Author Henry van Dyke



The music playing is from the movie Titanic - but it's real title is My Heart Will Go On. I know right now you don't think it will because it is breaking, but in time things will come together and you will realize that everything is for a purpose and that you and your loved one will some day be together again. Your heart will go on, it will be wounded but you can get through this. It takes time and the understanding of the people around you. Don't let them push you into not caring. All your feelings are real and justifiable.



Here is a list of poems that may give you some comfort,
whether you have just lost a friend, remembering one long gone,
or about to make a painful decision.
I hope they give you peace.

Goodbye To Joe

THE LEGEND OF RAINBOW BRIDGE

To read this poem, please visit
The Legend Of Rainbow Bridge.
I had this poem listed on my website as Author Unknown
but it is actually the work of William N. Britton.

Please click the link to read this lovely poem
and then hit your back button to return here.

AT RAINBOW BRIDGE

There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth.
It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors.
Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge, there is a land of meadows,
hills and valleys with lush green grass.

When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place.
There is always food and water and warm Spring weather.
Those old and frail animals are young again.
Those who have been maimed are made whole again.
They play all day with each other.

Some of them here by the Bridge are different.
These pets were beaten, starved, tortured, and unloved.
They watch wistfully as their friends leave one by one,
to cross the bridge with their special person.
For them there is no one, no special one.
Their time on earth did not give them one.

But one day, as they run and play,
they notice someone standing by the road to the bridge.
This person wistfully watches the reunions of friends,
for during life, this person had no pet.
This person was beaten, starved, tortured, and unloved.

Standing there alone, one of the unloved pets approaches,
curious as to why this one is alone.
And as the unloved pet and the unloved person get nearer to each other,
a miracle occurs, for these are the ones who were meant to be together,
the special person and the beloved pet who never had the chance to meet while on Earth.
Finally, now, at the edge of the Rainbow Bridge, their souls meet,
the pain and the sorrow disappears, and two friends are together.

They cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.

Author - Unknown

THE EMPTY SPACE

by Park Stranger

I keep looking at the empty space where you used to be
last week before your soul went free
the hair I haven't cleaned up yet
the clean spot on the kitchen floor
where your placemat used to sit
where I won't be feeding you any more
your water bowl, your favorite toy,
things left behind that once brought joy.

I find myself treading carefully
afraid I'll step where you used to be
Sometimes I see you by the bottom stair
I look again, you are not there

I miss your small cat steps
across my bed in the dead of night
waking me up long before light
I know I used to complain,
If only I could feel those soft paws again

Here kitty, kitty,
remind me how it used to be
Here kitty, kitty,
time passed much too quickly.

Author: Park Stranger, in memory of Genghis

(ParkStRanger@aol.com)

MAY I GO

by Susan A. Jackson

May I go now?
Do you think the time is right?
May I say goodbye to pain filled days
and endless lonely nights?

I've lived my life and done my best,
an example tried to be.
So can I take that step beyond
and set my spirit free?

I didn't want to go at first,
I fought with all my might.
But something seems to draw me now
to a warm and loving light.

I want to go. I really do.
It's difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can
to live just one more day.

To give you time to care for me
and share your love and fears.
I know you're sad and afraid,
because I see your tears.

I'll not be far, I promise that,
and hope you'll always know
that my spirit will be close to you
wherever you may go.

Thank you so for loving me.
You know I love you, too.
That's why it's hard to say goodbye
and end this life with you.

So hold me now just one more time
and let me hear you say,
because you care so much for me,
you'll let me go today.

Dedicated to everyone who has ever had to put down a beloved dog.

Author: Susan A. Jackson

LIVING LOVE

If you ever love an animal, there are three days in your life you will always remember …

The first is a day, blessed with happiness, when you bring home your young new friend.
You may have spent weeks deciding on a breed. You may have asked numerous opinions of many vets, or done long research in finding a breeder.
Or, perhaps in a fleeting moment, you may have just chosen that silly looking mutt in a shelter - simply because something in its eyes reached your heart.
But when you bring that chosen pet home, and watch it explore, and claim its special place in your hall or front room - and when you feel it brush against you for the first time - it instills a feeling of pure love you will carry with you through the many years to come.

The second day will occur eight or nine or ten years later.
It will be a day like any other. Routine and unexceptional.
But, for a surprising instant, you will look at your longtime friend
and see age where you once saw youth.
You will see slow deliberate steps where you once saw energy.
And you will see sleep where you once saw activity.
So you will begin to adjust your friend's diet - and you may add a pill or two to her food.
And you may feel a growing fear deep within yourself, which bodes of a coming emptiness.
And you will feel this uneasy feeling, on and off, until the third day finally arrives.

And on this day - if your friend and God have not decided for you,
then you will be faced with making a decision of your own - on behalf of your lifelong friend, and with the guidance of your own deepest Spirit.
But, whichever way your friend eventually leaves you -
you will feel as alone as a single star in the night.

If you are wise, you will let the tears flow as freely and as often as they must.
And if you are typical, you will find that not many in your circle of family or friends will be able to understand your grief, or comfort you.

But if you are true to the love of the pet you cherished through the many joy-filled years, you may find that a soul - a bit smaller in size than your own - seems to walk with you, at times, during the lonely days to come.

And at moments when you least expect anything out of the ordinary to happen, you may feel something brush against your leg - very, very lightly.
And looking down at the place where your dear, perhaps dearest, friend used to lay - you will remember those three significant days.
The memory will most likely be painful, and leave an ache in your heart.
As time passes, the ache will come and go as if it has a life of its own.
You will both reject it and embrace it, and it may confuse you.
If you reject it, it will depress you.
If you embrace it, it will deepen you.
Either way, it will still be an ache.

But there will be, I assure you, a fourth day when - along with the memory of your pet -
and piercing through the heaviness in your heart -
there will come a realization that belongs only to you.
It will be as unique and strong as our relationship with each animal we have loved, and lost.
This realization takes the form of a Living Love - like the heavenly scent of a rose that remains after the petals have wilted, this Love will remain and grow -
and be there for us to remember.
It is a love we have earned.
It is the legacy our pets leave us when they go.
And it is a gift we may keep with us as long as we live.
It is a Love which is ours lone.
And until we ourselves leave, perhaps to join our Beloved Pets -
it is a Love we will always possess.

Author: Martin Scot Kosins

I HEARD WHISPERS
FROM RAINBOW BRIDGE TODAY

As I lay dozing, awaiting the arrival of my human children to help me celebrate the day,
I heard whispers from Rainbow Bridge......

I heard Chancey, my sweet little boy, gone these 4 1/2 long years......
I heard soft purrs...and thoughts filled my heart....
thoughts that could only be...whispers from Rainbow Bridge.

I heard whispers from Rainbow Bridge today......

Whispers of happy days running about the house......days filled with love.....
days filled with sunshine and smiles from a human who loved him so much.
Whispers of days spent lounging on the window sills watching the rain fall gently on the window pane.....whispers of wrestling matches with his brother and sister....

I heard whispers from Rainbow Bridge today.

I heard purring and soft meows....whispers from Rainbow Bridge.
Many whispers filled the room......whispers of other happy furkids.....
whispers of years spent with that special human.....

I heard whispers from Rainbow Bridge today......

Whispers of so many furkids telling each other stories of what made their human special.......
whispers of songs....of happiness......of laughter......and of sadness too.
But the most resounding whisper of all,
was the whisper of a thousand precious voices....purring....barking......chirping...squeeking....
whispers to a thousand heavy hearts who miss those at Rainbow Bridge today.......

MOM.....I LOVE YOU. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Author: Dottie

WITH ANGELS THEY PLAY

They haven't really been taken away.
They have only gone with the Angels to play.
They have been given wings with which to fly.
All their troubles have passed them by.

Their life in heaven now must start.
But we'll hold their memory in our hearts.
Nothing about them will be forgotten.
But now they sleep on billowy clouds of cotton.

Author Unknown

CATBED IN THE SKY

I thought that you might like to know I got here safe and sound
Though you must feel rather strange not having me around;
Of course, I am not really gone, I've just moved out of sight,
And I don't need that old body, things had stopped working right

. Sometimes I'm sorely tempted, to pop back down and see,
Just how you are managing, without any help from me,
But I'm sure that you will understand I can't come back to stay,
Though I have it on good authority that we'll meet again some day.

The chow up here's delicious - Ambrosia brand, it's named,
Once you've tasted this stuff, Friskies won't taste the same,
And where do they get this nectar, which thick and creamy comes,
It's not like other dairy products cos it don't give me the runs.

I haven't found the litter tray, and THIS perplexes me,
That however much I wolf down, I never have to pee.
But there are other plus points, which cannot be ignored,
My claws have all come back again and there are drapes here to be clawed.

Another little oddity, that leaves me quite astounded,
Underneath my tail end are two lumps, furry and rounded -
I can't remember having them, when I lived down there with you,
And up here, all I can say - I've not figured out their use.

Oh yes - I've got a comfy bed, just like mine down there at home,
So things here are quite adequate, I cannot gripe or groan;
But while I'm up here waiting, in my cat bed in the sky,
I'll regularly look in on you, and keep a watchful eye.

Author: Unknown

IN OUR HEARTS

We thought of you with love today.
But that is nothing new.
We thought about you yesterday.
And days before that too.

We think of you in silence.
We often speak your name.
Now all we have is memories.
And your picture in a frame.

Your memory is our keepsake.
With which we'll never part.
God has you in his keeping.
We have you in our heart.

Author: Unknown

I STOOD BESIDE YOUR BED LAST NIGHT

I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying, You found it hard to sleep.

I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,
"It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."

I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea,
You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me.

I was with you at the shops today, Your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.

I was with you at my grave today, You tend it with such care.
I want to reassure you, that I'm not lying there.

I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.
I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said "It's me."

You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.

It's possible for me, to be so near you everyday.
To say to you with certainty, "I never went away."

You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew ...
in the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.

The day is over... I smile and watch you yawning
and say "Goodnight, God bless, I'll see you in the morning."

And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side.

I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out ... then come home to be with me.

Author Unknown

IT WOULDN'T BE HEAVEN

I got to the gate of heaven today, after we said goodbye.
I began to miss you terribly, because I heard you cry.

Suddenly there was an angel,and she asked me to enter Heaven's gate.
I asked her if I could stay outside for someone who would be late.
I wouldn't make much noise you see, I wouldn't bark or howl.
I'll only wait here patiently and play with my tennis ball.

The angel said I could stay right here and wait for you to come.
Because Heaven just wouldn't be Heaven if I went in alone.
So I'll wait right here,you take your time, but keep me in your heart.
Because Heaven just wouldn't be Heaven without you to warm my heart.

Author Unknown

THE LAST BATTLE OR IF IT SHOULD BE

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

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

We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where my needs they'll tend,

Only, stay with me till the end,
And hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree,
It is a kindness you do to me.

Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you,
Who has to decide this thing to do;

We've been so close -- we two -- these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

Author Unknown

REQUEST FROM THE RAINBOW BRIDGE

Weep not for me though I am gone,
Into that gentle night.
Grieve if you will, but not for long,
Upon my soul's sweet flight.

I am at peace, my soul's at rest,
There is no need for tears.
For with your love I was so blessed
For all those many years.

There is no pain, I suffer not,
The fear now all is gone.
Put now these things out of your thoughts,
In your memory I live on.

Remember not my fight for breath,
Remember not the strife,
Please do not dwell upon my death,
But celebrate my life.

Author Constance Jenkins

I received a card after the death of my Mom
with this beautiful poem.
It is appropriate for animals and humans alike.

We can't know why the lily has so brief a time to bloom
in the warmth of sunlight's kiss upon its face.
Before it folds its fragrance in
and bids the world good-night to rest its beauty in a gentler place.
But we can know that nothing that is loved is ever lost,
and no one who has ever touched a heart can really pass away
because some beauty lingers on in each memory of which they've been a part.

Author: Ellen Brenneman

FROM YOUR PET IN HEAVEN

To have loved and then said farewell is better than to have never loved at all.
For all of the times that you have stooped and touched my head,
fed me my favorite treat and returned the love that I so unconditionally gave to you......
for the care that you gave to me so unselfishly...
for all of these things I am grateful and thankful.

I ask that you not grieve for the loss but rejoice in the fact that we lived,
loved and touched each other's lives.
My life was fuller because you were there --
not as a master/owner, but as my friend.

Today I am as I was in my youth.
The grass is always green, butterflies flit among the flowers
and the sun shines gently down upon all of God's creatures.
I can run, jump, play and do all of the things that I did in my youth.
There is no sickness, no aching joints, no regrets and no aging.

We await the arrival of our lifelong companions
and know that togetherness is forever.
Companions such as you are so rare and unique.
Don't hold the love that you have within yourself;
give it to another like me and then I will live forever.
For love never really dies, and you are loved
and missed as surely as we are.

Author Ken Conover

And this one is for those with very old friends.

OLD CAT

I'm getting on in years,
My coat is turning gray,
My eyes have lost their luster,
My hearing's just okay.

I spend my day dreaming,
Of conquests in my past,
Lying near a sunny window,
Waiting for its warm repast.

I remember our first visit,
I was coming to you free,
Hoping you would take me in,
And keep my company.

I wasn't young or handsome,
Two years I'd roamed the street,
There were scars upon my face,
I hobbled on my feet.

I could sense your disappointment,
As I left my prison cage,
Oh I hoped you would accept me,
And look beyond my age.

You took me out of pity,
I accepted without shame,
Then you grew to love me,
And I must admit the same.

I have shared with you your laughter,
You have wet my fur with tears,
We've come to know each other,
Throughout these many years.

Just one more hug this morning,
Before you drive away,
And know I'll think about you,
Throughout your busy day.

The time we've left together
Is a treasured time at that,
My heart is yours forever,
I promise...........

Author Unknown

With Sympathy

They will not go quietly,
the pets who've shared our lives.
In subtle ways they let us know
their spirit still survives.

Old habits still can make us
think we hear them at the door
Or step back when we drop
a tasty morsel on the floor.

Our feet still go around the place
the food dish used to be,
And,sometimes,coming home at night,
we miss them terribly.

And although time may bring new friends
and a new food dish to fill,
That one place in our hearts
belongs to them...
and always will.

Author Unknown

Goodbye

by John Quealy

With heavy hearts; and a tear in our eyes,
after all these years; we must say goodbye.
Please understand; we've done all we could,
if there was anything we could do; you know we would.

I'm sitting right here; gently rub your ears,
while I talk to you softly; trying to hold back the tears.
The memories you gave us; we'll never forget,
especially the ones; of the day we all met.

One last hug; and one last kiss,
you have no idea;how much you'll be missed.
To look into your eyes; this one last time,
you tell me it's ok; you know it's your time.

Close your eyes now; and go to sleep,
we'll pray to the Lord; you're soul he'll keep.
Go in peace now; our good friend,
we'll stay right here with you; until the end.

Dream of that special day and time,
when we'll meet at the Bridge; and all will be fine.
We'll run and play; side by side,
with a soft warm feeling; deep down inside.

Your memory will live on; in each one of us,
you'll always be number 1; to all of us.
Have a safe journey; through the night,
I promise when you awake; you'll be in God's light.

So with heavy hearts; and tears in our eyes,
just for now my friend; We Say Goodbye.

North of Rainbow Bridge

by MakWa4me

The time comes. A Siberian Husky lifts up its head.
There is an untested adventure beyond. Time to go.

Across the Rainbow Bridge is a place for all dogs.
A river runs wide and shallow with tennis balls that fly with their own wings;
that is the place for a Labrador or Golden to await its master's arrival.

The Siberian is not content here. Northward is its trail.

There are soft pastures for Aussies and Border Collies, with sheep and geese to pen.
Agility equipment grows like trees amid Frisbees and flyball.

But the North continues its sure wild call,
and the Siberian's journey continues.

Now the air is colder. Now the moon is always full.
Now the light is silver and it breaks and shimmers on fields of bright snow

. Now there are no roads, no walls, no pens, just endless space to run.
This is where Siberians gather, North of the Rainbow Bridge.

They wait in this beautiful place, happy, but not complete.
Suddenly, a howl begins, as one dog senses someone coming,
someone very special.

All the Siberians raise their heads and join in the ancient chorus.
They dance like moonbeams and sing like winter winds.

There are red ones like dawn streaks, black ones splattered with many colors
and silver ones like the first strange hour before light.
They line up as if in harness and run together,
in a scintillating, many-colored streak.

The leader of the team guides the others past the fields
and river, with racing feet and racing heart.
They rush to greet the new arrival at the Rainbow Bridge
where the leader is rejoined with its beloved person, never to be parted again.

The glory of the reunion is celebrated by all
the Siberians dwelling beyond the Bridge,
a glimmering, multicolored team leaping and whirling with joy.

The light from that scene is what we see on magical evenings
in the northernmost parts of this Earth:
The Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights beyond the Rainbow Bridge.

( If you want to remember your dog in the best way possible.
Donate some time or money to Siberian Husky rescue.
Consider adopting a rescue dog. I am! (MakWa4me)

Are You Ready To Come Home?

And God asked the feline spirit, are you ready to come home?
Oh, yes, quite, so, replied the precious soul.
And, as a cat, you know I am most able to decide anything for myself.

Are you coming then? asked God.
Soon, replied the whiskered angel,
but I must come slowly for my human friends are troubled.
For you see, they need me, quite certainly.

But don't they understand? asked God,
that you'll never leave them?
That your souls are intertwined for all eternity?
That nothing is created or destroyed?
It just IS .... forever and ever and ever.

Eventually they will understand, replied the glorious cat.
For I will whisper into their hearts
that I am always with them.
I just AM .... forever and ever and ever.

Author Patricia Olson, June 27, 1996

We Remember Them

In the rising of the sun and in its going down,
We remember them;

In the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter,
We remember them;

In the opening of the buds and in the warmth of summer,
We remember them;

In the rustling of leaves and the beauty of autumn,
We remember them;

In the beginning of the year, and when it ends,
We remember them;

When we are weary and in need of strength,
we remember them;

When we are lost and sick at heart,
We remember them;

When we have joys we yearn to share,
We remember them;

So long as we live, they too shall live,
for they are now a part of us as

WE REMEMBER THEM

Author Unknown

The Rose Beyond The Wall

A rose once grew where all could see
sheltered beside a garden wall
And as the days passed swiftly by,
it spread its branches, straight and tall.

One day, a beam of light shone through
a crevice that had opened wide
The rose bent gently toward its warmth
then passed beyond to the other side...

Now, you who deeply feel its loss,
be comforted the rose blooms there
Its beauty even greater now,
nurtured by God's own loving care.

Author Unknown

Master, It's Time

Master, dear Master, the old dog said,
My road has come to an end.
No more can I ramble by your side
Your loved and trusted friend.

My eyes, once filled with joy of life,
Are dimmed with age and pain.
The walks we shared by field and stream
Must wait for another day.

You cared for me with all your heart,
And I gave you my all.
But now, beloved master,
Another Master calls.

I know you hate to let me go,
But my love is yours to keep.
The time has come, my dearest friend,
When I need to go to sleep.

Your kindness made my life a joy
And you love me, this I know.
Show me your love one final time
And gently let me go.

Master, my beloved friend,
As we say our last good-bye,
Know that I will be waiting
For you on the other side.

Then we will ramble the woods again,
Walk the fields when the leaves start to fall.
I'll be sitting right here by the golden gates
Waiting for your call.

Author: Jean Dokken (You can write to Jean at Dwigmee@aol.com)

God Bless Our Pets

They say memories are golden,
well, maybe that is true.
I never wanted memories, I only wanted you.

A million times I needed you,
a million times I cried.
If love alone could have saved you,
you never would have died.

In life I loved you dearly,
in death I love you still.
In my heart you hold a place
no one could ever fill.

If tears could build a stairway
and heartache make a lane,
I'd walk the path to heaven
and bring you back again.

Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same.
But as God calls us one by one,
the chain will link again.

Author Unknown

When I Am Gone

When I am gone...release me, let me go
I have so many things to see and do.
You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears
Be thankful for our beautiful years.

I gave to you my love. You can only guess
How much you gave to me in happiness.
I thank you for the love each of you have shown
But now it's time that I traveled on alone.

So grieve a while for me if grieve you must
Then let your grief be confronted in trust
It's only for a short time that we must part
So cherish the moments locked within your heart.

I won't be far away for life does go on
So if you need me, call and I will come.
Though you can't see me or touch me, I'll be near
And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear
All my love around you, soft and clear.

And then when you must come this way alone,
I'll be waiting to greet you with a smile,
and say "Welcome home".

Author Unknown

God's Garden Must Be Beautiful

God saw you getting tired,
When a cure was not to be.
So He wrapped His arms around you,
And whispered, "Come to Me".

You didn't deserve what you went through,
So He gave you rest.
God's garden must be beautiful,
He only picks the best.

And when I saw you sleeping,
So peaceful and free from pain,
I could not wish you back
To suffer that again.

Author Unknown

Our "Lucky" Cat

There once was a cat that was down on her luck,
Who was rescued from a dumpster by a man named Chuck.

Who could do such a thing as to put a cat in there?
Why, if I find him, I'll rip out all of his hair!!!!!!

Chuck took her home and made her his own,
That pretty black cat whom had been left to roam.

He fed her and loved her and gave her a name,
How "LUCKY" was the cat that day he came.

Now luckier than ever was that cat to be,
When Samantha and Grey Kitty made them three.

Three furry friends who owned Cyndi and Chuck,
Was it the cats or the couple who had all the luck?

One sad day "LUCKY" had to say good-bye,
What for Cyndi and Chuck to do but to cry.

They will love her and miss her for all time,
That "LUCKY" cat, their beloved feline!!!

DEDICATED TO LUCKY FROM CYNDI & LEROY WILSON
PUMPKIN, BULLWINKLE AND MARCO WILSON
MAY 3, 1999

My Pumpkin, My Girl

One day to a church auction we went,
Of all things, I never thought money would be spent
On a beautiful orange kitten, sweet as could be,
Wow - he's bidding on her, for me!

Look at that kitten, I said to my hubby,
She looks like a little ocelot, but chubby
All soft and cuddly and orange and bright,
Never, never did I dream she would be mine that night!

He bid for her against a little kid,
He knew how much I wanted her so higher & higher he bid
Before I knew it she was in my arms,
Kissing and cuddling and enrapturing me with her charms!

For eighteen years she shared my life,
She was by my side through triumph and strife
Many long, lonely nights she shared my bed,
I loved to bury my face on her head.

She was "The Toot". "Goober Snoot" and "Cousin Toodles",
Even all the little children loved her oodles
The sweetest, most wonderful cat in the whole wide world,
She converted many people into cat lovers – my special girl!

Now she is gone to be with Jesus above,
But she will always be remembered by all with love
At the Rainbow Bridge I know she waits for me,
That beautiful orange cat, sweet as can be!

I LOVE YOU PUMPKIN
MY SPECIAL GIRL FROM 11/14/81 TO 9/24/99
FROM YOUR MAMMA – CYNDI WILSON

Remember Our Love

I was chosen today,
I'm learning to fly,
The world took me away,
but please don't you cry.

And I chose you today
to try and be strong
so please don't you cry
and don't say that I'm gone.

When you're feeling alone,
just remember our love.
I'm up near the stars,
looking down from above.

Remember our love,
In a moment you'll see,
that I'm still here beside you
when you're thinking of me.

Author Unknown

HEAVEN'S DOGGIE DOOR

My best friend closed his eyes last night,
As his head was in my hand.
The Doctors said he was in pain,
And it was hard for him to stand.
The thoughts that scurried through my head,
As I cradled him in my arms.
Were of his younger, puppy years,
And OH...his many charms.

Today, there was no gentle nudge,
With an intense "I love you gaze",
Only a heart thats filled with tears,
Remembering our joy filled days.
But an Angel just appeared to me,
And he said, "You should cry no more,
God also loves our canine friends,
He's installed a "doggy-door"!

Author Unknown

GOODBYE TO JOE

Dr. Kress came last night and we gave Joe his fluids and did an exam.
Joe had a necrotic sore that ate away the inside of his left jaw bone.
He had become septic. He had lost 4 pounds in 20 days.
He did not fight the fluids. Dr Kress and my husband sat with me
for a long time and we discussed all the treatments and avenues to explore.

Dr. Kress had three of his pet cats treated extensively for CRF and Anemia at the Veterinary Referral Clinic
(the place Joe's vet wanted him to go). Joe's muscle mass was all but gone.
The choice was mine to make and it took me a long night to make it.
I slept with Joe and weighted my options and the more I looked at him
and reflected on his personality and the dignified cat person that he is, I made the choice.

I sang to him and held him. I kissed his head twice from me and twice from my daughter.
I told him stories of how he came to be my cat and what about him I loved so very much.
I fed him gravy from the cat food, that was all he could eat because of his jaw.
I recalled for him all of his kitty antics and sang all of his favorite songs.

In the morning I repeated the above and told Joe how sorry I was that he had gotten so very sick
and how very much I would miss him. I told him to look for Buck and The Grey Otter and introduce his self.
I told him to find his family (all of mine that have passed), Scardy (cancer), Cookie (old age)
and Blackie (a car) and of course Snoopy (cancer).
I asked him to look around for TT and Aggie, missing in action from the colony.
And I told him to spray a cloud for me.

We drove to the vet's office and I stayed until the end, because he had earned that love and respect from me.
His ashes will be back at the end of the week.
He went in peace and he went in dignity with me singing his favorite song
and with two kisses on his head times two.

What has all this taught me?

No one but the owner and the animal can decide when it is right to continue treatment or end it.
I did the right thing for Joe, but the wrong thing for myself.....
I wanted him to stay, I wanted to continue but I wanted all those things at Joe's expense.
He taught me to be unselfish. He taught me to let go.

This beautiful memory was written by Vanessa Schibley (schibley345@msn.com) on May 20th after sending Joe to Rainbow Bridge where he could be free. Thank you Vanessa for sending me your personal memories of Joe.
Perhaps your thoughts will help others know they have done the right thing for their own friend.

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