Up every morning to greet me at dawn,
Getting right to it, you doe your “job” on the lawn.
Then back in the house, into the kitchen to stand and wait,
For me to get you the ball and become your playmate.
You bring me the ball as if to say,
Won’t you stop a while and play?
If I can’t reach the ball, you give it a nudge,
And with your nose, you roll it to me, so I don’t have to budge.
Your eyes and body tensely await my throw,
You watch and then run to fetch, emitting barks on the go.
You never are tired of bringing the ball back to me,
As you neatly place it on my lap or beside me knee.
Then you’re ready to run and bark again.
You could do this all day, without any end.
Sometimes when I don’t have time to play,
You’ll push the ball under a table that’s in your way.
Then I’m forced to stop and get the ball out
While you stand eagerly and await the ball with a shout.
“Now you have to play with me,” you seem to say.
“So watch out, don’t get in my way.”
You are playful, loving, and always by me side.
Showing me your love that you cannot hide.
What a treasure to have, such a gift of love,
For such a beautiful creature, my dog, I thank God up above.

By Ann Leyh