This is directed to all you people DUMPING your old dogs at the shelter for every stupid reason known to man.
They couldn't take care of you they said through their tears,
They raised you from a pup and you gave them your best years.
We can't take him to shelter, for his life would certainly be done.
Please take in Goliath and find someone he can love.
You were so confused, leaving your home and all you knew,
and you came to my home where you weren't sure what to do.
Who are these other dogs and this lady taking my leash?
Why is my family not taking me as they are leaving this place?
It took a few days, but you warmed up to me.
Decided the other dogs were not as scary as they had seemed to be.
You helped me through my grief of a recent loss,
Giving me focus and helping get over my previous dog.
You seemed to like it when I referred to you fondly as our old foster dog.
But after a short month I knew you had simply become MY old dog.
He is staying with me for the rest of his days,
to be my companion in so many ways.
No one will adopt him you often heard me say,
He's too old and death was only a few years away.
People want puppies so they can have lots of years.
Lots of years, before they have to shed any tears.
They don't understand the joys of a senior pup,
Of being greeted each day by you with a ball in your mouth, looking up.
You see, I don't think of the years before you came to me that I missed.
I only remember the day you became my dog and every day since.
From rides in the truck to walks in the park,
Chasing after tennis balls until well into dark.
Curling up beside me on the bed,
Staring up lovingly, while I scratch your head.
All of these activities are simply the same,
The same as if you were a spry young pup instead of a little older and perhaps a little lame.
The joy is still there each day as you greet me with your ball,
It just may take you a little bit longer to bring back to me after all.
You'll be leaving me soon for that rainbow bridge's next life,
I hope you understand that I have had you in my heart all your life.
You were destined to become my dog one day,
It just happened later in your life than anyone could say.
Source: Home About Bullmastiffs Club & Member Information Health & Research Rescue
Ode to an Old Dog -- American Bullmastiff Association
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