Wobbly and weaving beneath me, I try to avoid stepping on your tiny toes.

I pick you up, welcoming the smell of sweet puppy breath as

Those needle-sharp gnashers gnaw on the tip of my nose.

I half-heartedly scold, but you’re so adorably brazen.

Inseparable, we while away the hours each day, together.

Tricks learned, toys destroyed, and treats earned, you have grown.

Convinced you now own the house, and everything and everyone residing in it.

A character, playful and sweet. Charming those you meet on the street,

All of them showering you with pets and praise. Running circles around me,

Crazed, living for the long walks we take at leisure, together.

Adult now and adapted to snoozing in the sunrays, napping takes up more of the day.

However, the sight of me donning shoes still excites. I slip on my coat,

Observe the greying hairs on your face as I place your feet into the harness.

Strolling along steadily, you trot contentedly alongside for the majority but we

Slow as we near the end, as if each of us wants to draw out this time, together.

Lazy Sundays spent cuddled on the couch are standard practice now.

The squeaking of a favourite toy still stirs you from a deep sleep, though these days

The stiffness makes springing up challenging. But it hasn’t shrank your spirit, and

You bound and bounce toward me. While we play, I notice the strength of your tug

Has waned. As you settle down wearily, energy expended,

I pray for more of these moments, together.

Wobbly and weaving beneath me, I try to avoid stepping on your powerless paws.

I pick you up yet feel no weight, except that of my own sadness. I look into your tired eyes,

Understanding but desperately struggling to accept the reality, that this is the last time

Your salt and pepper seasoned chin will ever rest on my shoulder. I wish you sweet dreams

Tearfully, as my world and yours grow darker. Yet I take comfort in knowing that after night,

There is morning. When the sun will shine on your glorious fur and warm you once again,

And we will run, play and be forever, together.

By Jordanne Kennaugh