Our Puppy

Long  long  ago or so its seems

My wife decided she’s like a pet

So we studied all the advertisements

So see if there was a Puppy we could get

For sale there were plenty of Poodles

And Afghan Hounds and Dachshunds too

There were Yorkie’s, & Westie’s & Jack Russell’

Border Collies & Labrador’s to mention but a few

We saw Chi Hua Hua’s & Staffords &  Rottweiller’s

It would be hard for a choice to for us to make

But to have a Mastiff or a Greyhound or a Retriever

Might prove to be an expensive  mistake

We looked at Boxers & Whippets & Dalmations

A Llasa  Apso  and a Pinscher as well

How could we choose one from all of these dogs

A decision would be difficult I could tell

Then all of a sudden our minds were made up

When a German Shepherd Dog we espied

And then as tho’ in a dream it happened

The Alsation Puppy came and stood by our side

It didn’t take long to make up our mind

That this was the dog we would choose

We couldn’t go home and leave him behind

And the opportunity we dare not lose

The deal was done and he was now our pet

And as he looked up as we walked to the car

We knew that we’d made the right choice

For we’d studied dogs from near and far

He settled in quite nicely for a Puppy

Although to leave the litter was a shame

But his closeness to us made up for that

We decided Shadow would be his name

He’d do the things that all dogs do

Like sit and offer his paw

Or run off up the garden with a slipper

Even “pee’d on the Kitchen floor

 But this was the friend that we wanted

As company when my wife was alone

Although a gentle natured dog was he

Unwanted strangers may have entered a war zone

The years came and went but he still seemed the same

Instinctively knew the times for a walk

And would stride by your side very proudly

Only impatient if you stopped for a talk

As he knew in the park he would always run free

And chase after a ball for evermore

Then after a gentle stroll back home

Would collapse in his basket on the floor

But the years take their toll in this life that we live

And for pets age catches up with them just the same

When no longer will they race to the door for a walk

Or go to the park for game

But still they give comfort to their owners

Ever eager to sit by their side

Still keen to have their head stroked

But their tiredness and pain they seem to hide

For they cannot tell you what ails them

As that is all down to your good friend the Vet

Whose task has been to keep the dog in good health

With kindness that you never forget

So it’s time now to remember those halcyon days

When Shadow was in his prime

And the happiness and joy that came with him

When you met for the very first time

But no-one can take the memories you hold

They are yours for evermore

And remain very special in your life

After Shadow, for the last time, goes through the door

Dennis Shrubshall  5th January 2011