Lady

You arrived home today, in a small wooden box,

Your ashes, kept safe with a brass key and lock.

You look a lot different from the first time we met,

That cute little puppy, our new family pet.

You were a queen, right from the start.

Chewed through everything possible, but we just couldn’t part

with your feisty demeanor, yet innocent eyes,

It’s still hard to believe that we just said goodbye.

Apart of our family for seventeen years,

You were there through the laughter, you were there for the tears.

Always in tune with each one of our moods -

You’d comfort us, entertain us, and gladly give us attitude.

“Nothing but the best” for Little Lady Gates,

Leftovers not acceptable, and always fed before we ate!

You loved to get feisty and growl like a big dog,

Because God forbid anyone wanted your two day-old hot dog!

You watched our new pets - come and then go,

That same little Lady Bug who was lost in the snow,

During a blizzard in '98 -

the white mounds were so high, and the chances of finding you weren’t great.

We trudged through the snow with our pictures and signs,

Knocking on doors for hours at a time.

Then Dad thought and said, “Call Animal Rescue!"

Mom dialed, then yelled, ”A pomeranian! - with a pink collar, too!?"

Found frolicking through a snowstorm on Rt. 495,

No other animal would have made it back alive.

You grew up to be our very best friend.

A furry daughter, a sister, even an aunt in the end!

We miss you so much, but we know that you’re here.

Mom keeps your things behind the couch, as if you're still there.

You’re enjoying your freedom now - flying through the sky.

With your beautiful angel wings, making sure we don’t cry.

For, your body wore out, but your soul - it did not.

A hyper little soul, waiting for the start of the coffee pot.

We love you, Lady - our perfect pedigree,

Thank God we had you in our lives until you turned seventeen.