by Jeff Vidrine

Created on: March 19, 2010   Last Updated: March 20, 2010

Sleeping dog at her master's feet,
oblivious to cares, her life complete.
What more could she need?
Her master is the one to take heed.

A dog can be a companion for life,
or so says my lovely wife.
A life of leisure, the run of the house,
I speak of my dog, not my spouse.

When she comes to nap, her pad on the floor,
moving in circles, tail hitting the door.
She paws and scratches the pad on the ground,

in spiraling circles, round and round.

Somehow she knows when it's just right
Curls up on her bed, snug and tight.
I watch this ritual of preparing the bed,
instinctively done 'ere she lays down her head.

With her, by the foot of my easy chair,
I sometimes nod off, a nap to share.
She snores, sighs deeply, seeming to talk,
deep in dreams, reliving her favorite walk.

Barely disturbed, if on her sleep I intrude,
voicing cares and concerns, seeking solutions that elude.
She offers no trite or unwanted advice,
a companion who listens is rare and nice.

"A dog is Man's best friend" ,said my old Grandpa.
And she peers at me intently, her chin on her paw.
She teaches me, with her puppy dog stare,
that to be a friend, a companion, one has only to be there.

Friends don't complain, criticize, or compare
to others about failings, fears, and feelings you share.
My dog for one, understands the essence,
friends are meant to be a reliable presence.

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