At six weeks you went away, a new life to share, a new place to stay.

Throughout the years I watched you grow, your Mama, Penny did love you so.

Then at the age of eight, God gave Penny and you a change in fate.

When Penny could no longer care for you, home you came to me with you brother, Sean, too.

Sean went home to the first family he had known; you stayed with me and became your mother's clone.

A seasoned lady with good manners and grace, you took over the duty of cleaning everyone's face.

As puppies were born or young ones came to stay, Gretal was always there to guide their way.

With your special charms you aged as the gray filled your face, my senior companion, in my old heart there's always a place.

Yesterday was such a good day, you were full of life, happy and gay, I just knew they were wrong, you weren't going away.

But, today with the dawn you told me it was time, once again your well-being must go ahead of mine.

It was much kinder to let you go on before, there please wait for me, Gretal, at heaven's door.

When you come to greet me and stand at my side, I will forget the pain and abundance of tears that I cried.

You will stare in God's eyes with that silly grin, and I know God will believe your blessing and let me in.

God has a new dog angel in heaven today, my Gretal whose face is loving and gray.

Ann Gilbert
Sarkel Boxers