Poem; 'Dougal, my best pal.'

Dougal was my deputy, I used to say,
He was never far away. With those soft
Brown eyes and long fur coat,
Gentle as a mouse, in my house.
Water and him did not agree,
And when we bathed him you
Should have seen the fuss, for him
 It was all too much! He ran round
The garden like an athlete in training,
Even though it was raining.
I loved the bones of that dog,
So gentle in his manner, when the
Grandchildren rolled on the floor
With him, he wanted more.
He was a clever dog in his own quiet
Way, opening the door for Mutley,
Our Labrador, then walking away,
As if to say, " I am not only a pretty
Face, you may be a retriever, old chap,
But by my standards you're off the map!"
Dougal hated being brushed, howling
And creating such a fuss, but he never
Retaliated, no not he, it was beneath
His dignity. He stood back when Mutley
Stole his food, looking at me with
Those expressive eyes in a resigned way,
Knowing I would feed him later that day.
Dougal went to Heaven where all
Good doggies go, and I know
He will be sitting on Gods right hand.

Augustine Nash.