So sorry to hear about your friend.
It's never easy when it's time for one
of our short folks to go.
This poem is one of my favorites.
Jim
Landmark Cockers
LEND ME A PUP
I will lend to you for awhile,
a pup, God said,
For you to love him while he lives
and mourn him when he's dead.
Maybe 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 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 sweet 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.
~author unknown~
