Of losing a faithful friend

Of losing a faithful friend

If it should be that I grow weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle cannot be won

You will be sad, I understand;
Don’t let your grief then stay your hand,
For this day more than all the rest
Your love for me must stand the test.

We’ve had so many happy years
What is to come can hold no fears,
You’d not want me to suffer so
The time has come please let me go,

Take me where my need they’ll tend
And please stay with me until the end,
Hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see

I know in time that you will see,
The kindness that you did for me
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I’ve been saved

Please do not grieve, it must be you,
Who has this painful thing to do
We’ve been so close, we two, these years,
Don’t let your heart hold back its tears

Robin Hopper, veterinary surgeon