We collected her from a puppy farm
Where she had really earned her keep
Giving the owner many Labs to sell
She now needed to rest and sleep.

We collected her, all of us together
Then took her for her very first roam
Her given name was Sooty and
She gladly embraced her new home.

Her first day and night with us
Had her shaking within her fur
She needed the reassuring touch
Of someone sitting close to her.

But once she knew she was staying
She fitted into family life
She built much loving loyalty
Steadfast through our joys and strife.

She watched over us always
Checking our way was clear
Putting herself between us
And any stranger who came near.

Came the day when she had to leave
When her fourteen years began to tell
We were there when the needle entered 
And swaying slightly she gently fell.

These animal friends are just on loan
And we owners know it well
But the pain is deep when they go
And for a while - we are in hell.