He was just a mongrel terrier,
Not worth a cent in worldly wealth,
But worth a lifetime fortune
In happiness and health.

His origin was uncertain,
Some unknown breed mixed in between,
But a better friend on God's green earth,
Has never yet been seen.

Faithful, loving kindness,
No matter what his treatment be,
And more than once, in lieu of death,
Has offered his life for me.

I can see him now with his nose pressed flat,
Against the square of the window pane,
With wagging tail as if to say,
"My master's home again."

Bit , brown, solemn pleading eyes,
When some small mischief came in view,
And a doggish whine of thanks,
When his punishment was through.

With lowered ears and thumping tail,
He would stand in sympathetic charm,
And hesitate until he heard his name,
Then bound into my arms.

He would quietly slip into my room
In evenings fading light,
A lonely sentinel of faith,
Keeping vigil through the night.

And then came war, I went away;
He must have thought that I'd be home;
For weeks he watched and waited,
In blissful trust and all alone.

I can't believe he really died,
No matter what they say,
And though he's gone, I try to think,
That he merely went away.

There must be a place in heaven
In the realm of blue above,
For canine curs of lowly breed,
With hearts so full of love.

When my life on earth is done
And I grace the halls of God,
We'll meet in death, eternally,
Just a sailor and his dog.