You’re smarter than scientists give you credit for

You’ve got soul, heart, and brain

Fur for ages

Personality to adore

You pick up on joy and sorrow

You know much more than your name

You dream

Unworried at all about tomorrow

I see your paws twitch

Same for your upper lip

While you’re snoozing

You teach me

There’s no fear of losing, of missing out

Everything that matters is right here, right now

You instruct me the most on the beach

You sprint full speed

You dive in the waves

Digging holes

Vulnerable but fully secure

In late January, you’re unafraid

Giving all your soul

Just you

Lighting up a stranger’s day

In your wiggle and your tail’s wave

Your head resting on the passenger window

Ears flapping

Drool dripping

Snout sniffing

What a crescendo to our Saturday together

Fully relaxed

Nothing missing

Time passing but well spent

You’ve made me unspeakably glad

This Golden retriever from heaven

The best companion and instructor I ever had