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RAINBOW BRIDGE
Author Unknown
Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies
that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow
Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all our special friends so they can run
and play together. There is plenty of food, water, and sunshine and our friends
are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor;
those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we
remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy
and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special,
someone who was left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and
looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body begins to
quiver. Suddenly he breaks from the group, flying over the green grass, faster
and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you
cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses
rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look
once more into those trusting eyes, so long gone from your life, but never
absent from your heart. Then, you cross the Rainbow Bridge together......
IF IT SHOULD BE
by Brian Crossett
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 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 stands the test.
We've had so many happy years
What is to come can hold no fears.
Would you want me to suffer?
So when that time comes let me go.
Take me where my needs they'll tend,
But stay with me until the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time that you will see
The kindness that you do for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.
Do not grieve. It must be you
Who must decide this thing to do.
We've been so close we two these years
Remember joy among your tears.
IMMORTALITY
by Mary Elizabeth Frye
Do not stand on 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 snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft starshine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry...
I am not there. I did not die.
SHE WAS JUST MY DOG
Author Unknown
She was my other eyes that could see above the clouds;
my other ears that heard above the winds.
She was the part of me that could reach out into the sea.
She had told me a thousand times over that I was her reason for being;
by the way she rested against my leg;
by the way she wagged her tail at my smallest smile;
by the way she showed her hurt when I left without taking her along
(I think it made her sick with worry because she was not along to care for me).
When I was wrong, she was delighted to forgive.
When I was angry, she clowned to make me smile.
When I was happy, she was joy unbounded.
When I was a fool, she ignored it.
When I succeeded, she bragged.
Without her, I am only another person.
With her, I was all powerful.
She was loyalty itself.
She had taught me the meaning of devotion.
With her, I knew a secret comfort and a private peace.
She had brought me understanding where before I was ignorant.
Her head on my knee could heal my human hurts.
Her kisses on my tears washed away my bad feelings.
Her presence by my side was protection against my fears of dark and unknown
things.
She had promised to wait for me...whenever...wherever...in case I need her.
And I expect I will---as I always have... She was just my dog.
TITLE AND AUTHOR UNKNOWN
They will not go quietly,
the dogs who've shared our lives.
In subtle ways they let us know
their spirit still survives.
Old habits still make us think
we hear a barking at the door.
Or step back when we drop
a tasty morsel on the floor.
Our feet still go around the place
the food dish used to be,
And, sometimes, coming home at night,
we miss them terribly.
And although time may bring new friends
and a new food dish to fill,
That one place in our hearts
belongs to them...
and always will.
MAY I GO?
by Susan A. Jackson
May I go now?
Do you think the time is right?
May I say good-bye to pain-filled days
and endless lonely nights?
I've lived my life and done my best,
an example tried to be.
So can I take that step beyond
and set my spirit free?
I didn't want to go at first,
I fought with all my might.
But something seems to draw me now
to a warm and loving light.
I want to go. I really do.
It's difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can
to live just one more day.
To give you time to care for me
and share your love and fears.
I know you're sad and afraid,
because I see your tears.
I'll not be far, I promise that,
and hope you'll always know
that my spirit will be close to you
wherever you may go.
Thank you so for loving me.
You know I love you, too.
That's why it's hard to say good-bye
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.
GOD'S GARDEN
Author Unknown
God looked around His garden
And found an empty place.
He then looked upon the earth
And saw your tired face.
He put His arm around you
And lifted you to rest.
God's garden must be beautiful
He always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering.
He knew you were in pain.
He knew that you would never
Get well on earth again.
He saw the road was getting rough,
And the hills were hard to climb.
So He closed your eyelids,
And whispered, "Peace be thine."
It broke our hearts to lose you,
But you didn't go alone.
For part of us went with you
The day God called you Home.
ODE TO I CHING
By Anthony D'Agnese
Close your eyes now
my longtime friend
and let this
time of suffering
come to a peaceful end.
We'll walk together
soon, I'm sure,
as winter turns to spring
when snow gives way
to budding leaves
and birds begin to sing,
The gentle breeze
shall call your name
along the water's edge.
For what we shared
and what you meant
shall never be forgot.
Your friendship spans
the years behind
your memory ahead.
You'll always be
there next to me
companion and good friend.
HER JOURNEY'S JUST BEGUN
by Ellen Brenneman
Don't think of her as gone away -
her journey's just begun,
life holds so many facets -
this earth is only one.
Just think of her as resting
from the sorrows and the tears
in a place of warmth and comfort
where there are no days and years.
Think how she must be wishing
that we could know today
how nothing but our sadness
can really pass away.
And think of her as living
In the hearts of those she touched
For nothing loved is ever lost -
And she was loved so much.
ST. PETER
Author Unknown
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.
THE LOSS OF A HEART-DOG
Author Unknown
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 so 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 wished 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 now ... 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
Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near...
And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear
All of my love around you soft and clear.
And then, when you must come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile and "Welcome Home."
SOLACE
Lisa Carmel Singer
From the Silence of your pain, I heard my name
and on the wings of light I have come
to see the sadness in your eyes
that cry without tears
Can you see me, I am here
I will always be near you,
to calm your shattered heart
and to make you smile at the memories
Do you feel me, perhaps a soft brush of fur
You ache to believe it's real
but you are afraid to hope
you brush away a strand of hair
But it was I, whispering
I am only here for a moment
The silver thread gently quivers
I will leave behind my love in a dream
When you awaken and without really knowing why
Your heart will know at last
That it is all right for now
to say goodbye.
MEMORIES
Virginia Ellis
Oh, little friend, do you recall,
When you made this house your home?
You were just a ball of fluff,
Not even halfway grown.
You stumbled when you learned to walk,
It was hard to steer four legs;
You learned to sit, and stay, and come,
And, of course, you learned to beg.
You loved those walks we used to take,
You never left my side;
And if I got my car keys out,
You were ready for a ride.
You sensed when I was happy,
Or was feeling kind of low;
You'd rub up against my knee,
You always seemed to know.
You'd fetch a ball or get a toy,
Without even being told;
But, was your face crestfallen,
If I felt the need to scold.
You found the outside world exciting,
Do you remember your first snow?
You'd not come back inside the house,
Because you loved it so.
Going to the vets for shots,
I guess was your greatest fear;
You seemed to know each scheduled date,
Though you went but once a year.
You were afraid of lightening, too,
And of booming thunderstorms;
You'd run and jump upon my bed,
Where it was safe and warm.
I never once felt lonely,
As long as you were here;
You were at my feet or on my lap,
You constantly were near.
Oh, I am going to miss you,
No question about that;
But, little one, for your pain to go,
I had to send you back.
You're going back to heaven now,
From whence long ago you came;
You'll be welcomed back by God, Himself,
Who knows your doggy-name.
I think there's Frisbees up in heaven,
And rubber, squeaky toys;
And angels who will play with you,
And little girls and boys.
But, there won't be any thunderstorms,
And no vets with shots up there;
You won't even need a leash,
You'll run freely in God's air.
And when my time on earth is done,
And at heaven's gate I'm near,
I don't want any harps or horns,
Just ... happy barks to hear.
So, see you later, little friend,
I'm glad you're now pain-free;
And I'm glad you're sitting next to Jesus,
Now ... you wait right there for me.
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A YOUNG SCHNAUZER
Becky Hipps
This morning, I woke up and kissed my dad's head.
I peed on the carpet, then went back to bed.
"The life of a Schnauzer, oh my, this is great."
Then I thought about breakfast, "I hope it's not late."
Mom took me outside, we walked for a while.
This never fails, to make Mama smile.
I sniffed of everything, that we did pass,
I ate something weird -- it gave me bad gas.
I'm sure that God loves me, I know that it's true.
He gave me so many, great things to chew.
Rugs, plants or rocks, I really don't care,
What I truly like best, is Dad's underwear.
That obedience book, was sort of yummy,
Though it didn't sit well, on my poor Schnauzer tummy.
I threw up a bit, but that was all right,
When Mom found it later, I was well out of sight.
I made streamers of T.P., while running full speed.
Mom is pretty quick -- but I was still in the lead.
I flew under the bed, and Mom flew on past,
She stopped -- shook her head, and breathed, "You're too fast."
Mama later phoned Daddy, and said, "It was frightening!"
That afternoon, she was sure I'd pooped lightning.
She'd sat at the computer, while I chewed the cord,
She thought I was mad, but I was just bored.
When Mom had enough, couldn't take anymore,
That's when my tushy, got shoved out the door.
I love it inside, but outside is best,
I lay in the cool grass, and had a good rest.
That didn't last long, there was too much to do --
Can't quite remember where I hid Daddy's shoe.
I found an old bone, and scratched at a flea,
I watched the dumb squirrels as they jumped in a tree.
I barked at the kids, when they got off the bus.
I can't figure out, why this makes Mama fuss.
I barked at the neighbor, I barked at the wind,
I barked and I barked, till Mom yelled, "COME IN."
The sun dipped in the West -- soon Daddy would come!
I sure love my daddy; we always have fun.
I barked at my daddy, then turned on my charms,
I woo-wooed, "Hello," then jumped in his arms.
Sitting under the table -- it's sooo hard to wait.
Daddy slipped me a goodie, right off of his plate.
I raced through the house, and scattered my toys,
Ricocheted off the furniture, and made lots of noise.
Mom found her new purse -- the one I'd abused.
Daddy let loose a chuckle. Mom asked -- "Amused??"
I cowered down low -- I must be in trouble.
Dad said, "Wasn't MY boy, it must be his double!"
Mom turned off the TV, and said, "Time for bed."
Dad said, "Let's go, boy," and patted my head.
I got in my spot -- between Mom and Dad,
I thought 'bout my day, and what fun I had, had.
Mama kicked out my bone, from the covers below,
Then let loose a sigh -- a sigh deep and low.
She gave me a kiss, and snuggled me tight,
and whispered so softly, "My darling, goodnight."
I DIDN'T THINK ABOUT YOU TODAY.....
By Cindy Swan
Till I didn't feel your warm fuzzy body next to mine when I first woke up and
stretched in the bed.
I didn't think about you today.....
Till I went into the bathroom and you weren't there for morning pets and
cuddles while I tinkled.
I didn't think about you today.....
Till I got out of the shower and sat on the bed to finish drying and you
weren't there with your little paws on my shoulder licking the shower water out
of my ears.
I didn't think about you today.....
Till I was putting on my shoes and socks, and my socks stayed on my toes, and I
could actually see my shoelaces, and somehow getting dressed was not nearly so
much fun.
I didn't think about you today.....
Till I was making the bed, and we didn't play bury the schnauzer in the
blankets, and then let you burrow your way out from under the pillows, only to
do it all over again.
I didn't think about you today.....
Till I went in to the kitchen to get my breakfast, and your little body was not
blocking my way to the refrigerator for milk, and your sweet face was not there
looking up at me demanding YOUR breakfast.... NOW Mom.
I didn't think about you today.....
Till I sat down to eat my breakfast, and there was no Sweet Elsa circling the
table trolling for crumbs.
Then I didn't think about you......
Till I went to feed the Bird, and the two of you didn't play your ritual game
of cage tag, where he tries to grab your nose, while you try to grab his tail.
I didn't think about you today.....
Till I got home from work and there were no joyous Woo Woo Woo Woo Mommy's home
barks, no lapful and face full of schnauzer tongue with a body attached.
But I didn't think about you today.....
And then, I didn't think about you.....
Till I discovered I was petting my own leg because your little chin was not in
its customary place resting on my lap as I sat and watched TV, and I didn't
have to disturb "her Highness's" slumber when I got up to get a drink.
Then it was time for bed, and I didn't think about you.....
Till I realized that I had not heard you bark at air molecules all day long.
And when I went to bed, there was no Elsa standing on top of me needing under
the blankets, and no Elsa to curl up at my tummy and gently snore. There was
no silken Elsa fur to softly pet and stroke till I went to sleep. So, I cried
instead, and said.....
Tomorrow is another day, and I won't think about you.....
Today.
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 new young 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 unexceptionable. But, for a surprising instant,
you will look at your longtime friend and see age where you once saw youth.
You will see slow deliberate steps where you once saw energy.
And you will see sleep where you once saw activity.
So you will begin to adjust your friend's diet,
and you may add a pill or two to her food. And you may feel a growing
fear deep within yourself, which bodes of a coming emptiness.
And you will feel this uneasy feeling, on and off,
until the third day finally arrives.
And on this day, if your friend and God have not decided for you,
then you will be faced with making a decision of your own,
on behalf of your lifelong friend, and with the guidance of your own deepest
Spirit.
But whichever way your friend eventually leaves you,
you will feel as alone as a single star in the 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 your pet you cherished through the many
joy-filled years, you may find that a soul, a bit smaller in size than your
own, seems to walk with you, at times, during the lonely days to come.
And at moments when you least expect anything out of the ordinary
to happen, you may feel something brush against your leg, very, very lightly.
And looking down at the place where your dear, perhaps dearest, friend
used to lay, you will remember those three significant days.
The memory will most likely be painful, and leave an ache in your heart.
As time passes the ache will come and go and 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 for 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 that we will always possess.
A SPECIAL PLACE
Author Unknown
You have a special place, Dear Lord,
that I know You always keep.
A special place reserved for dogs,
to peacefully fall asleep.
A place with fluffy pillows,
and a yard for hiding bones.
With maybe a little babbling creek,
that rushes over stones.
With wide green fields and flowers,
for those who never knew,
of running, playing freely,
under a sky of perfect blue.
Lord, I know you keep this special place,
and so to You I pray,
for one oh so special dog,
who came to You today.
She was full of strength and love,
and so very, very wise.
The puppy look she once had,
this morning left her eyes.
She will be dearly missed, Dear Lord,
this special love of mine.
But, now she'll romp and play,
in Your land that's so divine.
Speak to my baby softly, please,
with a hug and a warm hello.
She's a special gift to You, Dear Lord,
from me-who loved her so.
THE JOURNEY
By Crystal Ward Kent
Copyright 1998, All Rights Reserved
When you bring a pet into your life, you begin a journey — a journey that will
bring you more love and devotion than you have ever known, yet also test your
strength and courage.
If you allow, the journey will teach you many things, about life, about yourself,
and most of all, about love. You will come away changed forever, for one soul
cannot touch another without leaving its mark.
Along the way, you will learn much about savoring life’s simple pleasures —
jumping in leaves, snoozing in the sun, the joy of puddles, and even the
satisfaction of a good scratch behind the ears.
If you spend much time outside, you will be taught how to truly experience every
element, for no rock, leaf or log will go unexamined, no rustling bush will be
overlooked, and even the very air will be inhaled, pondered, and noted as being
full of valuable information. Your pace may be slower — except when heading
home to the food dish — but you will become a better naturalist, having been
taught by an expert in the field.
Too many times we hike on automatic pilot, our goal being to complete the trail
rather than enjoy the journey. We miss the details — the colorful mushrooms on
the rotting log, the honeycomb in the old maple snag, the hawk feather caught on
a twig. Once we walk as a dog does, we discover a whole new world. We stop; we
browse the landscape; we kick over leaves, peek in tree holes, look up, down, all
around. And we learn what any dog knows: that nature has created a marvelously
complex world that is full of surprises, that each cycle of the seasons brings ever-
changing wonders, each day an essence all its own.
Even from indoors you will find yourself more attuned to the world around you.
You will find yourself watching summer insects collecting on a screen (How bizarre they are! How
many kinds there are!), or noting the flicker and flash of
fireflies through the dark. You will stop to observe the swirling dance of
windblown leaves, or sniff the air after a rain. It does not matter that there is no
objective in this; the point is in the doing, in not letting life’s most important
details slip by
.
You will find yourself doing silly things that your pet-less friends might not
understand: spending thirty minutes in the grocery aisle looking for the cat food
brand your feline must have, buying dog birthday treats, or driving around the
block an extra time because your pet enjoys the ride. You will roll in the snow,
wrestle with chewie toys, bounce little rubber balls till your eyes cross, and even
run around the house trailing your bathrobe tie — with a cat in hot pursuit — all in
the name of love.
Your house will become muddier and hairier. You will wear less dark clothing and
buy more lint rollers. You may find dog biscuits in your pocket or purse, and feel
the need to explain that an old plastic shopping bag adorns your living room rug
because your cat loves the crinkly sound.
You will learn the true measure of love — the steadfast, undying kind that says,
“It doesn’t matter where we are or what we do, or how life treats us as long as we
are together.” Respect this always. It is the most precious gift any living soul can
give another. You will not find it often among the human race.
And you will learn humility. The look in my dog’s eyes often made me feel
ashamed. Such joy and love at my presence. She saw not some flawed human who
could be cross and stubborn, moody or rude, but only her wonderful companion.
Or maybe she saw those things and dismissed them as mere human foibles, not
worth considering, and so chose to love me anyway.
If you pay attention and learn well, when the journey is done, you will not be just
a better person, but the person your pet always knew you to be — the one they
were proud to call beloved friend.
I must caution you that this journey is not without pain. Like all paths of true
love, the pain is part of loving. For as surely as the sun sets, one day your dear
animal companion will follow a path you cannot yet go down. And you will have
to find the strength and love to let them go. A pet’s time on earth is far too short
— especially for those that love them. We borrow them, really, just for awhile,
and during those brief years they are generous enough to give us all of their love
— every inch of their spirit and heart, until one day there is nothing left.
The cat that only yesterday was a kitten is all too soon old and frail and sleeping
in the sun. The young pup of boundless energy wakes up stiff and lame, the
muzzle now gray. Deep down we somehow always knew this journey would end.
We knew that if we gave our hearts they would be broken. But give them we must
for it is all they ask in return. When the time comes, and the road curves ahead to
a place we cannot see, we give one final gift and let them run on ahead — young
and whole once more.
“Godspeed, good friend,” we say, until our journey comes full circle and our
paths cross again.
EULOGIES TO LOST FRIENDS
Helen Ann Mesmer
He lived as he peed: warmly, freely, and he
left his mark well.
These schnauzers don't ever leave us... we just don't have to scoop their poop anymore!
Change
In Memory
Noble Aire Victor Laszlo 1997 - 2007
If there were no change, there would be no us.
We'd all be in a perfect state of union with our Creator.
But through His love, He let us go
And we were born.
When a baby is born into this world
there is great joy and happiness
in the promise of what is to be.
And we laugh and smile.
When a baby is born into this world
there is a loss in Heaven
of the parting spirit sent to live.
Do the angels cry?
If we live our lives in harmony
with the destiny created for us
we never completely lose our way
though it may sometimes feel we do.
But when the time comes to return
to the Heavens from where we came
sorrow fills the hearts and souls
of those we leave behind.
But in the Heavens we are Coming Home,
one of the “lost” returning.
There would be joy and happiness
And the angels would sing.
If there were no change, there would be no us.
It seems the price of great joy is great sadness
but through our love we must let go
so that we can live,
so that we can die.
LETTER FROM A DOG
Author Unknown
I am your dog, and I have a little something I'd like to whisper in your ear. I know that you humans lead busy lives. Some have to work, some have children to raise. It always seems like you are running here and running there, often much too fast, often never noticing the truly grand things in life.
Look down at me now, while you sit there at your computer. See the way my dark brown eyes look at yours? They are slightly cloudy now. That comes with age. The gray hairs are beginning to ring my soft muzzle. You smile at me; I see love in your eyes. What do you see in mine? Do you see a spirit? A soul inside, who loves you as no other could in the world? A spirit that would forgive all trespasses of prior wrong doing for just a simple moment of your time? That is all I ask. To slow down, if even for a few minutes, to be with me.
So many times you have been saddened by the words you read on that screen, of others of my kind, passing. Sometimes we die young and oh so quickly, sometimes so suddenly it wrenches your heart out of your throat. Sometimes, we age so slowly before your eyes that you may not even seem to know until the very end, when we look at you with grizzled muzzles and cataract-clouded eyes. Still the love is always there, even when we must take that long sleep, to run free in a distant land. I may not be here tomorrow; I may not be here next week. Someday you will shed the water from your eyes, that humans have when deep grief fills their souls, and you will be angry at yourself that you did not have just "one more day" with me.
Because I love you so, your sorrow touches my spirit and grieves me. We have NOW, together. So come, sit down here next to me on the floor, and look deep into my eyes. What do you see? If you look hard and deep enough we will talk, you and I, heart to heart. Come to me not as "alpha" or as "trainer" or even "Mom or Dad," come to me as a living soul and stroke my fur and let us look deep into one another's eyes and talk. I may tell you something about the fun of chasing a tennis ball, or I may tell you something profound about myself, or even life in general. You decided to have me in your life because you wanted a soul to share such things with. Someone very different from you, and here I am.
I am a dog, but I am alive. I feel emotion, I feel physical senses, and I can revel in the differences of our spirits and souls. I do not think of you as a "Dog on two feet"... I know what you are and who you are. You are human, in all your quirkiness, and I love you still. Now, come sit with me, on the floor. Enter my world, and let time slow down if only for 15 minutes. Look deep into my eyes, and whisper into my ears. Speak with your heart, with your joy, and I will know your true self. We may not have tomorrow, but we do have today, and life is oh so very short. So, please, come sit with me now and let us share these precious moments we have together.
Love, on behalf of canines everywhere.
Your Dog
"WALK WITH AN OLD DOG"
by Gayl Jokiel
Because you will not be forever,
Hope against time though I may,
I paint your picture in my memory,
Eyes blue with age, muzzle gone gray.
Because you walked with me in Springtime,
Puppy-clumsy, running free.
As you grew, we grew together-
You became a part of me.
Because you shared with me my sorrows,
Not understanding- simply there.
Often spurring me to laughter--
My friend, you know how much I care.
Because the years have slowed your fleetness,
Though your spirit still is strong.
I promise I will take more time now,
So that you can go along.
Because you do not fear the future,
Living only in the now,
I draw strength from your example-
Yet time keeps slipping by somehow.
Because the day will soon be coming
When I will no longer see
You rise to greet me-but in memory
You will always walk with me.
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