They will not go quietly,
the dogs who've shared our lives.
In subtle ways they let us know
their spirit still survives.
Old habits still make us think
we hear a barking at the door.
Or step back when we drop
a tasty morsel on the floor.
Our feet still go around the place
the food dish used to be,
And, sometime,
coming home at night,
we miss them terribly.
And although time may bring
new friends
and a new food dish to fill,
That one place in our hearts
belongs to them...
and always will.