Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven, there is a very special place,
A place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies,
that has been especially close to someone here,
That special pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.

There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends
so that they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food and water and sunshine,
and our friends there are warm and comfortable.

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

The animals are happy and content,......
except for one small thing .......
They miss someone very special to them,
who had to stay behind when the beloved pet went away.

They all run and play together.
But the day comes for each of them,
when one suddenly stops and looks up .....
Suddenly, the bright eyes are intent, the body quivers.
Then they begin to run from the group,
their body is flying over the green grass,
their legs hurrying faster and faster.....
You have been spotted!

When you and your special friend finally meet,
you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again.
Their sweet loving kisses rain upon your face,
your hands again caress the beloved head,
and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your dear pet,
so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together.

Author Unknown (but immortalized!)

I ONLY WANTED YOU

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.

by Anon E. Muss

Request From Rainbow Bridge
by Constance Jenkins
In Loving Memory of Isolde Jenkins

Weep not for me though I am gone
Into that gentle night.
Grieve if you will, but not for long
Upon my souls' 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.
~
Copyright (c) 1992 Constance Jenkins

    HEAVENS' DOGGY-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"!

        by jan cooper '95

    FROM FRIEND TO FRIEND
Karen Clouston

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.

In Memory of Asta, Feb. 1997  ~  (c) Karen Clouston

Remember Our Love
by  Julie Epp

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.

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 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 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!

by Anon E. Muss

From the SPCA News
England

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 your 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.

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

Don't grieve that it should 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.

By, Anon E. Muss

A Pets' Prayer
Also known as A Dogs' Prayer
By Anon E. Muss
(I have also seen another version of this prayer 
w/author ~Beth Norman Harris~  here)

Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in the world is more grateful for kindness than mine. Do not break my spirit with a stick, for although I should lick your hand between blows, your patience and understanding will teach me more quickly the things you would have me learn.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the worlds' sweetest and dearest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.

When the weather is wet, 
winds blow and it is bitterly cold, 
please keep me inside with you, 
for I am a domesticated animal, 
no longer accustomed to bitter  elements.

I ask no greater glory than the privilege of 
sitting or laying at your feet beside the hearth.

Please be so kind as to keep my pan filled with fresh water, for though it would not occur to me to reproach your failure, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me proper and nourishing food so that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, ever ready and willing to protect you with my very life should your life be in danger.

And dear friend and loving master, when I am very old and I no longer enjoy good health, hearing and sight - or take delight in basking in the suns' warmth and the earths' delightful and mysterious scents or even the gentle touch of your hand upon me, do not make heroic efforts to keep me ~going~....... no longer living, but merely existing ~ without capacity for pleasure or joyful experience........

Please exercise your God-given and 
appointed right, and responsibility 
to have loving "dominion" over me and,  
see that my trusting life is gently, mercifully released.

I shall leave my earthly existence with you, knowing with the last breath that I draw, 
my fate was always safest in your hands.

And if it be that God has designed for us 
that I should share life in eternity - 
I'll be waiting there for you.
Amen

A Little Dog Angel
by  ~  Noah M. Holland

High up in the courts of heaven today
a little dog angel waits;
with the other angels he will not play,
but he sits alone at the gates.
"For I know my master will come" says he,
"and when he comes he will call for me."

The other angels pass him by
As they hurry toward the throne,
And he watches them with a wistful eye
as he sits at the gates alone.
"But I know if I just wait patiently
that someday my master will call for me."

And his master, down on earth below,
as he sits in his easy chair,
forgets sometimes, and whispers low
to the dog who is not there.
And the little dog angel cocks his ears
and dreams that his master's voice he hears.

And when at last his master waits
outside in the dark and cold,
for the hand of death to open the door,
that leads to those courts of gold,
he will hear a sound through the gathering dark,
a little dog angel's bark.

TODAY
by  Ruby King Phillips

I said goodbye to a friend
Though there can be no end
To all he was to me
With one last sigh
He drifted into sleep
And I was left to keep
Intact the gifts he gave
Eyes warm and grave
That almost speak
Small furry paw
Against my cheek,
Faithful presence
Always there beside my chair
...Loyalty and utmost trust
Perish not nor turn to dust.
Beyond the cosmic reach of earth
Where only Love can be
Where time cannot be measured...
I know he's running free.
      ~©~       k
now he's running free
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