For you to love her while she lives

And mourn for when she's dead.

Maybe for twelve or fourteen years,

Or only two or three

But will you, till I call her back,

Take care of her for me?

She'll bring her charms to gladden you

And (should her stay be brief)

You'll always have her memories

As solace for your grief.

I cannot promise she will stay,

Since all from earth return

But there are lessons taught below

I want this pup to learn.

I've looked the whole world over

In search of teachers true

And from the folk that crowds life's land

I have chosen you.

Now will you give her all your love

Nor think the labour vain

Nor hate me when I come to take

My Borzoi back again.

I fancied that I heard them say,

"Dear Lord, Thy Will Be Done",

For all the joys this pup will bring,

The risk of grief we'll run.

We'll shelter her with tenderness,

We'll love her while we may

And for the happiness we've known

Forever grateful stay.

But should you come to call her back

Much sooner than we've planned

We'll brave the bitter grief that comes

And try to understand.

If by our love, we've managed

Your wishes to achieve

In memory of her we loved,

To help us whilst we grieve,

When our faithful bundle

Departs this world of strife,

We'll have yet another pup

And love her all her life.

(written by Jill Harwood of England, and originally titled “An English Cocker”)