I miss having you at the door

Waiting for me to come in

Following me around until I gave you a cookie

It was annoying sometimes

But I miss the way you sat there

And scooted across the floor if I took too long

Before taking off, wagging, for the carpet

I miss coming up the stairs

To see you at the top

The way that you started thumping

As soon as you saw me there

I miss driving up the street

And seeing you in the yard

Sitting at the top of the hill

Like a golden king

Feathers blowing in the breeze

I miss falling asleep with you in the hall

Snuffling and bumping

Waking up with your wet nose in my face

When Mom couldn’t get me out of bed

I miss the hikes on the ridge

When you’d run ahead and come bouncing back

Then stretch out in the way of everyone

And fall asleep at home

I miss you sliding across the floor,

Running after a tennis ball

Or jumping around the yard,

Playing keep-away with a stick

You never did learn how to play fetch

But you were so proud of that stick

I miss seeing your face in the front door,

Watching me while I ran

Or peeking out the upstairs window,

When we pulled into the driveway

I miss the way you perked up,

Whenever you heard “ride”

The way you were always the last to know,

When someone was at the door

I miss you sticking close to me,

Whenever we were home alone

I miss rubbing the fuzzy spot on your nose,

And the baleful looks you gave me whenever I did

Most of all I just miss having you there,

That fuzzy, gold friend that had been there all my life

The one that was never unhappy to see me

Who loved me no matter what I did

Who could make me feel better,

With just his big, brown eyes and silky ears

And the happy expression that was always there

Happy birthday, Bailey

Tell God to give you an extra cookie today

It’s alright; this one’s from me.