief)

you'll always have his memories

as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise he will stay,

since all from earth return

But there are lessons taught below

I want this pup to learn.

I've looked the whole world over

in search of teachers true

And from the folk that crowd's life's land

I have chosen you.

Now will you give him all your love

Nor think the labour vain,

Nor hate me when I come to take my Pup back again.

I fancied that I heard them say

"Dear Lord Thy Will be Done,"

For all the joys this Pup will bring,

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 should you call him back

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,

your wishes to achieve!

In memory of him we loved,

to help us while we grieve,

When our faithful bundle departs this world of strife,

We'll have yet another Pup and love him all his life."