Old Joe the black cattle dog has known a better day <br />Around his jaws he is looking rather gray <br />He still works cattle but at a much slower pace <br />A young dog is being trained to take his place, <br />Old Joe a great cattle dog from a great working line <br />Is getting old for working cattle at nine <br />Though still keen to work nowadays he easily tire <br />The old legs tiring though he still has the desire <br />To work at cattle but his owner Jimmy say <br />That Joe is nearing his final working day <br />He will retire him he has done enough <br />At his age working cattle for him is too tough <br />He was a renowned working dog in his prime <br />But dog and master must bow to father time.<br /><br />Francis Duggan<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/old-joe-the-black-cattle-dog/
