If it should be that I grow frail and weak

And pain should keep me from my sleep

Then you must do what must be done

For this last battle can’t be won.

You will be sad, I understand

Don’t let your grief then stay your hand

For this day, more than the rest

Your love and friendship stand the test.

We’ve had so many happy years

What is to come can hold no fears

You would not want me to suffer so

When the time comes, please let me go.

Take me where my needs they’ll tend

Only stay with me to the end

And hold me firm and speak to me

Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time you will see

It is a kindness you do to me

Although my tail its last has waved

From pain and suffering I have been saved.

Don’t grieve if it should be you

Who has to decide this thing to do.

We’ve been so close – we two, these years

Don’t let your heart hold any tears.

So I am glad, not that she’s gone

But that this earth she’s roamed and lived upon

Was my earth too, that I have closely known

And loved her and that my love I’ve shown

Tears over her departure? Nay – smile

That I had walked with her for a while

Anon