His name is Payton, named after the Chicago Bears legend Walter Payton. Walter’s nickname was “Sweetness”, and I think this endearment can also be applied to Payton, my brother-in-law’s dog.

Summer or winter, rain, snow or ice,
Resilient and strong, always there to entice.
Solitary often, but friendly when pressed,
Gently cradling a family seeking some rest.
A servant to all who require her needs,
Discriminate not, the wise bench pleads.
The stoic personality does not alter,
Alone or accompanied, she never falters.
A perpetual offer of peaceful contemplation,
An island of quiet, mental relaxation.
Purveyor of dreams, observer of life,
Scattered throughout the globe, without any strife.
Even though forgotten and rarely praised,
The bench seems to be completely unfazed.
High praise she needs not, since she will always remain,
Having achieved her rightful stature in our public domain.