“German shepherd named Cloie J. She needs to be put down and owner is having difficulty emotionally.”

Cloie J, with eyes of dusk and dawn,  
You guarded doorways, chased the dewy lawn,  
Your russet fur a banner in the sun,  
A hero’s heart—my friend, my only one.

The bells of morning tremble with your bark,  
Soft thunder rolling gently through the dark,  
I see you waiting, tail a metronome,  
Counting the beats that led me safely home.

Now comes a night the bravest can't outrun,  
The world grows still—our walk together done,  
Your muzzle grayed by years of loyal days,  
Still sifting through my sorrow with your gaze.

How do I say goodbye to all we knew?  
The worn blue leash, the muddy tennis shoe,  
Your weight beside me in the storm’s embrace—  
Love’s memory not time nor pain can erase.

I kneel and whisper blessings, teary-eyed,  
Your head pressed close, my hand in silky pride,  
I thank you for each moment, every year;  
You taught me strength, that love outlasts the fear.

Run on, sweet Cloie J, where fields expand—  
Where old friends wait beyond a gentle hand.  
Carry my heart with you above the pines,  
My Shepherd, now and always, by design.

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