When leashed, it was so loose I know you understood
A leather tether, that was never meant for strain.
The tether was often a welcomed sight for those we walked by, and so often you looked up and gave me a knowing "smile."
My children you tended as they were ours, countless times I grinned when out of sight I heard you sigh. The boys have endless memories in antics you shared, in so many ways they went closer to your heart than I. How often you protected and comforted them we can never know.
Words spoken by friends have life, words you heard from us went to your soul.
When I found you in your endless sleep I felt a farewell, I sat with you in peace as time stood still. I saw you as a pup comically leaping to see over the tall grass. I saw you searching for that lost ball. I strained to hear your warning bark so now dearly missed.
A part of me is gone, but a part of you remains.
You laid at our feet with dignity one last time.