Coping

This page is dedicated to our lost loves who wait patiently for us at the Rainbow Bridge. The beautiful poems and inspirational readings on this page have been suggested by members of Epil-K9.

The Fragile Circle
"We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own, live within a fragile circle, easily and often breached. Unable to accepts it's awful gaps, we still would live no other way. We cherish memory as the only certain immortality, never fully understanding the necessary plan....
"The Once again Prince" from Separate Life Times by Irving Townsend

Dedicated to Lucy by

Kristina

My Special List

I have a list of pups I know...
all written in a book,
And every now and then
I go and take a look.

That is when I realize
these names... they are a part,
not of the book they're written in...
but taken from the heart.

For each name stands for a special pup...
who has crossed my path sometime,
and in that meeting they have become...
the reason and the rhyme.

Although it sounds fantastic...
for me to make this claim,
I really am composed...
of each remembered name.

Although they're not aware...
of any special link,
just knowing them has shaped my life...
more than anyone could think.

So please don't think my greeting
or thoughts of each special pup
as just a mere routine, their name is not...
forgotten in between.

For when I send a greeting or a thought ....
that is addressed to them,
it is because they're on the list...
of those I'm gratefully indebted to.

So whether I have known the pups...
for many days or few,
in some ways they have a part...
in shaping things I do.

I am but a total...
of the many pups I've met,
they are friends from the heart
I will never forget....

Thanks for being my friend.......

Adapted by Sue Wist

"If a Dog Be Well Remembered"

by Ben Hur Lampman

We are thinking now of a dog, whose coat was flame in the sunshine and who, so far as we are aware, never entertained a mean or unworthy thought.

This dog is buried beneath a cherry tree, under four feet of garden loam, and at its proper season the cherry strews petals on the green lawn of his grave. Beneath a cherry tree or an apple or any flowering shrub of the garden is an excellent place to bury a good dog. Beneath such trees, such shrubs, he slept in the drowsy summer or gnawed at a flavorous bone or lifted head to challenge some strange intruder. These are good places, in life or in death. Yet it is a small matter.

For if the dog be well-remembered, if sometimes he leaps through your dreams actual as in life, eyes kindling, laughing, begging, it matters not at all where the dog sleeps. On a hill where the wind is unrebuked and the trees are roaring, or beside a stream he knew in puppyhood, or somewhere in the flatness of a pastureland, where most exhilarating cattle graze. It is all one to the dog and all one to you, and nothing is gained and nothing is lost -- if memory lives.

But there is one best place to bury a dog. If you bury him in this spot, he will come to you when you call -- come to you over the grim, dim frontiers of death, and down the well-remembered path, and to your side again.

And though you call a dozen living dogs to heel they shall not growl at him, nor resent his coming, for he belongs there. People may scoff at you, who see no lightest blade of grass bent by his footfall, who hear no whimper, people who may never really have had a dog. Smile at them, for you shall know something that is hidden from them, and which is well worth knowing.

The one best place to bury a good dog is in the heart of his master.

Dedicated to AngelJo Jo by Barbara

I Stood By Your Bed

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~

Dedicated to Angel Keno by Judi

Pawprints in the Snow

I firmly and absolutely believe that those we love never truly leave us, and that if our hearts are open, we will know that it is true, as "I Stood By Your Bed" so beautifully and gently reminds us. Can I share my own very tangible evidence of such? Several of my closest friends have heard my "pawprints in thsnow" story, but I'd like to tell you all now.

My parents and all of my brothers and sisters were owned by a most eccentric Collie /Husky/St. Bernard mix named Tasha. She had the temperament of Miss Daisy, for those of you who saw that film a few years back. She was also epileptic. One of her trademarks was her most peculiar odor. I realize now that she must have had skin allergies, poor dear. No amount of bathing could change that extremely sulphuric aroma. We loved her madly.

One of Tasha's endearing habits was to lay across the room from the Christmas tree every year and just gaze at it adoringly for hours. She did this for 14 Christmases, and quite often, my parents would leave the tree up after Christmas so long that it was embarrassing, just for their girl.

Our first Christmas without Tasha was very somber, and my dad had to be prodded into putting up a tree that year. He did so only a few days before Christmas. On Christmas Eve that year, there was a considerable snowfall, and it became bitterly cold, but the snow stopped early in the evening, and the night was starry and windless. Just after midnight, I headed upstairs to go to bed, and I heard the unmistakable sound of a dog's collar and tags jingling outside the door, in the front yard. I stopped and heard it again, so I stepped outside to investigate. (couldn't have a stray dog outside in that bitter cold on Christmas Eve, could we?) My dad heard the front door open and came out behind me.

I saw four large pawprints in the snow, in front of the picture window where the tree could be seen. No dog in sight, nor were there any pawprints leading to or from the four. At the same time, I caught a very strong whiff of the unique nose-wrinkling Eau De Tasha scent. As I turned around, my eyes wide in wonderment, I saw my father sink to his knees and weep like a child.

I've not seen him do so before or since. Tasha was letting us know that she was there with us and once more enjoying her tree.

If I had been the only witness to this, I'm afraid I might have passed it off as my heart's longing somehow causing my brain to manifest a merciful illusion. I am so glad that my no-nonsense, tough guy dad was there.
They're always with us.

Debbie

" Perhaps they are not the 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... "

The Star
by Doug Coulter
I have used the star three times in my life,it had worked every time.I used it when I lost both my parents and July 1996 when I lost my Golden Retriever- Tammy.
Part of the blood that flows through my veins is Native American. What I'm about to tell you was told to me many years ago by a wise old lady.I believe I must share it with people who have lost their dog because I know of the great pain they are going through. I am sure you loved your dog dearly when he was alive and upon his death you feel like your heart has been ripped from your body.

When a loved one passes they must take a long and lonely journey. The following will tell you how to know if their journey was a sucess.

Go into the night , the first clear night in your area. Go to a spot where here is no noise, maybe a place you and your dog used to go.

Close your eyes and think of all the wonderful things that you and your dog did together, talk to your dog as if he was right by your side, let tears flow like a giant river---all at once you will feel a strange sensation, it will feel as if your dog is sitting right by you. At this point open your eyes and look to the sky. Look all over the sky but mostly in the North-North East portion.

All at once you will see a blinking star, it will be the brightest and warmest one in the whole sky, it will draw your attention to it At that point close your eyes, then open them again. If you see that star again you will know your dog has had a sucessful journey. This star will stay in the same spot every night. It will stay there until your grieving is over, then it will disappear never to be seen by you again until you too have made a sucessful journey.

When you go to the bridge you will also put this star into the sky. Look for the star, your dog is waiting to give you the sign.

Angel's Words to Mom

I know you love me mom, I can see it in your eyes,

I can hear it when you pet me, in your sad & loving sighs

I can feel it on my good days when we can run and play ball,

I feel it on my bad days when I stumble, weave and fall

You're always there when I "go away" and then come back to you,

With loving hands and soothing voice you know just what to do

You help make me whole again to face yet another day,

When all we want is for me to be able to run and play

We are so close, our souls are like one,

We claim SUCCESS when each day is done

And no new seizures have wracked my brain,

Each "S-free" day is counted as our gain

We are as one through good days and bad,

Through all times, both happy and sad

So I LOVE YOU TOO MOM, with all my heart

And will be faithful to you 'till we must part

We'll meet at the Rainbow Bridge, I'm sure

And this time my body will be well and pure

Together we'll romp in fields of grass

Free of medicine and confusion at last!

By Linda Kerr for little Angel Face Baby

Old Dog in a Locket

Old dog in a locket
That lays next to my heart
I will always love you
As I did right from the start.

You were right beside me
Through the darkest of my days
It was your kind and gentle nature
That made me want to stay.

Now I hold you in my arms
Your breath still warm against my hand
Our hearts still beat together
And I wonder if you understand.

Through the hours that I held you
Before the light did leave your soul
I knew a way to keep you
Forever in my hold.

I snipped the hair from around your eyes
So I would always see
The beauty that surrounds me
Even in times of need.

I snipped the hair from around your ears
So I would always hear
Music in the distance
To quiet any fears.

I snipped the hair from across your back
To bring me strength in time of need
And that the power of your essence
Would always be with me.

I snipped the hair from around your heart
That beat in time with mine
So love would know to find me
At some other distant time.

And so, your life slipped out of mine
On a quiet spring like day
But I knew that a part of you
Was always here to stay.

Old dog in a locket
That lays next to my heart
I will always love you
Even though we had to part.

Poem by Bobbie Hefner, Swiss Star Farms; in memory of AM-CAN-MEX-UCI-FCI
International Champion Dallybecks Echo Jackson CD-NDD-CGC-HCC (11 1/2
years)

The Silence

The silence without you is deafening.
Even when we were totally quiet,
Even when sleeping,
I could hear and feel your presence.

There are so many sounds and sensations,
That were part of me and part of you.
Together in our coexistence.
Your breathing.
Your movement.
Your smell.
Your voice.
Your thoughts. Yes, sometimes I could
actually hear you thinking.

Now you are gone.
I look for you several times a day,
But you are not there.
I listen for you every moment,
Waiting for the confirmation of your being.
And realizing every moment,
That you are no longer here.

The silence is deafening.
I never could have imagined
The void that your death would cause.
All other sounds and sensations in my life
Continue uninterrupted.
They pale in comparison
To the silence of your absence.

(Author Unknown)

Dedicated to Angel Casey by Janine.

A Living Love

by Martin Scot Kosins

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--simple 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 lone as a single star in the dark 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 to 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 alone. And until we ourselves leave, perhaps to join our Beloved Pets--it is a Love we will always possess.

If It Should Be

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

You will be sad, I'll 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 will hold no fears,
You'll 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 me,
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering, I've been saved.

Do not 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.

Author Unknown

Dedicated to Angel Sasha & Angel Brandy
by their Mom & Dad

A Dog's Prayer

Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.

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

When it is cold and wet, please take me inside... for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements... and I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth... though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land... for you are my god... and I am your devoted worshiper. Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger.

And, beloved master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest...and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.

Dedicated to Angel Boef by Dory

Angel Dogs

When dogs go to heaven, They don't need wings because God knows that dogs love running best. He gives them fields. Fields and fields and fields. When a dog first arrives in heaven, he just runs. Dog heaven has clear, wide lakes filled with geese that honk and flap and tease. The dogs love this. They run beside the water and bark and bark and God watches them from behind a tree and smiles.

There are children. Of course. Angel children. God knows that dogs love children more than anything else in the world, so he fills Dog Heaven with plenty of them. There are children on bikes and children on sleds. There are Children throwing red rubber balls and children pulling kites through the clouds. The dogs are there, and the children love them dearly.

And, oh, the dog biscuits. Biscuits and biscuits as far as the eye can see. God has a sense of humor, so He makes His biscuits in funny shapes for His dogs. There are kitty-cat biscuits and squirrel biscuits. Ice-cream biscuits and ham-sandwich biscuits. Every angel who passes by has a biscuit for a dog.

And, of course, all God's dogs sit when the angels say "sit." Every dog becomes a good dog in Dog Heaven.

God turns clouds inside out to make fluffy beds for the dogs in Dog Heaven, and when they are tired from running and barking and eating ham-sandwich biscuits, the dogs find a cloud bed for sleeping. They turn around and around in the cloud... until it feels just right, and then they curl up and they sleep. God watches over each one of them. And there are no bad dreams.

Dogs in Dog Heaven have almost always belonged to somebody on Earth and, of course, the dogs remember this. Heaven is full of memories. So sometimes an angel will walk a dog back to Earth for a little visit and quietly, invisibly, the dog will sniff about his old backyard, will investigate the cat next door, will follow the child to school, will sit on the front porch and wait for the mail. When he is satisfied that all is well, the dog will return to Heaven with the angel. It is where dogs belong, near God who made them.

The dogs in Dog Heaven who had no real homes on Earth are given one in Heaven. The homes have yards and porches and there are couches to lie on and tables to sit under while angels eat their dinners. There are special bowls with the dogs' names on them. And each dog is petted and reminded how good he is, all day long.

Dogs in Dog Heaven may stay as long as they like and this can mean forever. They will be there when old friends show up. They will be there at the door. Angel dogs.

by Cynthia Rylant

From Friend to Friend

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.

- Karen Clouston -

Dedicated to Angel McLucky by Patti

Footprints in the Sand

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking
with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes of his life. For
each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand; one
belonged to him, and the other to the Lord.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he
looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that
many times along the path of his life there was only one set
of footprints. He also noticed that it had happened at the very
lowest and saddest times in his life.

This really bothered the man and he questioned the Lord
about it. "Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,
you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that
during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only
one set of footprints. I don't understand why, when I needed
you most, you would leave me."

The Lord replied, "My precious child, I love you and I
would never leave you. During your times of trial and
suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then
that I carried you."
-Author Unknown

From Barb and Cherokee,
dedicated to all those who have have sustained a loss.

The Last Will & Testament of an Extremely Distinguished Dog

by Eugene O'Neill

I, SILVERDENE EMBLEM O'NEILL (familiarly known to my family, friends, and acquaintances as Blemie), because the burden of my years and infirmities is heavy upon me, and I realize the end of my life is near, do hereby bury my last will and testament in the mind of my Master. He will not know it is there until after I am dead. Then, remembering me in his loneliness, he will suddenly know of this testament, and I ask him then to inscribe it as a memorial to me.

I have little in the way of material things to leave. Dogs are wiser than men. They do not set great store upon things. They do not waste their days hoarding property. They do not ruin their sleep worrying about how to keep the objects they have, and to obtain the objects they have not. There is nothing of value I have to bequeath except my love and my faith. These I leave to all those who have loved me, to my Master and Mistress, who I know will mourn me most, to Freeman who has been so good to me, to Cyn and Roy and Willie and Naomi and -- But if I should list all those who have loved me, it would force my Master to write a book. Perhaps it is vain of me to boast when I am so near death, which returns all beasts and vanities to dust, but I have always been an extremely lovable dog.

I ask my Master and Mistress to remember me always, but not to grieve for me too long. In my life I have tried to be a comfort to them in time of sorrow, and a reason for added joy in their happiness. It is painful for me to think that even in death I should cause them pain. Let them remember that while no dog has ever had a happier life (and this I owe to their love and care for me), now that I have grown blind and deaf and lame, and even my sense of smell fails me so that a rabbit could be right under my nose and I might not know, my pride has sunk to a sick, bewildered humiliation. I feel life is taunting me with having over-lingered my welcome. It is time I said good-bye, before I become too sick a burden on myself and on those who love me. It will be sorrow to leave them, but not a sorrow to die. Dogs do not fear death as men do. We accept it as part of life, not as something alien and terrible which destroys life. What may come after death, who knows? I would like to believe with those my fellow Dalmatians who are devote Mohammedans, that there is a Paradise where one is always young and full-bladdered; where all the day one dillies and dallies with an amorous multitude of houris [lovely nymphs], beautifully spotted; where jack rabbits that run fast but not too fast (like the houris) are as the sands of the desert; where each blissful hour is mealtime; where in long evenings there are a million fireplaces with logs forever burning, and one curls oneself up and blinks into the flames and nods and dreams, remembering the old brave days on earth, and the love of one's Master and Mistress.

I am afraid this is too much for even such a dog as I am to expect. But peace, at least, is certain. Peace and long rest for weary old heart and head and limbs, and eternal sleep in the earth I have loved so well. Perhaps, after all, this is best.

One last request I earnestly make. I have heard my Mistress say, "When Blemie dies we must never have another dog. I love him so much I could never love another one." Now I would ask her, for love of me, to have another. It would be a poor tribute to my memory never to have a dog again. What I would like to feel is that, having once had me in the family, now she cannot live without a dog! I have never had a narrow jealous spirit. I have always held that most dogs are good (and one cat, the black one I have permitted to share the living room rug during the evenings, whose affection I have tolerated in a kindly spirit, and in rare sentimental moods, even reciprocated a trifle). Some dogs, of course, are better than others. Dalmatians, naturally, as everyone knows, are best. So I suggest a Dalmatian as my successor. He can hardly be as well bred or as well mannered or as distinguished and handsome as I was in my prime. My Master and Mistress must not ask the impossible. But he will do his best, I am sure, and even his inevitable defects will help by comparison to keep my memory green. To him I bequeath my collar and leash and my overcoat and raincoat, made to order in 1929 at Hermes in Paris. He can never wear them with the distinction I did, walking around the Place Vendome, or later along Park Avenue, all eyes fixed on me in admiration; but again I am sure he will do his utmost not to appear a mere gauche provincial dog. Here on the ranch, he may prove himself quite worthy of comparison, in some respects. He will, I presume, come closer to jack rabbits than I have been able to in recent years. And for all his faults, I hereby wish him the happiness I know will be his in my old home.

One last word of farewell, Dear Master and Mistress. Whenever you visit my grave, say to yourselves with regret but also with happiness in your hearts at the remembrance of my long sleep I shall hear you, and not all the power of death can keep my spirit from wagging a grateful tail.

Dedicated to Yvonne's Angel Zooey & Marion's Angel Max

by Marion

You Were Here

As I sit in those moments of quiet,
When sadness invades me,
I know that yesterday,
You were here.

Now you are away from us,
Not knowing your future,
Or when you'll come home, but yesterday,
You were here.

It has now been a week,
A week since you last were in the house,
An entire week since we carried you away,
To the place where we did not know your future,
But just last week,
You were here.

Another day passes;
a week ago, you were still with us,
In daily reports from the clinic,
They did not know your future,
But we could still hope, and,
You were here.

More days pass,;
A week ago you left us,
Your head cradled in our hands,
Your spirit gracefully moving upward,
But for a few hours of that day,
You were here.

Sadness invades again,
As I know that once those hours pass,
I can no longer look back,
Over the span of a familiar week's time,
To find that comforting point when,
You were here.

More time will pass;
Sadness will not so much invade as menace,
And I will mark the days,
Saying things like,
"last month, last summer, last Halloween, last year,"
You were here.

I dread that day,
One year from now,
That first marking of the time,
That your body was no longer with us;
Though we will never forget you,
Your tangible memory fades,
The feel of your fur, your head, your back, your weight against us,
The smell and sounds of you when,
You were here.

The emptiness is beginning to fade,
To change into another reality,
One with you still playing a part,
But a role of ethereal presence rather than physical comfort we crave;
Your memory, your spirit, your essence and counsel,
Dwell with us, but this feeling is not the same as when,
You were here.

Dedicated to AngelBeatrice by Dawne

Author: Jenine Stanley
Copyright (c) Jenine Stanley, 1999

The Bond

It's hard for some to understand,
the bond between a dog and a man.
Yet others relate to what you feel,
because they too, have felt, the love so real.

If only they knew the warmth in the eyes,
of our tail wagging friends, that stand by our sides.
They stay beside us in protection and in strength,
yet still can lay in our arms the times they are weak.

Regardless of our mood, appearance or wealth,
they stay even more loyal in sickness and in health.
There's no judgement or criticism, no lies or deceit,
their love is unconditional as they lay by our feet.

If they fall ill, we hold on so tight,
with medications and love we put up a fight.
It is our time to return their years of loyalty and love,
unless another decision is made by God up above.

When they lay down their heads and raise their weak paw,
they let us know, we've both given it our all.
Their life here on earth was the fullest we could give,
as they rise in puppy spirit and cross the Rainbow Bridge.

They have no more pain and confusion, no worries, no fears,
just the memories that show deep in our tears.
The day will come, the bridge we will cross,
and at that moment, the time apart will be lost.

We will be reunited with tears of joy and laughter,
Never again a seperation, together, ever after.

By Deb

Dedicated to Angel Mozart by Deb.

Now I must Go

Send me to the Bridge I pray
when I no longer run and play.
When my limbs can't bear my weight
and dignity is stripped by fate.

Look into my eyes, you'll find
I will let you know, it's time.
You must help me from this edge.
Now it's time, I make this pledge.

I leave you for the Bridge today.
Anew, I run, I bark, I play!
We shared a life of many things
and to your heart my leaving brings;

the pain of loss, I feel it too,
but Master, know, this I must do.
I must leave first, to make the way
for you to follow me someday.

Beyond the sunset, where all pain ends
we'll meet again, the best of friends.
Just as I snuggled in your heart,
you're in mine too, we aren't apart.

I watch you from afar and pray,
it's time to heal, heal some each day.
Please dry those tears and smile for me,
and know at last that I am free.

There is no pain or suffering here.
The sun shines brightly everywhere.
There isn't even one cross look,
it's not allowed here in His book.

No clouds of gray will gather here, no storms will ever threaten.
We are at peace here,
and the Bridge is Heaven.

by: Barbara J Miller

Dedicated to Angel Phoenix 'Fuzzy' Fontaine
March 28, 1993 - August 12, 1999 by Susan

The One

I've loved you for just about all of your life.

That sweet, baby-face grabbed ahold of my heart,
The moment I held you,
Right from the start.

I picked you from your siblings, you were "the one" alright.
I hugged you, and kissed you, and calmed you through the night.

You grew to trust me, to depend on me, we became "Buds",
you and me.
I grew to trust you, to depend on you...
I thought that's how it always would be.

We walked, we ran, I threw, you caught.
I thought I was the teacher, but I was wrong.....YOU taught.

You taught me that love has no strings, no I.O.U.'s.
Real love is forgiving, and so easy to abuse.

No matter what I said, or what I did,
You were there, always..there...........

Our time has gone by so quickly, how can I let you leave?
Who will "feel" when I'm sad, kiss my tears away, and
Comfort me when I grieve??

You will, my friend, just as you did by my side.
I wont need to apologize for my tears, I wont need to hide.

The part of your gentle soul that remains in my heart,
will forever soothe me, it assures me, we'll never really part.

I've loved you , dear puppy, for almost all of your life.
And until I see you again, I will miss you...for the rest of my life.

For my shadow, Angel Heidi Girl, and all the Angels
waiting, and wagging, at The Bridge.

from Mel

Rainbow Bridge Return

by Joy LaCaille

The little dog arrived at the Rainbow Bridge, and a pack of dogsrushed up to greet him. He braced himself, expecting a fight, but this was the first pack that wagged their tails and kissed him instead of attacking him.

It was beautiful here, and everyone was nice to him. None of them had been born in a puppy mill, like he had, and used for dog-bait fighting and left to die in a shelter because he was a mix-breed battle-scarred cur and wasn't cute.They explained why they were waiting... for their humans who loved them. What is love?" he asked, and God let him go back to earth, and find out.

Warm, and dark, he squeezed in with the others and waited for the day to be born. Scared, he held back as long as he could, but finally got dragged out, by his hind feet. Hands without fur held him gently and rubbed him dry and opened his mouth and guided him to a warm nipple with milk He didn't get a good hold on it, because one of his big fat brothers pushed him aside. The human hand moved the other puppy to another nipple and held his body, so he could drink.

Ahhh, that's better, " he thought, and drank until his jaws got tired and he curled up to sleep next to his warm hairy
mother. "I remember this," he mused... "Too bad I'll have to grow up to be hit, left out in the cold and rain, and used
for dog-bait fighting, and die as an unclaimed rescue dog. I remember what it's like, being a dog." he thought sadly.

That night, he crawled up to his mother and tried to nurse, but he kept getting pushed off to the side. When they were full, the big brothers and sisters got their bottoms cleaned and he finally latched on to a nipple, but the human hands weren't there to hold him up, and there wasn't any milk in any of the nipples, anyway. He was weak and so tiny. It was even hard to stay upright, and he fell over on his back and couldn't right himself.

So he began to cry, and suddenly the human hands were there, holding him up and puting a rubber thing in his mouth. It didn't taste or feel like mother, but it was warm and made the ache in his tummy go away.

He was having trouble breathing ... His lungs weren't fully developed, because he had waited too long to join the others
in the womb, as he took one last romp at the Rainbow Bridge. He could feel the heartbeat of the human, who had laid him on her chest and covered him with a soft cloth, keeping him warm, and soothing his boney body with gentle circling touches.

He kept thinking of his new friends who had been so nice to him at the bridge and asked God if he could go back. God said "Yes, but not just yet. You wanted to experience Love."

So for several hours (seemed like days but it was dark and he couldn't tell what time it was), the human supplemented his feeding and let him experience the warmth of his mother's body and tongue, and the pile of warm soft littermates. He got weaker, and the human held him more often, leaving the littermates to sleep in a pile while he got caressed, kissed, and got to listen to the heartbeat which was strong and loving.

Finally God came back and asked, "are you ready to come back to the Rainbow Bridge?" Yes, he responded," with a little sorrow, because the human didn't want to let him go, and was crying.

He pushed the air out of his lungs and floated back to the Rainbow Bridge and looked back at the human, who was still
crying and holding the limp body that he had borrowed for his trip.

Thank you, God," he said. "Love is beautiful, and I will wait near the Bridge and let the human know, when she arrives,
that I loved her, too."

by Joy LaCaille email akai@iag.net

A Parting Prayer

Dear Lord, Please open your gates and call St Francis
to come and escort this beloved companion
across the Rainbow Bridge.

Assign him a place of honor,
for he has been a faithful servant
and has always tried to please me.

Bless the hands that send him to you,
For they do so in love and compassion
freeing him from pain and suffering.

Grant me the strength not to dwell on my loss.
Help me remember the details of his life with the love he has shown me
And grant me the courage to honor him by sharing these memories with
others.

Let him remember me well
Let him know I will always love him
And when it is my time to pass over into your paradise
Please allow him to accompany those that will bring me home.

Thank You Lord
For the gift of his companionship
and the time we've had together.

And Thank You Lord
For granting me the strength
To give him to you now.

Peace.

(Author Unknown)

Dedicated to Angel Max by Diane

From the book "For Every Dog an Angel" by Christine Davis

Whenever a puppy is born on earth, a guardian angel waits nearby to welcome
the puppy into the world and take it under her heavenly wings.

The guardian angel makes herself very small and snuggles in close to the
soft, warm fur, telling her puppy how much it is loved and that it has come
into the world for a special purpose. Even though the puppy's eyes are
closed, it feels the fluttering wings by its heart and knows its guardian
angel is there.

All puppies come into the world with unique gifts. As time passes and the
puppy grows, the guardian angel helps her puppy to understand what makes it
so very special. Whether they are destined to become fast runners, soulful
singers or peaceful sleepers, each puppy is perfect and the angel loves it
just the way it is.

The day comes when the puppy must go into the world and start traveling down
its own special path. Sometimes, the path leads to a loving home, where a
family is waiting to take their new four-legged friend into their hearts.
And the guardian angel is happy, knowing her dog will always have friends to
play with, bones to chew on and someone to cuddle up next to at night.

Angels like to visit when their dogs are dreaming. You may have seen a dog's
paw moving while it is asleep. Perhaps it is on a high hill in a faraway
place, dancing with its guardian angel. All dogs bring the gift of love to
the world. In that way they are very much like angels. Dogs will share their
love with anyone. They don't ask for anything in return. But if someone
takes a moment to scratch a dog under its chin or tell a dog how special it
is, you can be sure its guardian angel is smiling.

>From time to time, when a certain person and a certain dog meet, something
happens that is just like magic! It is as if they have known each other
before. Each knows what the other is thinking and feeling. They will be
together always. And the two with love, knowing their dog has found its
forever person and the person has found its forever dog.

A forever person and their forever dog will share many experiences over a
lifetime, like listening to favorite stories and taking vacations together.
They will watch hundreds of sunsets from up on the hill.

But the greatest gift these friends will share is knowing what is in the
other's heart. Side by side, looking up at the sky on a stary night, a
forever person and their forever dog will share all the secret hopes and
dreams that are only told to a very best friend.

A dog can never really be separated from its forever person. Neither time
nor space can ever come between them. So when the dog comes to the end of
its earthly life, and must go on ahead without its person beside them, the
guardian angel becomes a loving bridge that connects the two friends for as
long as the person remains on earth.

Sometimes dogs will cross the angel bridge and visit the earth while they are
waiting for their forever person to join them. You can never be certain
where they might turn up. You may feel four paws padding along next to you
when you are in the park. Listen carefully, and you might hear a familiar
voice joinig in when you go holiday caroling. So if you see the blanket
rumple softly after you've curled up for an afternoon nap, it's every
possible your forever dog has come back to visit and is napping beside you.

Nothing brings your forever dog more joy than knowing you are happy, even if
that means bringing a new dog companion into your life. Your forever dog
lovingly remembers the special place it had in your life on earth, and is
delighted to know another dog will get to share all the love you have to
offer.

Your forever dog may even come back and help your new dog discover the best
spots for burying bones and show them where to watch for your return at the
end of the day. So don't be surprised to see your new dog racing through the
house as if it's playing with an invisible friend....it probably is.

As the years go by you and your dog may find yourselves going more slowly as
you take your daily walks. The time may come when your dog leaves your side
and crosses the bridge to be with your forever dog. In fact, there may be
many animals who will share your life during the time you are here on earth.
One day, the angel bridge that your forever dog crossed so many years earlier
will appear to you. And with the happy heart of a person who is going home,
you will cross the bridge and find yourself welcomed by all the animal
friends you made when you were on earth.

In the middle of all that love, your forever dog will be waiting for you. It
will be like the day you found each other on earth. You will know you have
been together before, and nothing will ever separate you again. And the
angels will be happy, knowing a forever person and their forever dog have
found each other once more.

A Rosebud

When God calls little puppies to dwell with Him above,

We humans always question the wisdom of His love.

For no heartache can compare with the loss of one small 'child',

Who does so much to make this world seem wonderful and mild.

Perhaps God tires - always calling the aged to His fold,

And so He picks a rosebud before it can grow old.

God knows how much we need them and so He picks but few;

To make the land of heaven more beautiful to view.

Believing this is difficult, yet somehow we must try,

For the saddest word that mankind knows will always be "good-bye".

And so when little pups depart; We, who are left behind,

must realize how much God loves puppies....

For angels are hard to find.
~~Author Unkown

Lend me a Pup

I will lend to you for awhile, a pup, God said,
For you to love him while he lives and mourn for him when he's dead.
Maybe for twelve or fourteen years, or maybe 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 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's 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 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
But should you call him back much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand.
If, by our love, we've managed, your wishes to achieve
In memory of him we loved, to help us while we grieve,
When our faithful bundle departs this world of strife,
We'll have yet another Pup and love him all his life.

>~~ Unknown ~~

Dedicated to Angel Sydney by Pamela

From a "Bridge Kid"

"I explained it to St. Peter,
I'd rather stay here
Outside the pearly gate.
I won't be a nuisance,
I won't even bark,
I'll be very patient and wait,
I'll be here, chewing on a celestial bone,
No matter how long you may be.
I'd miss you so much, if I went in alone,
It wouldn't be heaven for me."

--Anonymous

"Momma Please Know"

Know that up here
There are meadows and streams,
With more flowers and butterflies
Than in all of your dreams.

Know that in heaven
That the treats never end
Walks and playtime last forever
And even cats are my friends.

Know that I'm happy-
Go-lucky and free
Of the cares which on earth
Through my life burdened me.

And Momma, I thank you
For letting me go.
The time to say goodbye had come
Though it hurts to see your sorrow.

But most of all Momma
Please know that up here
Your angel is loving you
And holding you dear.

by Carol in loving memory of McLucky

The Dalmatian I Loved So Much

Through my tears I saw you fading,
As you began to go away.
My heart almost broke in two,
As you fought so valiantly to stay.

But when I saw you sleeping,
So quietly without pain,
I knew I could never wish you back
To endure through this again.

Although, your physical presence has left me,
And your furry little head I can not touch,
I have so many happy memories
Of the Dalmatian I Loved So Much!

Your memories will be my keepsake,
Which means we'll never really part.
Now heaven has you in its keeping,
And I will have you forever,
Deep within my heart...

Adapted from the poem by Angela R. Grier, 1999

Dedicated to Angel Data

by Allen, Kelley and Marion


Polli
My dear Polli, That special bond we shared, Showed how much you cared, Your love was there. Your heart so big , your furry coat warm, Those big brown eyes, your happy giat. Fear not my dear, Although you are gone, You are free of disease. Run fast, play quick, But wait for me till I come there You will never be forgotten But always remembered and have A very special place in my heart All my love forever

Dedicate to Polli from your Mommy Patti

To A Loyal Companion

Through all of your life,
by my side you would stand.
In good times and bad,
you were always at hand.

I can see the pain
in your cloud-filled eyes.
With a last hug and kiss,
say our final good-byes.

Now all of your years
are coming to an end.
And you, to heaven,
I must reluctantly send.

With love and compassion,
my strength is put to test.
For today, I must lay
"Man's Best Friend" to rest.

Norah Bleazard

dedicated to Hector
May 21st, 1984 to
April 15th, 1996

Beyond the Rainbow

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 all right,
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 cord no eye can see.
So whenever you need to find me, we're never far apart
if you look beyond the Rainbow and listen with your heart.

by Barbara in memory of Buddy

Memories of You

The clouds reminded me today
of things I'd long forgotten
Quiet evenings by your side
under the blankets of cotton

The wonderful way that you wanted to play
At the end of a long hard day

The kisses you gave as you licked my face
Will always remind me of your special place

So now as I wait for the time to begin
When our lives will cross and I'll see you again

I'll think of the memories of you every day
And know that you're waiting by the bridge far away

In loving memory of all of our little angels

Helen Godfrey
April 1999 (c)

with love & wags

Death is Nothing At All

Death is nothing at all
I have only slipped away into the next room.
I am I, and you are you,
Whatever we were to each other, that we still are
Call me by the old, familiar name.
Speak of me in the easy way which you always used.
Put no difference into your tone.
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed
At the little jokes that we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was.
Let it be spoken without an effort,
Without the ghost of a shadow upon it.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was
There is absolute and unbroken continuity.
What is this death but a negligible accident?
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am but waiting for you for an interval,
Somewhere very near,
Just around the corner.
All is well.
-

Henry Scott Holland

Dedicated to Daisy and all the Angels waiting at the Bridge

WELCOME AT RAINBOW BRIDGE

By Alexander Theodore Bouvier

On the morning of September 11, 2001, there was an unprecedented amount of activity at the Rainbow Bridge. Decisions had to be made. They had to be made quickly. And, they were.

At issue, not often addressed here, is the fact that many residents really have no loved one for whom to wait. Think of the pups who lived and died in hideous puppy mills. No one on earth loved or protected them.

What about the many who spent unhappy lives tied in backyards? And, the ones who were abused. Who are they to wait for?

We don't talk about that much up here. We share out loved ones as they arrive, happy to do so. But we all know there is nothing like having your very own person who thinks you are the most special pup in the Heavens.

Last Tuesday morning, a request rang out for pups not waiting for specific persons to volunteer for special assignment. An eager, curious crowd surged excitedly forward, each pup wondering what the assignment would be.

They were told by a solemn voice that unexpectedly, all at once, over 4,000 loving people had left Earth long before they were ready.

All the pups, as all pups do, felt the humans' pain deep in their own hearts. Without hearing more, there was a clamoring amount them - "May I have one to comfort?" - "I'll take two, I have a big heart." - "I have been saving kisses forever."

One after another they came forward begging for assignment. One cozy-looking fluffy pup hesitantly asked, "Are there any children coming? I would be very comforting for a child, 'cause I'm soft and squishy and I always wanted to be hugged."

A group of Dalmatians came forward asking to meet the Firemen and be their friends. The larger working breeds offered to greet the Police Officers and make them feel at home.

Little dogs volunteered to do what they do best, cuddle and kiss.

Dogs who on Earth had never had a kind word or a pat on the head, stepped forward and said, "I will love any human who needs love."

Then all the dogs, wherever on Earth they originally came from, rushed to the Rainbow Bridge and stood waiting, overflowing with love to share - each tail wagging an American Flag.

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