A special dog like you would only

come along once in our lifetime.

And the name Monster suited well

for you were born a mischief-maker.

Remember all the furniture you destroyed and

dad’s new Ericsson phone you nibbled.

Did you try to call your girlfriend

and got upset with the not so

paw-friendly phone buttons?

Also the curtains you pulled down

together with the rod

the two bags of soil you ripped

and painted the front porch mud brown

and did not miss a spot.

You chewed every pair of

high-heel shoes that I bought.

Were you confused and thought

you must try to heel your sole

for all the trouble you caused?

But we could never really be angry with you

after all you were just

a monster with a gentle soul.

You adored and babysat

Sydelle and Shaye when they were younger

you were so smart you even

played hide and seek together

and your love for soccer was like no other.

You guarded the oven patiently and

waited  for the roast lamb to be cooked.

You enjoyed your weekly spa moment

when dad gave you a shower.

Sadly though, three years ago today

you knew your end was near and

so very hard for us to let you go.

When I was out with the girls that evening

dad fed you your favourite meal

you spent some private moment 

as he held you gently in his arms until

you were ready to say your final goodbye.

Three years on and

we love and miss you still, Monster.