The Fading Paw -
The sun sets low, a golden hue,
Upon your fur, a fading view.
Your tail, once wagging, slow to rise,
Reflects the weariness in your eyes.
We sit together, close and still,
My hand upon your head, my heart a-thrill
With memories of laughter, joy, and play,
Of walks we shared along the way.
The time has come, a sombre call,
To face the shadows, heed the fall.
But know this truth, my dearest friend,
Our bond transcends, until the very end.
Though pain may linger, tears may fall,
Your love, your spirit, conquers all.
I'll hold you close, until you sleep,
And in my heart, your memory I'll keep.
For even as you drift from sight,
You'll guide me with your gentle light.
My faithful friend, my loyal dear,
Your pawprints linger, ever near.
……………..
This is also a lovely poem -
The Last Battle
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this — the last battle — can’t be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don’t let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn’t want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they’ll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don’t grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We’ve been so close — we two — these years,
Don’t let your heart hold any tears.
……………..
Your lovely dog has had a wonderful life with you, and has brought you love and joy. It’s very hard saying goodbye but it’s her time to leave, her life shorter than ours but filled with love. What more could a dog have asked for?