The sweetest thing,
I’ve ever known,
Is not wrapped in paper,
But chews a bone.
It doesn’t rot teeth,
But loves to lick,
Loves to play,
With balls or stick.
Not brightly coloured,
Nor sticky or gooey,
It’s soft and cuddly,
Not hard or chewy.
It gives us pleasure,
Over time,
Not just a mouthful,
A moment sublime.
It is a friend,
In many ways,
Not just a binge,
On upset days.
The sweetest thing,
But I think we all know,
It is the humble dog.
Australian Children’s Poetry Website 
Woof woof!
Lovely Toni. Was it inspired by the ‘lolly’ exercise?
I loved the collection of dogs below. We hada brown dachshund just like the first of them – called Vida after Vida Goldstein, whom Mum knew – it was Mum’s dog before she died.
I look forward to reading your poetry Toni . You never cease to amaze me with your poems .