Because you will not be forever  
 Hope against time though I may I paint your picture in my memory 
  Eyes blue with age, muzzle gone gray. 
Because you walked with me in springtime   Puppy-clumsy, running free As you grew, we grew together
    You became a part of me.
 Because you shared with me my sorrows 
  Not understanding, simply there Often spurring me to laughter -  
 My friend, you know how much I care. 
Because the years have slowed your fleetness  
 Though your spirit still is strong I promise I will take more time now -  
 So that you can go along.
 Because you do not fear the future 
  Living only in the now I draw strength from your example - 
  Yet time keeps slipping by, somehow.
Because the day will soon be coming   When I will no longer see You rise to greet me but in memory.  
  You will always walk with me.

by Gayl Jokiel