Papillon

She grew from a sweet, joyous puppy into a kind and gentle old lady. She loved us without reservation and scorned her bed to sleep in front of our door. She guarded our home faithfully into the last days of her life.

Everyone loved her. Vets who see hundreds of dogs a day commented how sweet she was. People who were afraid of dogs were charmed into petting and cuddling her. She had the gift of happiness.

I do not for pray for mercy, for she needs none. The Judge of all things pets her head and tells her she's a good dog, and she wags her tail and smiles.

"Near this Spot
are deposited the Remains of one
who possessed Beauty without Vanity,
Strength without Insolence,
Courage without Ferosity,
and all the virtues of Man without his Vices.
This praise, which would be unmeaning Flattery
if inscribed over human Ashes,
is but a just tribute to the Memory of
PAPILLON, a DOG."

adapted from Byron's "Epitaph to a Dog"