"A Loan From God"
God promised at the birth of time, A special friend to give,
Her time on earth is short, He said, So love her while she lives.
It may be for eight or ten years, Or only two or three,
But will you, till I call her back, Take care of her 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.
Her puppy ways will gladden you, And antics bring a smile,
As guardian or friend she will, Be loyal all the while.
She'll bring her charms to grace your life, And though her stay be brief,
When she's gone the memories, Are solace for your grief.
I cannot promise she will stay, Since all from earth return,
But lessons only a dog can teach, I want you each to learn.
I've looked the whole world over, In search of guardians true,
And from the folk that crowd life's land, I have chosen you.
Whatever love you give to her, Returns in triple measure,
Follow her lead and gain a life, Brim full of simple pleasures.
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 her all your love, Nor think the labor vain,
Nor hate me when I come to call, To take her back again?
I fancy each of us would say, Dear Lord, thy will be done,
For all the joys this dog shall bring, The risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter her with tenderness, We'll love her while we may,
And for the happiness we've known, Forever grateful stay.
But should the angels call for her, 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, God's wishes to achieve,
In memory of her that we have loved, And to help us while we grieve;
When our faithful bundle departs, This earthly world of strife,
We'll get yet another pup, And love him all his life.
Author Unknown