Charlie & Jake Poem by David Paradine

Charlie and Jake
My two best friends
Faithful and loyal
Patience to no end

Charlie is a Golden
While Jake is a Lab
My four legged buddies
We have a special triad

Charlie's a big party dog
A friend to everyone
His tail constantly wagging
Always eager for any fun

Now Jake is more serious
A chow hound who loves to eat
A tennis ball his constant companion
Which he'll abandon for any treat

We walk every morning
My two buddies and me
They stop sniff and pee
On every hydrant, bush and tree

Free housing and medical
Their meals served on time
A pool, spa and hot tube
That doesn't cost them one dime

They sleep much of the day
But will play when ere they can
Doggedly mooching snacks
Taking them gently from my hand

Their muzzles have now grayed
Just like my own hair
We're simply growing older
But still possess our old flair

We walk a little slower now
Although out routine hasn't changed
Time is gaining on us
There's really nothing more to explain

We still play every day
Even though it's not for long
We get tired rather easily
Though their spirit isn't gone

My cold nose, furry friends
That have spent their lives with me
They've taught me how to live this life
With grace and dignity