"Don't let yesterday's joys become today's sorrows"

If it Should Be...

If it should be that I grow frail and weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
then you must do what must be done
For this, the last battle, can't be won.

You will be sad, I understand,
Don't let the grief then stay your hand,
For this day more than all the rest
Your love and friendship stand the test.

We've had so many happy years,
What is to come can hold no fears.
You'd not want me to suffer so;
When the time comes, please let me go.

Take me where my needs they'll tend
And stay with my, if you can, to the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time, you will see,
It is a kindness you do for me.
Although my tail its last was waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.

Don't grieve that it should be you,
Who must decide this thing to do,
We've been so close, we two, these years;
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

Smile, for we walked together for a little while.

Do not stand by my grave and weep 

Do not stand by my grave and weep,
I am not there. I do not sleep. 
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am a diamond glint of snow. 
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain. 
When you awake in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circling flight. 
I am the soft starshine at night. 
Do not stand by my grave and cry.
I am not there…I did not die.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies who has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food and water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who have been ill and old are restored to health and vigour; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

The animals all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly, he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face, your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then together, you and your special pet cross the Rainbow Bridge.

Four Feet In Heaven

Now we lay you down to sleep 
You're finally at rest
You gave us joy for 15 years 
you were the very best
and when I pray for you at my bed
I remember the good things I've said
"Good Boy" and "I love you"
Are just some of the things I've said to you
The empty collar the empty spot
makes my heart feel empty and stopped
but I know you're in a better place
and no longer walk in pain
or bark in vain
but they look down and smile
and stand by your empty owner for a while
Until again you fill his heart with glee
and meet again
together you flee.

Laura

From A Canine Friend to Those who Love Him

You're giving me a special gift
so sorrowfully endowed
and through these last few cherished days
your courage makes me proud.

But really, love is knowing
when your best friend is in pain
and understanding earthly acts
will only be in vain.

So looking deep into your eyes
beyond, into your soul
I see in you the magic, that will
once more make me whole.

The strength that you possess
is why I look to you today
to do this thing that must be done
for it's the only way.

That strength is why I've followed you
and chose you as my friend
and why I've loved you all these years
my partner 'til the end.

Please understand just what this gift
you're giving means to me
it gives me back the strength I've lost
and all my dignity.

You take a stand on my behalf
for that is what friends do
and know that what you do is right
for I believe it too.

So one last time, I breath your scent
and through you hand I feel
the courage that's within you
to now grant me this appeal.

Cut the leash that holds me here
dear friend, and let me run
once more a strong and steady dog
my pain and struggle done.

And don't despair my passing
for I won't be far away
forever here, with your heart
and memory I'll stay.

I'll be there watching over you
your ever faithful friend
and in your memories I'll run
a young dog once again.

-Author unknown

Lend Me a Pup

'I will lend to you for a while,
a pup', God said;
'For you to love while she lives
and mourn her when she's dead.
Maybe for twelve or fourteen years,
or maybe two or three
But will you - 'till I call her back -
take care of her for me?'

'She'll bring her charms to gladden you
and (should her stay be brief)
you'll always have her memories
as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise she will stay,
since all from Earth return;
But there are lessons taught below
I want this pup to learn'.

'I've looked the whole world over
in search of teachers true;
And from the folk that crowd life's land,
I have chosen you.
Now will you give her all your love -
- nor think the labor vain -
Nor hate me when I come to take
my Pup back once again?'

I fancied that I heard them say,
"Dear Lord, Thy Will be Done;
For all the joys this Pup will bring,
the risks of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter her with tenderness
we'll love her while we may
And for all the happiness we have known,
forever grateful stay�
But should you call her back
much sooner than we'd planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes,
and try to understand".

"If, by our love, we manage,
Your wishes to achieve,
In memory of her we loved,
(to help us while we grieve),
when our faithful bundle
departs this world of strife,
We'll have yet other Pups
and love them all their lives."

This page was last updated on Wednesday, 18 October 2000.