A dog loaned
"I'll lend you for a little time a dog of mine" he said.
"For you to love while he lives and mourn for when he's dead".
It maybe six or seven years or maybe more than these, but will you, till I
call him back, take care of him for me?
He'll bring his charm to gladden you, and should his stay be brief, you'll
have his memories, as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay, since all from earth return, but there are
lessons taught down there, I want this dog to learn.
I've looked this wide world over, in my search for teachers true, and from
the throngs that crowd life's lanes, I have selected you.

Now will you give him all your love, nor think the labour vain, nor hate me
when I come to call, and take him back again?

I fancied that I heard them say "Dear Lord, thy will be done", for all the
joy thy dog shall bring, for the risk of grief we'll run.

We'll shelter him with tenderness, we'll love him while we may, and for the
happiness we've known, forever grateful stay.

But should the angels call for him, we'll brave the bitter grief that comes,
and try to understand.