Dog Angel (2026)
for SATB choir, a cappella
Text: Norah M. Holland (1876-1925), adapted by the composer
Duration: 5 minutes
Difficulty: 2/4
Dog Angel was written in memory of my own dog, Rogue, who passed away in 2025. This piece sets a poem by the Canadian writer Norah M. Holland, “The Little Dog-Angel”, which describes a dog patiently waiting at the gates of heaven for their owner to return. I altered the language and structure of the original poem to create a strophic song that is approachable and easily sung by a wide range of choirs. My hope is that this piece brings solace to anyone mourning the loss of a beloved pet.
All proceeds from the sale of this score will be donated to the Greater Edmonton Animal Rescue Society. GEARS focuses on rehabilitation and responsible rehoming for injured, abandoned, unwanted, and homeless animals through a network of compassionate donors, volunteers, and foster families.
Click here to see the complete score.
This piece has not yet been performed. MIDI available on request.
About Rogue (2013-2025)
Portrait of Rogue by But Poorly Drawn
In 2020, Rogue was rescued by the Greater Edmonton Animal Rescue Society (GEARS). Not much is known about the first 7 years of her life, except that she was reactive, fearful of men, and had been excessively used for breeding. Despite whatever challenges she faced early on, she was quick to share her love and affection with myself and my husband, immediately making herself cozy in our home and in our hearts.
Rogue was known for her big attitude and bigger jowls. For her, the safest place in the world was our bed, sandwiched between us. She loved food more than anything and was usually one treat away from being your best friend. She gave the best kisses and showed endless love in the five years she was in our lives.
Towards the end of her life, Rogue fought through a number of health problems, including Cushing’s disease, skin infections, tumors, deafness, and degenerative myelopathy in her final weeks. She showed strength and determination through it all, and never stopped sharing her goofy, playful personality. On December 18, 2025, Rogue crossed the rainbow bridge with her daddies by her side.
Full Text
High up in the courts of heaven today
A sweet dog angel waits,
With the other angels she will not play,
But she sits alone at the gates.
"For I know that my humans will come,
And when they come, they will call for me.
I know if I just wait patiently
That some day my humans will come."
She sees the spirits that pass her by
As they hasten towards the throne,
And she watches them with a wistful eye
As she sits at the gates alone.
"For I know that my humans will come,
And when they come, they will call for me.
I know if I just wait patiently
That some day my humans will come."
And her humans, far on the earth below,
As they sit in their easy chairs,
Forget sometimes, and they whistle low
For the dog that is not there;
And the sweet dog angel cocks her ears,
And dreams that her human's call she hears.
And I know, when at length her humans wait
Outside in the dark and cold
For the hand of Death to open the gates
That lead to those courts of gold,
The sweet dog angel's eager bark
Will comfort their souls in the shivering dark.
"I knew that my humans would come,
And when they came, they called for me.
I knew if I waited patiently
That some day my humans would come."