The poem
Yet, my pretty sportive friend, Little is't to such an end That I praise thy rareness! Other dogs may be thy peers Haply in these drooping ears, And this glossy fairness.
But of thee it shall be said, This dog watched beside a bed Day and night unweary— Watched within a curtained room, Where no sunbeam brake the gloom Round the sick and dreary.
Roses, gathered for a vase, In that chamber died apace, Beam and breeze resigning. This dog only, waited on, Knowing that when light is gone Love remains for shining.
Other dogs in thymy dew Tracked the hares, and followed through Sunny moor or meadow. This dog only, crept and crept Next a languid cheek that slept, Sharing in the shadow.
Other dogs of loyal cheer Bounded at the whistle clear, Up the woodside hieing. This dog only, watched in reach Of a faintly uttered speech, Or a louder sighing.
And if one or two quick tears Dropped upon his glossy ears, Or a sigh came double— Up he sprang in eager haste, Fawning, fondling, breathing fast, In a tender trouble.
And this dog was satisfied If a pale thin hand would glide Down his dewlaps sloping— Which he pushed his nose within, After—platforming his chin On the palm left open.
I absolutly love this poem it sounds just like my puppy at home
What a blessing to have a dog like hers. At her side, no matter what, no matter how sick she was for years.
No matter that she could not play with him or take walks, Flush preferred to stay by her side, loyal, as a constant companion; and would just be happy with feeling her weak hand and resting his head close to it.
She wonderfully describes the intense loyalty of a treasured family dog, often more loyal than friends, always as loving as family.