This hangs on our wall at home, sent as a gift from my husband's mother, in memory of his last dog. It's so touching that I thought I should share it here (since this is the forum for verses) for those who have lost a canine beloved. I can't ever read it without shedding an inner tear. And of course, a lot of it applies just as well to the feline persuasion.

PAWS FOR THOUGHTS

Muddy pawprints on my floor;
Grooves and ruts trail down the door;
Fur has shed on couch and chair;
It's on my clothes. It's in the air.

A variety of spots and stains
Upon my carpet defies names.

Dog balls and toys are everywhere.
A chewie tripped me on the stair.

Just settled in a comfy seat;
Guess who needs out or wants a treat.

I hear a noise out in the dark.
The dog's asleep. He doesn't bark.

Try to eat a snack at night;
Two hopeful eyes watch every bite.

I planted shrubs outside last year.
They've been chewed up. They are not here.

To mow the lawn can be quite hard
With all the holes dug in my yard.

These problems seem so minor now;
The years went by so fast somehow.

Oh, what I wouldn't give my friend,
To have those messes back again.

~Nancy Brevak~ (A.K.C. Gazette, June 1989)