More than just a pet

He's more than just a pet ,
he's my companion and best friend too.
Some may say I'm mad ,
go right ahead please do.
In my mums garden is where he was ,
lost and scared just over 10 years ago.
He'd been thrown out of a car ,
how could anyone stoop that low ?.
We called out the dog warden ,
who came and took him away.
It upset me to hand him over ,
but in the kennels he had to stay.
I visited him as often as I could ,
wishing my dog he'd eventually be.
When no one went to claim him ,
he finally came to live with me.
Over the years he's been so loyal ,
with the kids he loves to play.
Now he's getting on and not too well ,
just prefering to sleep all day.
He can hardly get up and walk ,
the kindest thing would be to let him die.
He's a big part of our family ,
it breaks my heart to say goodbye.
The kids are all so upset ,
at the thought of never playing with him again.
He's given us all so much joy and happiness ,
it's best to let him go and not to suffer in pain.