Rememberances - The Pet Wiki

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, and 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 re-assure 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 “good-night, 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.

Mahatma Gandhi

Live as if you were to die tomorrow.
Learn as if you were to live forever.

Helen Keller

What we have once enjoyed we can never lose,
All that which we love deeply becomes a part of us.

> That an angel came and called my name And petted me with her hand.
> She said my place was ready, In Heaven far above,
> And that I’d have to leave behind All those I dearly love.
> But, as I turned to heel away, A tear fell from my eye,
> For all my life I never thought That I would have to die.
> I had so much to live for, So many sits and downs to do,
> It seemed almost impossible, That I was leaving you.
> I thought about our lives together, I know you must be sad,
> I thought of all the love we shared, And all the fun we had.
> Remember how I’d nudge your hand, And poke you with my nose?
> The frisbee I would gladly chase, The bad guy, I’d “bark and hold”.
> If I could relive yesterday, Just even for awhile,
> I’d wag my tail and kiss you, Just so I could see you smile.
> But, then I fully realized, That this could never be;
> For emptiness and memories Will take the place of me.
> And when I thought of treats and toys, I might miss come tomorrow,
> I thought of you and when I did, My dog-heart filled with sorrow.
> But then I walked through Heaven’s gate, And felt so much at home;
> As God looked down and smiled at me, From His beautiful golden throne.
> He said, “This is eternity, And now we welcome you,
> Today your life on earth is past, But here it starts anew.
> I promise no tomorrow, But today will always last;
> For you see, each days’s the same day, There’s no longing for the past.
> Now you have been so
The frisbee I would gladly chase, The bad guy, I’d “bark and hold”.
If I could relive yesterday, Just even for awhile,
I’d wag my tail and kiss you, Just so I could see you smile.
But, then I fully realized, That this could never be;
For emptiness and memories Will take the place of me.
And when I thought of treats and toys, I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you and when I did, My dog-heart filled with sorrow.
But then I walked through Heaven’s gate, And felt so much at home;
As God looked down and smiled at me, From His beautiful golden throne.
He said, “This is eternity, And now we welcome you,
Today your life on earth is past, But here it starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow, But today will always last;
For you see, each days’s the same day, There’s no longing for the past.
Now you have been so faithful, So trusting, loyal and true;
Though there were times you did things, You knew you shouldn’t do.
But good dogs are forgiven, And now at last you’re free;
So won’t you sit here by my side, And wait right here with me?”
So when tomorrow starts without me, Don’t think we’re far apart.
For every time you think of me, I’m right there, in your heart.

Unknown

Dogs come into our lives, leave pawprints on our hearts, and we are changed forever.

James Herriot

If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans.

Unknown

There is a place of Rainbow Dreams,
Of lush green grass, and silver streams,
It brings me comfort to know you’re playfully romping without a care,
There, always happy, the freedom to roam,
Peaceful, joyful, in your new home…
You never criticize, you never judge,
You were always there for me to love,
Though you live on in my heart, I know…
It’s just so hard to let you go!
I know someday we’ll meet again,
You’ll run to greet me, my best friend.
Together forever we’ll finally be,
Over the rainbow, just you and me.

An Eskimo Legend

Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.

Sydney Jeanne Seward

Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog.

Unknown

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I’d walk right up to Heaven and bring you home again.

A Song by Garth Brooks

Looking back on the memory of
The dance we shared beneath the stars above
For a moment all the world was right
How could I have known you’d ever say goodbye
And now I’m glad I didn’t know
The way it all would end, the way it all would go
Our lives are better left to chance
I could have missed the pain,
But I’d have had to miss the dance.

Anna Sewell (author of Black Beauty)

There is no religion without love, and people may talk as much as they like about their religion, but if it does not teach them to be good and kind to animals as well as humans, it is all a sham.

Unknown

It came to me that every time I lose a dog, they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog and I will become as generous and loving as they are.

Washington Irving

There is sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness but of power. They are messengers of overwhelming grief and of unspeakable love.

Thornton Wilder

There is a land of the living and

a land of the dead

and the bridge is love

the only survival, the only meaning.

A Native American Legend

“When a human dies there is a bridge they must cross to enter into Heaven. At the head of that bridge waits every animal that human encountered during their lifetime. The animals, based on what they know of this person, decide which human may cross the bridge…and which are turned away.”

Kahilil Girbran

When you are sorrowful, look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.

Erica Jong

Dogs come into our lives to teach us about love and loyalty. They depart to teach us about loss. We try to replace them but never quite succeed. A new dog never replaces an old dog, it merely expands the heart. If you have loved many dogs, your heart is very big.

Hopi Prayer

Do not stand at my grave and weep.

I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow,

I am the diamond glints on the snow.

I am the gentle Autumn’s rain.

When you awaken in the morning hush

I am the swift uplifting rush

of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry:

I am not there, I did not die.

Unknown

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.

May I Go Now

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 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.

I’m Still Here

Friend, please don’t mourn for me
I’m still here,though you don’t see.
I’m right by your side each night and day
and within your HEART I long to stay.
My body is gone but I’m always near.
I’m everything you feel, see, hear.
My Spirit is Free, but I’ll never depart
as long as you keep me alive in your heart
I’ll never wander out of your sight –
I’m the brightest star* on a summer night.
I’ll never be beyond your reach –
I’m the warm moist sand when you’re at the beach
I’m the colorful leaves when fall comes around
and the pure white snow that blankets the ground.
I’m the beautiful flowers of which you’re so fond,
The clear cool water in a quiet pond.
I’m the first bright blossom you’ll see in the spring,
The first warm raindrop that April will bring.
I’m the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine,
and you’ll see that the face in the moon is mine.
When you start thinking there’s no one to LOVE YOU,
you can talk to me through the Lord above you.
I’ll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees,
and you’ll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze.
I’m the hot salty tears that flow when you weep
and the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep.
I’m the SMILE you see on a baby’s face.

Just look for me, Friend…..I’m everyplace !!!!

…..author unknown

A member of the group CanineCancer shared this poem:

When God had made the earth and sky, the flowers and the trees,

He then made all the animals and all the birds and bees.

And when His work was finished, and not one was quite the same,

He said I’ll walk this Earth of mine and give each one a name.

And so He travelled land and sea and everywhere He went

A little creature followed Him, until its strength was spent.

When all were named up the Earth, and in the sky and sea,

The little creature said, Dear Lord, there’s not one left for me.

The Father smiled and softly said, I’ve left you to the end,

I’ve turned My own name back to front, and called you “Dog,” my friend.

A member of Bone Cancer Dogs contributed the following:

A Mask of Memory

I brought you here

Where the eternal evergreens

Speak easily in the faithful winds

Of your memory;

And the sun’s sageful blossoms

Leave shadows

In the distant forests

Of places you and I visited.

I remember

the tragic struggle

To keep you alive,

To hold on

To each remaining second

I had with you.

Hearts will recall memories

With their best friends;

They will tell you

How life as they knew it

Ceased,

The day they said “Good-by”;

But they will never come close

To painting a picture

Of my heart

The day your life ended

From Petra & her Angel Shooz at CanineCancerAngels

As much as I loved the life we had and all the times we played,
I was so very tired and knew my time on earth would fade.
I saw a wondrous image then of a place that’s trouble-free
… Where all of us can meet again to spend eternity.

I saw the most beautiful Rainbow, and on the other side
Were meadows rich and beautiful — lush and green and wide!
And running through the meadows as far as the eye could see
Were animals of every sort as healthy as could be!
My own tired, failing body was fresh and healed and new
And I wanted to go run with them, but I had something left to do.

I needed to reach out to you, to tell you I’m alright
That this place is truly wonderful, then a bright Glow pierced the night.
‘Twas the Glow of many Candles shining bright and strong and bold
And I knew then that it held your love in its brilliant shades of gold.

For although we may not be together in the way we used to be,
We are still connected by a bond that no eye can truly see.
So whenever you need to find me, we’re never far apart
If you look beyond the Rainbow and listen with your heart.

All My Good Dogs – from Susan Schwab, a friend at Bone Cancer Dogs

In my good death, I will find myself waist deep in the high summer grass in the humming shock of golden light. I will hear them before I see them and know right away who is bounding across the field to meet me. All my good dogs will come then, their wet noses bumping against my palms, their hot, panting breaths, their rough faithful tongues. Their eyes young and shiny again. The plush, silky feel of their fur, the unspeakable softness of their bellies, their velvet ears against my cheeks. I will bend to them, my face covered with their kisses, my hands full of them. In the grass, I will happily let them throw me down. We are together again.

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 breathe your scent, and through your 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, within 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.
All the best,
Petra & Dexter

“I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to
the morning breeze, and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty
and strength and I stand and watch until at length she hangs like a speck of
white cloud just where the sea and sky come down to mingle with each other. Then
someone at my side says, “There! She’s gone.” Gone where? Gone from my sight –
that is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she
left my side and just as able to bear her load of living freight to the place of
destination. Her diminished size is in me, not in her; just at the moment when
someone at my side says, “There, she’s gone,” there are other eyes watching her
coming and other voices ready to take up the glad shout, “There she comes!” And
that is dying. —anonymous”

Ralph and his Angels

Buddhist Saying:

Yesterday is a memory, tomorrow is a mystery and today is a gift which is why it is called the present.

Unknown

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal,

Love leaves a memory no one can steal.

Oh everlasting spirit, who made the stars and the skies, all the worlds, in all times spent and times to come, hear my prayer: Let your spirit rise strongly and enter into our dogs that are yours, to raise them up, to lift them up, and to heal them. Awaken their souls, so that they may live in your glory, so that they may live well, with less pain and suffering, until you call them back into your embrace.

Everlasting spirit, there is great love for these dogs here. They bring joy and never-ending love into our hearts! I ask that you restore them in body, mind and spirit….be present with our dogs in times of need. Bless our dogs and bless the stewards who care for them. Give us strength to be your agents of healing in their broken world. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Petra, Dexter & Roxie
— In [email protected]

Christine and Ronnie (sharing from BCD)

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 when 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 lonely as a single star in the dark night. Take time to pray for the precious Soul to enter the Light.

Then 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 too 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 alone. And until we ourselves leave, perhaps to join our Beloved Pets–it is a Love we will always possess.

Author Unknown

I will lend to you for awhile
a puppy, God said,
For you to love him while he lives
and to mourn for him when he is gone.
Maybe for twelve or fourteen years,
or maybe for two or three
But will you, till I call him back
take care of him for me?

He’ll bring his charms to gladden you
and (should his stay be brief)
you’ll always have his memories
as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise that he 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 him all your love
Nor think the labour vain
Nor hate me when I come to take my pup back again.

I fancied that I heard them say
“Dear Lord Thy Will Be Done,”
For all the joys this pup will bring,
the risk of grief you’ll run.
Will you shelter him with tenderness
Will you love him while you may
And for the happiness you’ll know forever grateful stay.

But should I call him back
much sooner than you’ve planned
Please brave the bitter grief that comes
and try to understand.
If, by your love, you’ve managed
my wishes to achieve,
In memory of him that you’ve loved,
cherish every moment with your faithful bundle,
and know he loved you too.

Author Unknown

One by One, they pass by my cage,
Too old, too worn, too broken, no way.
Way past his time, he can’t run and play.
Then they shake their heads slowly and go on their way.
A little old man, arthritic and sore,
It seems I am not wanted anymore.
I once had a home, I once had a bed,
A place that was warm, and where I was fed.
Now my muzzle is grey, and my eyes slowly fail.
Who wants a dog so old and so frail?
My family decided I didn’t belong,
I got in their way, my attitude was wrong.
Whatever excuse they made in their head,
Can’t justify how they left me for dead.
Now I sit in this cage, where day after day,
The younger dogs get adopted away.
When I had almost come to the end of my rope,

You saw my face, and I finally had hope.
You saw through the grey, and the legs bent with age,
And felt I still had life beyond this cage.
You took me home, gave me food and a bed,
And shared your own pillow with my poor tired head.
We snuggle and play, and you talk to me low,
You love me so dearly, you want me to know.
I may have lived most of my life with another,
But you outshine them with a love so much stronger.
And I promise to return all the love I can give,
To you, my dear person,
as long as I live.
I may be with you for a week, or for years,
We will share many smiles, you will no doubt shed tears.
And when the time comes that God deems I must leave,
I know you will cry and your heart, it will grieve.
And when I arrive at the Bridge, all brand new,
My thoughts and my heart will still be with you.
And I will brag to all who will hear,

Of the person who made my last days so dear.

Author Unknown

Before humans die, they write their last will and testament and give their home and all they have to those they leave behind. If, with my paws I could do the same, this is what I’d give:

To a poor and lonely stray I’d give my happy home, my bowl, my cozy bed, my soft pillows and all my toys;

The lap, which I loved so much, and the tender loving hands;

The hand that stroked my fur and the sweet voice which called my name.

I’d will to the sad and scared shelter dog the place I had in my human’s loving heart of which there seemed no bounds.

So when I die, please do not say, “I will never have a pet again for the loss and pain is more than I can stand.” Instead, go find an unloved dog. One whose life has held no joy or hope and give my place to him.

This is the only thing I can give – the love I left behind.

This is my inheritance; my Last Will and Testament.

We hope that you will consider giving another deserving greyhound a special home this holiday season!
Posted by HOUND HAPPENINGS at 8:30 AM

Unknown

I’m Still Here
Friend, please do not mourn for me.
I’m still here, though you don’t see me.
I’m right by your side each night and day
And within your heart I long to stay.
My body is gone but I’m always near.
I’m everything you feel, see or hear.
My spirit is free, but I’ll never depart.
As long as you keep me alive in your heart.
I’ll never wander out of your sight.
I’m the brightest star on a summer night.
I’ll never be beyond your reach.
I’m the warm moist sand when you’re at the beach.
I’m the colourful leaves when fall comes around.
And the pure white snow that blankets the ground.
I’m the beautiful flowers of which you’re so fond,
The clear cool water in a quiet pond.
I’m the first bright blossom you’ll see in the spring
And the first warm raindrop that April will bring.
I’m the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine
And you’ll see that the face in the moon is mine.
When you start thinking there’s no one to love you,
You can talk to me through the Lord above you.
I’ll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees,
And you’ll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze.
I’m the hot salty tears tears that flow when you weep
And the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep.
I’m the smile you see on a baby’s face.
Just look for me, friend, I’m everywhere!

From Regine Goerke at BCD

If I Could Talk

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 breathe your scent,
And through your 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, within your heart,
And memory I’ll always stay.

I’ll be there watching over you,
Your ever faithful friend,
And in your memories I’ll run,
…a young dog once again.

A Dog’s Last Will and Testament” (Author anonymous)

When humans die they prepare a will in order to leave their home and everything they own to all those they love.

If I were able to write I would also make out such a will.

To a poor, lonely, full of longing stray I would leave my happy home, my food bowl, my cozy bed, my soft pillow, my toys and the beloved lap. The gently stroking hand, the loving voice, the place I had in someone’s heart and the love which, at the end, will help me towards a peaceful, painless end while being held in loving arms.

And when I die, then please don’t say:

“Never again will I have a dog, the loss is much too painful.”

Find yourself a lonely, unloved dog and give it my place in your heart.

That is my bequest. The love I leave behind is all that I have to give.

Contributed by a member of BoneCancerDogs

Thoughts and Prayers

So this is where we part, My Friend
And you’ll run on, around the bend.
Gone from sight, but not my mind,
new pleasures there you’ll surely find.

I will go on, I’ll find the strength
Life measures quality, not it’s length.
One long embrace before you leave,
Share one last look, before I grieve.

There are others, that much is true,
But they be they, and they aren’t you.
And I, fair, impartial, or so I thought,
Will remember well all you’ve taught.

Your place I’ll hold, you will be missed
The fur I stroked, the nose I kissed.
And as you journey to your final rest,
Take with you this, I love you best.

…………..Jim Willis

Contributed by Anita from BCD – Pawprints Left by You

You no longer greet me, As I walk through the door.

You’re not there to make me smile, to make me laugh anymore.

Life seems quiet without you, You were far more than a pet.

You were a family member, a friend, a loving soul I’ll never forget.

It will take time to heal – For the silence to go away.

I still listen for you, And miss you every day.

You were such a great companion, Constant, Loyal and True.

My heart will always wear the Pawprints left by you.

ON LOAN FROM GOD

(unknown)

God promised at the birth of time,

A special friend to give,

His time on earth is short, he said,

So love him while he lives.

A wagging tail and cold wet nose,

And silken velvet ears,

A heart as big as all outdoors,

To love you through the years.

He’ll bring his charms to grace your life,

And though his stay is brief,

When he’s gone the memories,

Are solace for your grief.

Whatever love you give to him,

Returns in triple measure,

Follow his lead and gain a life,

Brim full of simple pleasures.

Enjoy each day as it comes,

Allow your heart to guide,

Be loyal and steadfast in love,

As the dog there by your side.

Now will you give him all your love,

Nor think the labor vain,

Nor hate me when I come to call,

To take him back again.

I fancy each of us would say,

“Dear Lord, thy will be done,

For all the joy this dog shall bring

The risk of grief we’ll run.

We’ll shelter him with tenderness,

We’ll love him while we may,

And for the happiness we’ve known

Forever grateful stay.”

“Make yourself familiar with the angels,

and behold them frequently in spirit;

for without being seen,

they are present with you.”

St. Francis De Sales

The Rescuer at Rainbow Bridge (with thanks to Anita at bonecancerdogs)

Unlike most days at the Rainbow Bridge, this day dawned cold and gray. All the recent arrivals at the Bridge did not know what to think, as they had never seen such a day. But the animals who had been waiting longer for their beloved people to accompany them across the Bridge knew what was happening, and they began to gather at the pathway leading to the Bridge.

So
on an elderly dog came into view, head hung low and tail dragging. He approached slowly, and though he showed no sign of injury or illness, he was in great emotional pain. Unlike the animals gathered along the pathway, he had not been restored to youth and vigor upon arriving at the Bridge. He felt out of place, and wanted only to cross over and find happiness.

But as he approached the Bridge, his way was barred by an angel, who apologized and explained that the tired and broken-spirited old dog could not cross over. Only those animals accompanied by their people were allowed to cross the Bridge. Having nobody, and with nowhere else to turn, the dog trudged into the field in front of the Bridge. There he found others like himself, elderly or infirm, sad and discouraged. Unlike the other animals waiting to cross the Bridge, these animals were not running or playing. They simply were lying in the grass, staring forlornly at the pathway across the Rainbow Bridge. The old dog took his place among them, watching the pathway and waiting, yet not knowing for what he was waiting.

One of the newer dogs at the Bridge asked a cat who had been there longer to explain what was happening. The cat replied, “Those poor animals were abandoned, turned away, or left at rescue places, but never found a home on earth. They all passed on with only the love of a rescuer to comfort them. Because they had no people to love them, they have nobody to escort them across the Rainbow Bridge.” The dog asked the cat, “So what will happen to those animals?” Before the cat could answer, the clouds began to part and the cold turned to bright sunshine. The cat replied, “Watch, and you will see.”

In the distance was a single person, and as he approached the Bridge the old, infirm, and sad animals in the field were bathed in a golden light. They were at once made young and healthy, and stood to see what their fate would be. The animals who had previously gathered at the pathway bowed their heads as the person approached. At each bowed head, the person offered a scratch or hug.

One by one, the now youthful and healthy animals from the field fell into line behind the person. Together, they walked across the Rainbow Bridge to a future of happiness and unquestioned love. The dog asked the cat, “What just happened?” The cat responded, “That was a rescuer. The animals gathered along the pathway bowing in respect were those who had found their forever homes because of rescuers. They will cross over when their people arrive at the Bridge. The arrival here of a rescuer is a great and solemn event, and as a tribute they are permitted to perform one final act of rescue. They are allowed to escort all those poor animals they couldn’t place on earth across the Rainbow Bridge.”

The dog thought for a moment, then said, “I like rescuers.” The cat smiled and replied, “So does heaven, my friend. So does heaven.”

With Thanks to Anita at BCD

If I should go tomorrow, it would never be goodbye,

For I have left my heart with you, so don’t you ever cry.

The love that’s been within me shall reach you from the stars.

You’ll feel it from the heavens and it will heal the scars.

Friend to Friend (with thanks to Anita of BCD for submitting this)