He's my dog

He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds;
my other ears that hear above the winds.
He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea.
He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason for being:
by the way he rests against my leg;
by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile;
by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him.
(I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not along to care for me.)

When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive.
When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile.
When I am happy, he is joy unbounded.
When I am a fool, he ignores it.
When I succeed, he brags.

Without him, I am only another man. With him, I am all-powerful.
He is loyalty itself. He has taught me the meaning of devotion.
With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace.
He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant.

His head on my knee can heal my human hurts.
His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and
unknown things.

He has promised to wait for me...whenever...wherever - in case I need him.
And I expect I will - as I always have.

(Original erschienen in "Tears & Laughter"; von Gene Hill)

When The Time Comes

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, then let me go.

Take me to where 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.

(Verfasser unbekannt)

Waiting on Heaven's gate

I got to the gate of Heaven yesterday
after we said good-bye.
I began to miss you terribly,
because I heard you cry.

Suddenly there was an Angel
asked me to enter Heaven's gate.
I asked her if I could stay outside
for someone who'd be late.
I wouldn't make much noise, you see,
I wouldn't bark or howl.
I'll only wait here patiently
and play with my tennis ball.

The Angel said I could stay right here
and wait for you to come
Because Heaven just wouldn't be Heaven
if I went in alone.

So I'll wait right here, you take your time,
but keep me in your heart.
Because Heaven just wouldn't be Heaven
without you to warm my heart.

(Verfasser unbekannt)