For Isabelle

A simple internet flyer
Was all it took for me to know
That I would take you home with me
Where I could watch you grow

Go see the other puppies he said
I want you to be sure
But you'd crawled inside my heart by then
And firmly locked the door

You filled our days with smiles
But forever was not to be
A solemn trip to the Vet
And a failed surgery

Determined to fight the battle
Already knowing the war was lost
We kept you well with pills and food
Oblivious to the cost

For three years we were happy
Your good health dared us to hope
Then at the pace of lightning
You raced to the end of your rope

We knew at last the day had come
He had to make the call
All of my strength deserted me
Silent tears began to fall

I wrapped you up and held you near
The drive was over much too fast
A doctor's gentle injection
And it was clear you wouldn't last

We smothered you with hugs and kisses
Each whispered you a last goodbye
It ripped our hearts to pieces
To hold you and watch you die

Like the butterfly that was your namesake
You flew away so far
I'll try my best to not be sad
Because I know where you are

I believe in a place beyond this life
Somewhere I can't touch or see
If I close my eyes I can feel you there
Playing and running free