I will lend to you for awhile
a puppy, God said,
For you to love him while he lives
and mourn when he is dead.

Maybe for twelve or fourteen years,
or maybe for two or three,
But will you, till I call him back,
take care of him for Me?

He'll bring his charms to gladden you
and (should his stay be brief)
you'll always have his memories
as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise that he will stay,
since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught below
I want this pup to learn.

I've looked the whole world over
in search of teachers true
And from the folk that crowd life's land
I have chosen you.

Now will you give him all your love
nor think the labour vain

Nor hate me when I come
to take my pup back again.

I fancied that I heard them say,
"Dear Lord, Thy Will Be Done,"
For all the joys this pup will bring,
the risk of grief we'll run.

We'll shelter him with tenderness,
we'll love him while we may,
And for the happiness we'll know,
forever grateful stay.

But should You call him back
much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes
and try to understand.

If by our love we've managed,
your wishes to achieve
In memory of him we loved,
to help us while we grieve,

When our faithful bundle
departs this world of strife,
We'll have yet another Pup
and love him all his life.