Stuart 

My dear pal,

how I love to wrap my arms around you

and sniff your earthly scent.

Tired and drained I come home,

yet you welcome me with eagerness and happiness.

My silly boy,

how I crack up when you waddle out of the bathroom cabinet

and frighten the guest.

Your coat fades and white stripes atop your head appear as an old man’s eyebrows,

yet you still hold fire and zeal in that Lab-body-on-Corgi-legs.

My baby doll,

how I adore when you brush against my legs under the table

and beg for my attention.

Mom says I shouldn’t feed you unhealthy food,

but I know you would even snack on lettuce.

My old pup,

how it confuses me that thunder should startle you

and yet I am fascinated by the complexity of lightening.

You burrow yourself in my covers and slobber over my sheets

but I’m happy to snuggle with you.

My best friend,

how I want you to always be there when I’m down

and lick my cheek and wag your tail.

I know you have to say goodbye sometime,

but I hope all dogs go to heaven.