My sweet puppy tuff,

Such a short life in the end.

You lived up to your name,

But your death I did not intend.

It was a dark day,

The day that you died.

My sweet puppy tuff,

I’m sorry if I lied.

I said I would protect you,

Keep you safe and sound,

But I was not there,

When danger came around.

I was somewhere else,

In another place.

Then I arrived home

To find tears on your face.

Somehow you were hurt

By something I couldn’t detect.

Your spine had rolled

And I had failed to protect.

You tried to act tough,

Even though you were in pain.

I tried to save you,

But my efforts were in vain.

We waited for a while

To see if you could pull through,

But your condition was rough,

Even for a dog like you.

My sweet puppy Tuff,

I must say goodbye.

We can ease your suffering,

Though I’m sorry you must die.

I have to go inside.

Dad will help you now.

As I lie on my bed,

I hear the gun’s “POW!”

Some years have now passed.

I remember you with a smile.

I say, “My sweet puppy Tuff,

I’ll be with you in a little while."