He raced his way into our hearts
From the very first day,
We knew that he was ours to keep--
No matter come what may.

Adopted at the age of 6--
There were no bad habits to break
He was loved by everyone
Some asked "This dog can I take"?

Of course, I said "the answer is no"
There are lots more where he came from
You, too can rescue a 'hound of your own
Then, to you he/she will come.

He kept on giving us his love,
Never letting us know his pain--
He usually had more good days than bad
Not caring for snow or rain.

He loved being petted, no matter by who
The more hands the better, by far
Meet and Greets were his favorite event
Just so he could get there by car.

Yes, he was spoiled I say it aloud--
But no matter where we went
He was invited back again and again
To the tone of "He's truly a Gent".

Frosty paws were his favorite treats
He had them truly down pat--
He was always good natured, never a growl
Even to wear his tux and Top Hat.

Taking his pills was never a chore--
I just used creamy Skippy or Jiff
He'd be ready and waiting-no matter the number
Probably anticipating due to a sniff.

When even walking was hard to do
And we knew the pain he was in,
We knew it was time to say good-bye
And let him have peace within.

Knowing the rainbow bridge is real
He crossed with one sweep of his wings
Meeting and greeting forever and ever
He's my angel dog, best friend and King!

Although it hurt to say goodbye,
As I always knew it would be--
I wouldn't change any times we had
Because he was my son--you see.

THIS POEM IS IN MEMORY OF LEADING GOAL JOHNSON:
ADOPTED 12-2-1994 AT THE AGE OF 6. WEIGHT: 82 POUNDS--RED BRINDLE FROM NGAP (adoption #1698).
FLEW OVER RAINBOW BRIDGE 6-28-2001. NICKNAMES: GOAL, BUBBA, BIG GUY, SPOILED, CHOPPER, PUPPY.

My husband has him tattooed on his leg; I have him in my heart.