In loving memory of Peeples's Royal Princess
February 29, 1988 to October 20, 2000

I was thirteen -- Wow!
That seems so long ago --
The first time that I met her
Nibbling on my toe

A lovable black puppy
That nothing could scare
Who challenged the world
And would take any dare

That precocious little puppy
Quickly managed somehow
To worm her way into my heart
Where she still is now

As quick as a Lab butt-tucking
That puppy had grown
Into a wonderful, loving dog
I was proud to have as my own

A dignified queen
Reigning over our dogs
She nevertheless never missed
A chance to chase frogs

And at first sight of me
She'd do her Happy Dance
And I'd see love and a smile
In her greeting glance

As only a true friend can do
She brought to my life
Unconditional love and
Comfort in times of strife

My friend and confidant
She knew all my hopes and fears
She danced with me in joy
And kissed away my tears

Alas, the seasons cycled
And the years went by
Until one day I realized
That in a blink of an eye

Where once there was a puppy
In my arms I could hold
Now stood a matriarch
to my shock growing old

Her once jet black hair
Was now turning grey
And her once boundless energy
Now fading away

Getting up was hard
Jumping in the car now a chore
And when she went swimming
She needed a helping hand onto the shore

Somehow she had grown old
And that's when I made her a promise
That when she could no longer enjoy life
I'd provide a peaceful end and solace

Promises unfortunately
Have to be kept
No matter the heartache
Or tears that are wept

One day far too soon
She no longer could stand
Or respond to her name
Or a pat from my hand

She taught me how to give
And to love unselfishly
And in the end, what else could I do,
But act as she taught me?

So with tears pouring down
And as my heart was breaking
I kissed her one last time
And injected -- her life taking

As in life, in her death
She was a friend faithful and true
For her dying glance said
"I know, I love you too!"

So rest my dear Princess
Free from pain and all care
But always know I miss you
And wish you were here.

--- Rachel Peeples, DVM