“Wigglin’ O’ The Puppy” — A Fun Song

Albert as a puppy

My wife and I have five dogs: two males and three females. They are a small mixed breed — a blend of Bichon and Havanese. Though small, they have big hearts and personalities. They’re active. They have the run of our three acres, where they dig, run, and chase both squirrels, and an occasional rabbit (though both species always outrun them). We’re also “back yard” breeders with the dogs. The joy is not only to see the puppies when they are born, nurse, and grow, but to see the joy they bring to those who buy them. We continually receive photos of their now grown dogs as they have grown and enriched their lives.

Shortly after the births of our first litters, I composed the following poem, setting it to a tune that popped into my head (what I think is a traditional Irish / Scottish folk tune, or something like a sea chanty). It is entitled “The wigglin’ O’ The Puppy.” I hope it brings about a smile and a chuckle!

The Wigglin’ O’ The Puppy (Key of G)

……………G.                                                 C.
Oh, the wigglin’ o’ the puppy and the waggin o’ the tail,
G                                                   D                       D7
For their cute black noses an ocean I would sail,
G.                                                           C.
And for their sweet puppy kisses a mountain I would scale,
…………….G.                                                  D              D7        G
Oh, the wigglin’ o’ the puppy and the waggin’ o’ the tail!

Chorus:
………………G.                                  C
Oh, they love to play and they love to bark.
……………….G.                                                          D.             D7
And they love to chase squirrels when they go to the park.
………………G.                                               C
And they cock their heads when they hear this reel
…………G.                                                  D            D7        G
O’ the wigglin’ of the puppy and the waggin’ o’ the tail!

Oh, the wigglin’ o’ the puppy and the waggin’ o’ the tail!
In spite of all the cuteness there’s a dark side to my tale
And to overcome the terror I must be heart n’ hale!
Oh, the wigglin’ o’ the puppy and the waggin’ o’ the tail!

Oh, they love to play and they love to bark.
And they love to chase squirrels when they go to the park.
And they cock their heads when they hear this reel
O’ the wigglin’ of the puppy and the waggin’ o’ the tail!

Oh, the wigglin’ o’ the puppy and the waggin’ o’ the tail,
O’er the peein’ and poohin’ I someday will prevail,
But now in their wake of ruin, I can only wail
At the wigglin’ o’ the puppy and the waggin’ o’ the tail!

………………G.                                    C
Oh, they love to play and they love to bark.
……………….G.                                                           D             D7
And they love to chase squirrels when they go to the park.
………………G.                                               C               C7
And they cock their heads when they hear this reel
G.
O’ the wigglin’ of the puppy…
……………………………………………………………D.           C        G
O’ the wigglin’ of the puppy and the waggin’ o’ the tail!

Albert grown up

Yours,
Fr. Irenaeus