Floppy Ears

(Written several years ago, but posted today in honor of Bessie Mae, 17 years old; 1998-2015)

A floppy-eared basset hound

Turned my life upside down.

Her mournful glance and howling bay

Thrills my heart every day.

Big fat paws and stubbly legs,

A cold wet nose and eyes that beg,

Ears that drag across the floor –

I never loved a creature more!

At night she snuggles in my bed

And makes a pillow for my head,

But when the night turns into dawn

She’s up and stretching with a yawn.

Her wagging tail says, “Let’s go!

Got squirrels to chase . . .you’re moving slow!”

Then off she waddles, nose to ground,

Every bit the hunter hound.

Now you might wonder why on earth

I’d let a dog have so much worth.

But love for my dear basset hound

Seems to have no earthly bound.

I can’t have children of my own,

The doctors say, “Cause: unknown.”

But that floppy-eared, cold-nosed pup

Fills that heart void right on up.

One day she’ll cross that Rainbow Bridge

Where bassets go beyond the ridge,

But as for now my love abounds

For this floppy-eared basset hound.