All of the years
All of the walks
All the countless miles
Him looking back
To see that I'm still there
Or maybe wondering
If I needed saving
His pack instinct strong
He did save me
In ways he never knew
His stoic bravery inspired
His loyalty gave me strength
He only wanted my time
And now all I want is his
I was proud to be the Master
Of this complex uncomplicated male
Those hours in the park
Or on the couch
Or jumping around a treat
Until one of us took out the squeak
I want them back, those hours
He never knew he was small
Never accepted limitations
Even at the end
He hoisted his flag defiantly
He had come with me everywhere
Up mountains, in boats and shops
I pulled thorns from his paws
He plucked strings in my soul
He was a class act
And his name rhymes with heart