I'll lend you for a little while,
a sheepdog pup, God said
For you to love her while she lives and mourn for when she's dead.
Maybe for twelve or fourteen years, or only two or three
But will you, till I call her back, take care of her for me?
She'll bring her charms to gladden you and (should her stay be brief)
You'll always have her memories as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise she 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 crown life's land I have chosen you.
Now will you give her all your love nor think your labour vain
Nor hate me when I come to take my bobtail 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 her with tenderness, we'll love her while we may
And for the happiness we've known forever grateful stay.
But should you come to call her 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 her, we loved, to help us while we grieve.
When our shaggy faithful bundle departs this world of strife
We'll have another sheepdog pup and we'll love her all her life. 
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