A Tribute

I will lend to you for a while, a Doberman pup, God said
For you to love her while she lives and mourn her when she's dead.
Maybe for twelve or fourteen years, or maybe two or three.
But will you, 'till I call her back, take care of her for me?
She'll bring her charms to gladden you, and should her stay be brief,
You'll always have her memories as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise she will stay, since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught below I want this pup to learn.
I've looked the whole world over in search of teachers true,
And from the folk that crowds life's land, I have chosen you.
Now will you give her all your love, nor think the labor vain,
Nor hate me when I come to take my Dobie back again.
I fancied that I heard them say "Dear Lord Thy Will Be Done",
For all the joys this Dobe will bring, the risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter her with tenderness, we'll love her while we may,
And for the happiness we have known, forever grateful stay.
But should you call her back much sooner than we've planned
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand.
If, by our love, we've managed, your wishes to achieve,
The memory of her and her love, will help us while we grieve.
When our faithful bundle departs this world of strife
We'll have yet another Doberman and love her all her life.

Author: Unknown