Tribute to a Dog

The one absolutely unselfish friend

that man can have in this selfish world

the one that never deserts him,

the one that never proves

ungrateful or treacherous, is his dog.

A man's dog stands by him in prosperity and in poverty.

In health and in sickness.

He will sleep on the cold ground,

where the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercly,

if only he many be near his master's side.

He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer;

he will lick the wounds and sores that come

in encounter witht he roughness of the world.

He guards the sleep of his pauper master

as if he were a prince.

When all other friends desert, he remains.