Editor’s note: the world’s greatest dog died this month, at least in my estimation. Kane Lynn was a perfect dog in every way. He loved people and all other dogs, especially the four others he lived with during his 
12 years with us. He was a rescue, We had just lost our beloved Golden named Buddy, and I went to Petsmart to buy food for our Siberian, Trixie. A North Shore Animal League RV was parked outside with about 20 dogs inside, As soon as I saw this puppy with a calm demeanor and intelligent eyes, I knew he was meant to rescue us from our grief over the loss of Buddy, This poem was written by one of the greatest English language poets about his beloved dog Boatswain,
Epitaph to a Dog
Lord Byron
Near this Spot
are deposited the Remains of one
who possessed Beauty without Vanity,
Strength without Insolence,
Courage without Ferocity,
and all the virtues of Man without his Vices.
This praise, which would be unmeaning Flattery
if inscribed over human Ashes,
is but a just tribute to the Memory of
Boatswain, a Dog
who was born in Newfoundland May 1803
and died at Newstead Nov. 18th, 1808
When some proud Son of Man returns to Earth,
Unknown to Glory, but upheld by Birth,
The sculptor’s art exhausts the pomp of woe,
And storied urns record who rests below.
When all is done, upon the Tomb is seen,
Not what he was, but what he should have been.
But the poor Dog, in life the firmest friend,
The first to welcome, foremost to defend,
Whose honest heart is still his Master’s own,
Who labours, fights, lives, breathes for him alone,
Unhonoured falls, unnoticed all his worth,
Denied in heaven the Soul he held on earth –
While man, vain insect! hopes to be forgiven,
And claims himself a sole exclusive heaven.
Oh man! thou feeble tenant of an hour,
Debased by slavery, or corrupt by power –
Who knows thee well, must quit thee with disgust,
Degraded mass of animated dust!
Thy love is lust, thy friendship all a cheat,
Thy tongue hypocrisy, thy heart deceit!
By nature vile, ennobled but by name,
Each kindred brute might bid thee blush for shame.
Ye, who behold perchance this simple urn,
Pass on – it honours none you wish to mourn.
To mark a friend’s remains these stones arise;
I never knew but one — and here he lies.
Dear Larry, I’m so sorry to learn of the loss of your beloved Kane Lynn, and I thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute. We animal lovers and pet parents know how much it hurts to lose a beloved canine companion. It is a pain like no other, and it is worthy of our grief. I wish for peace and healing to your broken heart. ♥