Until we meet again, old pal

[Pipe_Dream]

I said farewell to my dog yesterday. Bristol was a friend, companion, hunting buddy, beach dog, and yard work supervisor, and he has been here every morning for 13 and a half years. Until this morning. My heart is heavy, as is my wife's and our 9-year-old Lab's. But I know we'll meet again.

I know a lot of you guys are fellow dog-lovers, so here are a few photos.

1996 - new house, new pup


In his prime, at his favorite place on Earth


Not too long ago


What he's probably doing this morning!


A DOG FOR JESUS
I wish someone had given Jesus a dog
As loyal and loving as mine
To sleep by His manger and gaze in His eyes
And adore Him for being divine.

As our Lord grew to manhood His faithful dog
Would have followed Him all through the day
While He preached to the crowds and made the sick well
And knelt in the garden to pray.

It is sad to remember that Christ went away
To face death alone and apart
With no tender dog following close behind
To comfort its Master's Heart.

And when Jesus rose on that Easter morn
How happy He would have been
As His dog kissed His hands and barked its delight
For The One who died for all men.

Well, the Lord has a dog now, I just sent Him mine
The old pal so dear to me
And I smile through my tears on this first day alone
Knowing they're in eternity.

Day after day, the whole day through
Wherever my road inclined
Four feet said, "I am coming with you!"
And trotted along behind.


Written By: Rudyard Kipling