Farewell to Buster

Our little friend found a new home at my cousin's house.  I offer this ode to Buster.  :)

You weren't very big when you first arrived home.

And then you somehow gained 80 pounds and we realized that you were a small tank. 

A rather wide and stout tank, that is. 

We loved you anyway.

You seemed to drool everywhere and we often thought you needed a gutter attached to your mouth to catch the perpetual river that somehow came out.

We loved you anyway.

You usually had selective hearing and it usually served you well when you were half a mile up the road and you decided to forget we existed.  We cursed you and your obliviousness.

We loved you anyway. 

You found much satisfaction in shredding

your blanket to bits, among other things. 

You didn't mind breaking a few chains, a few collars,

a few leashes, nor did you mind chewing on a few bowls,

a few lawn ornaments, and a few bones.

We loved you anyway. 

You always seemed to be fond of the game "chicken,"

And you didn't think twice about knocking me over,

unaware of your own strength. 

I also cursed you then. 

We loved you anyway.

You had brakes that often failed, as wet paws

and smooth cement do not make for smooth sailing.

A few crashes into the tool chest, a few crashes into the side

of the car, a few crashes into the sawhorses.  You were none

worse for the wear.  Maybe a little more inclined to pump the

brakes before sliding your way across the floor. 

We loved you anyway.

Try not to gnaw the legs off the furniture and try not to

raise a ruckus in the neighborhood.

Try not to pee on everything.  We know you like to leave your

mark, but it's really not necessary.

Try not to break anything or run over any small children in the

vicinity.  Play nice.

Try not to drool all over the place.  Most people don't want to have

to mop up after you. 

But even if you do,

I'm sure they'll love you anyway.