This has always been one of my favorite poems. It always reminds me of my wonderful schipperkes.

Sometimes I think there most be a reason why dog spelled backwards isgod. Whatever your spiritual beliefs, this poem captures the character of the dog perfectly.

THE LITTLE BLACK DOG

I wonder if Christ had a little black dog,
All curly and woolly like mine.
With two silky ears and a nose round and wet,
And two eyes, brown and tender, that shine.

I'm sure if He had, that little black dog
Knew right from the first He was God;
That he needed no proof that Christ was divine,
But just worshipped the ground that He trod.

I'm afraid that He hadn't because I have read
How He prayed in the garden alone;
For all of his friends and disciples had fled,--
Even Peter, the one called a stone.

And, oh, I am sure that little black dog,
With a heart so tender and warm,
Would never have left Him to suffer alone,
But creeping right under His arm,

Would have licked those dear fingers, in agony clasped;
And counting all favors but loss,
When they took Him away would have trotted behind,
And followed Him quite to the Cross.