Flapper

She came to us at Christmastime,
this sweet little pup was quite a find.
Dad and brother off for a tree
came back with Flapper running free.

She danced around the great big kitchen
her little body just a twitchen'.
A wiggle here and a piddle there
brought only happiness, not despair!

Her long brown ears that touched the floor,
invited us to love her more.
She quickly jumped into our lives
and took her place as "princess sighs".

For eighteen years she shared my pillow
as my best friend with ears that billowed.
And then off to college I did go
"How can you do this?" she whimpered low.

The painful memory of that sad day
reminds me still in every way
that love is offered many times
if we just look between the lines.

Sweet Flapper finally said goodbye,
I wasn't home the day she died.
But long beyond her years alive
her gentle spirit went on to thrive.

She'd loved my unconditionally
and gave me hope eternally
that somewhere in that great unknown
some creatures need a happy home.

So as I've travel throughout my life
I've never turned away from strife,
if needy animals pass my way
I'm always quick to happily say

With love and caring completely steady,
"Welcome friend, you home is ready!"