Fading Paws

**Fading Paws** In days gone by, you were all youth and light, A bounding joy, a star so bright. But now, old friend, your pace has slowed, Your fur, once golden, now softly snowed. Eyes that sparkled, now misted and gray, Your bark a whisper of yesterday. The chase, the fetch, the endless run, Fading like the setting sun. Your once strong limbs now tremble and ache, Each step you take, my heart does break. For time, relentless, marches on, And soon, dear one, you’ll be gone. But know this truth, my loyal friend, Our bond transcends the approaching end. In every wag, in every sigh, Your love will never say goodbye. So as you rest, your spirit worn, I cherish you, who've never mourned. In your last days, I’ll stay near, For when you go, I’ll shed a tear. For though you age, and time departs,