In Memory of Otis

Our best friend Otis closed his eyes last night,
As his head was in our hands,
Dr. Page knew he was he was in pain,
And it was hard for him to stand.

The thoughts that scurried through our head,
As we cradled him in our arms,
Were of his crazy Labrador puppy years,
And Oh...his many charms.

Snuggling between us in bed at night,

All 90 lbs and more,

Barking at the pizza man,

Charging at the door,

Peeing into sewer grates,

Tearing into the garbage galore,

Supervising home construction crews,

Putting ruts in new wood floors.

Today, his larger than life presence is missing,
With an intense "I love you gaze",
Only a heart that's filled with tears
Remembering the joy he gave.

But a voice just whispered to me,
It said, "You should cry no more,
GOD also loves our canine friends,
HE's installed a 'doggy-door'!!!