An old dog is the best dog,
A dog with rheumy eyes;
An old dog is the best dog
A dog grown sad and wise;
       Not one who snaps at bubbles,
          Nor one who barks at nowt —
            A dog who knows your troubles,
              A dog to see you out.

An old bitch is the best bitch,
Not pups to fetch your sticks;
An old bitch is the best bitch,
Not one to teach new tricks;
       Not one who’s up and leaping,
          But one whose coat is grey —
            Leg’s twitching while she’s sleeping
              In dreams of yesterday.