By Josie Whitehead (www.whiteheadm.co.uk)
If I ever get to Heaven, when my life comes to its end -
I will not be surprised at all to find some special friends.
They’ll be waiting by the Pearly Gates with all their outstretched paws
There’ll be loud barks of welcome on those oh so distant shores.
They’re the friends who’ve been most faithful – my lovely, lovely, dogs -
And how strange to find in poetry that ‘dog’ rhymes so well with ‘God’.
These faithful friends enter your world to share your daily life –
And are a hundred times more faithful than a husband or a wife.
Who do you share your breakfast with – your cereal or your toast?–
The friend who’s got no money - but the one who loves you most?
Your dog quietly accompanies you - accepts you as you are.
They’ve not come to judge you - be you tramp or opera star.
They’re always there to welcome you; they forever try to please -
A dog just loves to walk with you, to share your bread and cheese.
When you’re feeling so unhappy – who suddenly appears
With a little tongue upon your cheek to wash away your tears?
Whose little eyes look at your face, with love and expectation?
Who loves to share their life with you at home and on vacation?
When you know full well your dog’s main aim is to love you and to care –
You will also know for certain that in Heaven they’ll be waiting there.
Copyright 2006