I miss your soft whine and your paw on my knee,

Your hot breath, your tongue, and your fur against me.

The thick neck I hugged, the soft ears I’d stroke,

The thousands of pictures, the moments they evoke.

This is modern love, it’s a love story goal,

You helped heal my heart and you mended my soul.

Taking care of you was the honor of my life,

Through joy and through grief, through struggle and strife.

And at the last moment, I held you so near,

Your head on my shoulder, my voice in your ear.

I thanked you for everything as you slipped from my view,

I am gutted but grateful for a life lived with you.