The Ballad of the Nordic Snowflake

The knitting pattern didn't look quite right,

The pictured dog not Bertie's shape one bit

But Gail thought, she surely could adapt

The size, and make a jumper just to fit.

Come late September, yarn and needles bought,

But then that fateful visit to the vet,

The bladder cancer diagnosis shock,

A poor prognosis for her precious pet. 

The pup of course went on his merry way,

As happy and as bouncy as before,

The tablet he was given once a day,

He thought of as a treat and nothing more. 

And Gail decided she should press ahead. 

And knit this Christmas jumper just as planned.

To not do so would be a breach of faith, 

The thought of Bertie's passing, more than she could stand.

So Christmas came and he was bouncing still,

For sure he knew how handsome he appeared

In his red sweater. Gail was thrilled,

And optimistic for the coming year.

In January, he's doing fine. He's such

A loving pup, so fond, so smart, so bright,

One might imagine that he knows how much

Gail needs him through these long dark Covid nights.

The weather worsens, ice and snow set in,

The Nordic snowflake sweater earns its keep,

And passers by see Bertie, stop and grin, 

And comment on his winter wear. "So chic!"

Six months now passed since Gail first was told

That Bertie likely would not live too long.

This jolly jumper represents her hopes, 

And she is full of joy he's fighting on.