FOR ALL THOSE THAT HAVE LEFT US
 

       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, sometimes, coming home at night, we miss them terribly.

        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.

                                                           (Linda Barnes)