She never asked for much

Maybe a kind heart and an occasional touch

She didn't lick or jump the way others do

She knew the love for her just grew

She didn't care about cookies or about food

She only cared if I was in a good mood

She always was just steps away

But never out of sight or gone astray

She didn't retrieve or carry things in her jaw

Instead she moved things around with her left paw

She had enourmous feet and shaggy gold fur

People would stop at just the mere site of her

A dog so unique like almost a bear

Eyes would look upon her to stop and stare

But with a job to fulfill for only one

She would just look at me for an answer and then be done

She was soft and gentle from the outside in

A trust in nature that bared only a grin,

To little hands and big eyes that would catch her coat

Or strangers that stopped by just even to dote

Still -

She breathed in for me and I breathed out for her

And together we always were.

Often covered in gold fur.

By my side through joys and tears

Through pain and sadness and all my fears

Through moves and trips and another furry friend

Her allegiance to my being would not even bend

In the middle of the night when I'd wake from my sleep

A watchful eye on me, she would always keep

Then-

It all seemed to happen at once

My hero and protector's years turned to months

There never was a question for what I must do

And give you everything you needed my sweet Shaboo

You outlived your illness but symptoms grew stronger

I told you I'd give you the world if you'd just stay longer

You began to slow down but never in spirit

Your bones ached and breath laboured but you just tried to bear it

Walks for you became something of a chore

You would be happier just with an open back door

You stood no longer to eat your meal

I tried to change it every day to make it less of an ordeal

That your appetite was merely to please

Your interest to eat was for me to appease

Stoic and proud you were always for me

Even though it hurt you wanted me to be

Content and safe and never alone

You would give your life for me, without so much as a moan

I asked you for a sign when you have had enough

I couldn't bear the thought of my best friend feeling so rough

And you were tough-

But the day arrived that I dreaded ever so much

When I knew I would have to give up that left paw touch

Your heart was fighting for each inhale

Your gums were growing more and more pale

And still.

You were never afraid

Except that I would feel betrayed

My hero, my best friend, my extension of my soul

Let go now, my heart will forever have a hole

And even though we may not still be together the way we used to be