Tobias Bartlett was his name
A name he proudly bore
Our household never was the same
After he came through the door.

A leaper he and so much more
He flew with astounding grace
So nimbly springing from bedroom floor
To eagerly lick my face.

He was my partner on many a hike
From Acadia to Downeast
There wasn’t a trail he didn’t like
His energy never ceased.

A Wildcat traverse was not the least
Of all the mountains climbed
Its rugged steeps his joy released
His ardor so sublime.

One time I lost him on Blue Hill
The ledges were too near
Toby “Come” I called and again but still
No Toby did appear.

I descended without him filled with fear
My heart within me pounded
My hope for finding my dog so drear
When down the trail he bounded.

We went away for about a week
Left Toby with a friend
And when we returned one leg was weak
His paw it wouldn’t mend

His plight I could not apprehend
Why suddenly so lame
But brave and sweet until the end
My Toby just the same.

Tobias Bartlett was his name
A name he proudly bore
Our household never was the same
After he came through the door.