It was a very sad day today,
That I had to say goodbye;
To my beloved friend of many years,
With tears flowing from my eyes.

We knew it wasn't long when,
We saw his body was giving way,
To the aches and pains that come with age;
Though he fought it valiantly everyday.

Although his eyes and ears and legs grew week,
He never would complain.
Instead, my Boy went on as if,
All things remained the same.

The same as when he was that frisky pup;
Whose beauty none could compare;
His beauty would make everyone stop;
...Compliment, smile, or stare.

From the very young, to the very old;
And everyone in between;
When Merlin entered any place,
He always stole the scene.

He could brighten your day;
With his gentleness, his love, and with his grace.
Pet therapy and reading to kids,
Brought many a smile to a face.

His love and strength amazed us, each and every day,
Even till the very end,
That morning we had to say good bye,
To our beloved, loyal Friend.

He held on strong; but the time had come;
Where he knew God needed him now;
He knew that it was okay to let go;
And, he tried to tell us somehow.

Even though he was brave; he let out a cry;
That I will never forget;
I stayed by his side and kept him calm;
Just as he'd do for me, I bet.

But before he took his final breath,
I kissed and thanked him for a lifetime of love.
And with that, my beloved friend for years,
Went to be with God above.

Though sadness overcomes me now, and the tears pour from my eyes,
I believe this precious gift from God
Was sent to help me realize; that;

"All things Bright and Beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all."

To our Bright and Beautiful, Merlin -- Thank you for 15 years of selfless love & friendship.