Punta, my silliest best friend

Punta, my love - my friend, my child, Without lips, you always smiled. I remember bringing you home, tiny, scared, and feeling alone... You quickly grew to be my best friend, and will forever be, even past the end. I remember once you were scared of the water, then grew to swim just like an otter. Across a lake, twice after ducks... Sometimes believing you could take down bucks... Even getting sprayed by many a skunk, I held and loved you while you stunk. Many pets would have run away, but you got that thing and made it pay. You often loved to chase your tail, never giving up, or feeling you'd fail. You barked at birds, and moles in the yard, Always protecting us, always on guard. You were the smartest dog I've ever seen, of tricks, AND treats - you were the queen. You could count to five, knew left from right, speak and stay, even hold a kite. You were loyal, brave, and often silly.. you once ate a whole pot of chili. I was surprised at how much food you'd consume, then make epic farts that could clear a room. But what I wouldn't give to have those farts back, to watch you chase just one more "quack," Everyone loved you, you were so sweet.. I hope one day, again we'll meet. You hid your illness, your pain...for us... not feeling well, you didn't fuss. Maybe I'd have done something, had I known... now I'm the one - at the end - feeling alone.