I have known him for some sixteen years,

And we have never exchanged angry words.

He has watched me getting older, but has never noticed how I have changed.

He has always been there to welcome me home,

Even if I left him alone all day.

And in the evening, he sits on my lap, just happy that I'm back.

My friend is very old now,

He is blind in one eye.

He has lost most of his teeth, though he still loves to eat!

He walks slowly, and can't jump any more,

But he has still got the most beautiful, black, fur coat.

I think you must have guessed by now,

Who my old friend is,

And I hope he thinks of me,

As an old friend of his.