Short and sweet on lap or feet,
our pets are with us, guide, or greet;
the dozen years or so they keep,
are both a treasure, but, much grief;

So hard to let go dog or cat,
or, other animal, on the mat,
loyal, harbingers, of trust,
they'll wag or purr, 'til they near bust!

Attached to them, until they pass,
true family members, in the grass;
companions, partners, e'en, in crime,
they'll take to heart, most any time;

Some, abandoned, more, abused,
'dumb', they're not, though so accused;
many, rescued, from such fate,
and find new families, better, state;

Whether, purebred, Heinz, or, half,
or, trotted-out, as showtime, calf,
their instinct is their raison d'etre,
unwavering love, the surest bet.

Submitted By: Robert LeMessurier