Honor poem: A local reader recently called and suggested we share a poem she has received in the mail from Paws of Honor.

The poem begins with a prelude explaining that, when a military or police dog dies, part of the ceremony includes the reading of this poem.

The Guardians of the Night

Trust in me my friend for I am your comrade.

I will protect you with my last breath.

When all others have left you

And the loneliness of the night closes in,

I will be at your side.

Together we will conquer all obstacles

And search out those who might wish harm to others.

All I ask of you is compassion,

The caring touch of your hands.

It is for you that I will selflessly give my life

And spend my nights unrested.

Although our days together

May be marked by the passing of the seasons.

Know that each day at your side is my reward.

My days are measured by

The coming and going of your footsteps.

I anticipate them at the opening of the door.

You are the voice of caring when I am ill.

The voice of authority over me when I’ve done wrong.

The poem goes on to discuss the bond and the envy that others might have at the connection between officer and dog. It ends with the following:

I will remain ever silent,

Ever vigilant, ever loyal.

And when our time together is done

And you move on in the world,

Remember me with kind thoughts and tales.

For a time we were unbeatable,

Nothing passed among us undetected.

If we should ever meet again on another field

I will gladly take up your fight.

I am a Police Working Dog and together

We are GUARDIANS of the NIGHT.

The goal of Paws of Honor (POH) is to provide veterinary care and products at no charge for retired military and law enforcement K-9s’ nationwide that have served our country, locally or globally. Find more information at www.pawsofhonor.org.