"I'll lend you for a little while, a sheepdog pup", God said,
"For you to love him while he lives and mourn for when he's dead.
Maybe for twelve or fourteen years, or only two or three
But will you, 'til I call him back, take care of him for me?
He'll bring his charms to gladden you, and (should his stay be brief)
You'll always have his memories as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay, since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught below I want this pup to learn.
I've looked the whole world over in search of teachers true,
And from the folk that crowd lifes' land I have chosen you.
Now will you give him all your love nor think the labour vain.
Nor hate me when I come to take my Bobtail back again?"
I fancied that I heard them say, "Dear Lord, thy will be done,
For all the joys this pup will bring the risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter him with tenderness, we'll love him while we may,
And for the happiness we've known, forever grateful stay.
But should you come to call him back much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand.
If by our love we've managed your wishes to achieve,
In memory of him we loved, to help us while we grieve.
When our shaggy faithful bundle departs this world of strife
We'll have another tailless pup and we'll love him all his life."