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*** Tribute to Tiva ***
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New York was such scary place.

The move there nothing to rejoice.

Then she cried out in a plaintive Voice,

"A puppy is the perfect choice

To relieve depression and fatigue".

So we set out at a fervent pace,

We found a perfect parking place,

At the North Shore Animal League.

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The Crowds were milling around the pens,

Cats, and puppies got hugs and pets,

Each closely examined by the Vets,

Families decide which each Child gets.

And One picks us with its furry face,

Soft and fluffy with floppy ear ends.

Cutest puppy in the doggy dens.

Instant love seemed to be the case!

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So we took her home to Jackson Street,

And made her a member of the clan.

Parents fell prey to teenager's plan,

When we named her (so the story ran)

After notorious herbal plant.

Our botanical knowledge was scant!

Named her Sativa! Not too discreet!

She was "Tiva", for short, we all pant.

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She was a smart little puppy.

We taught her all the clever tricks

Like "Sit Up", "Lay Down", chasing sticks,

"Shake", "Roll Over", and sloppy licks.

She could catch tossed food, and "Play Dead".

When she climbed the bed, it got lumpy.

Greeting strangers she got quite jumpy,

Her "Hello" was a nose to your head.

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Beautiful coloring in her coat,

A face that would melt a child's heart.

Her ears stood high and bent apart,

And around the house she'd prance and dart,

Leaving her long hair everywhere,

Vacuuming didn't need a vote.

Head tilted with a quizzical note,

She charmed us with a questioning stare.

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Husky/Sheppard mix her pedigree,

A walk with a leash was pull and choke,

Into a harness was the master stroke

For exercise with the family folk

Where she'd run, hop, and herd in the grass,

Sloshed water pail, her spirit's set free,

She rolled in all the nasty smells with glee,

And chased every dog she could pass.

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In her Life with us she traveled wide.

New York, Colorado, Home and back.

In tents she'd sit sentry through a crack,

Never got tired begging a snack

As she licked your hand, head in your lap,

She looked at you with her eyes aside.

You couldn't resist feeling pride,

She'd climb on the couch and take a nap.

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As she went to lay herself down,

She would dig and circle and paw,

Scratched at the door with a stubborn claw,

Watched birds and squirrels outside in awe.

She'd hide a bone in a chair or sheet,

With all the children she'd play and clown.

Wait patiently to go to town

With head out the window, down the street.

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With funny ways of making a bark.

She'd practice, working to get it out,

Starts with a squeak, a woof, then a shout,

You heard that dog without a doubt,

Fussier eater you'll never meet.

Alert on the deck table at dark,

Ears twitching to hear the meadow lark.

She watches the yard, neighbors, and street.

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Sixteen years she was with us all,

One hundred and twelve in doggy years.

She was deaf in both her floppy ears,

Cataracts, bad teeth, and pain brought tears,

Slowed down, couldn't catch anymore,

Dropped food, couldn't play with a ball,

Slept restlessly on top of the hall,

Left urine and barf all over the floor.

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Day came when we had to put her down,

The dreaded task couldn't be harder.

The truth didn't make us smarter.

The ride to the Vet a non-starter.

We needed help from heaven above,

Nothing could change our painful frown

Loyal, lovable pet! Joy to own!

HURT to put to sleep the Dog we Love.

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WE LOVE YOU TIVA!!

MAY YOU BE IN DOGGY HEAVEN!