I've lost my puppy. Have you seen him? You know the one. I brought him home just last spring. Silky ears and puppy breath, big feet and longer tongue, a large soul in a small body..... unable to understand why he couldn't just jump into the truck like the big dogs. I laughed and helped him in. Now.. I just can't seem to find him.

I've lost my playmate. Have you seen him? You know the one. He ran with me just last summer. Ahead of my mountain bike he flew, big feet and longer tongue, a large soul in a powerful body....a gait so effortless and athletic, he soared into the truck with ease. He made me laugh. Where did he go?

I've lost my dog. Have you seen him? You know the one. He guided me up familiar paths just last fall. The elder statesman, face sprinkled in gray, big feet and longer tongue, a large soul in a big body.... a gait so steady and strong, making me smile as he gathered himself so carefully before jumping into the truck. Now, I don't know where he is.

I've lost my puppy, my playmate, my dog; have you seen him? You must know the one. You seem so familiar, though I don't recognize the face of gray or the silver eyebrows that rest above your cloudy amber eyes. Do you know where he went?

Hello..... is it you? Is it you I see in those aging eyes?....... Why, it IS you!! I see you now. You're in there like you've always been;.... the puppy whose silken ears gave me so much joy in spring, my playmate who ran so effortlessly through the summer, the dog who shared the trails with me in fall. I didn't lose you! You've been here all the time, big feet and longer tongue, large soul in an aging body, gait slowed by time, the truck so high above you, that you hesitate and look up at me... causing me to smile.

Oh my friend, my dog, my playmate.... my wonderful puppy.....you don't have to worry, I'll help you in ..... just like I used to.......and we'll go through the winter.... together.

Author Unknown