The Eulogy

[Alpha]

Cry not for me ,

For I am content

At peace, at rest,

Free.

Miss me please,

For I will miss you

The ear rubs, cuddles, games and walks,

All are with me for eternity.

Speak of me often,

Words help to heal,

Memories stay with you forever

And laughter will help you understand.

Remember me well,

For photographs fade with light

Yet snapshots of your mind remain forever today.

I was but a small part of your life

But you were my life,

All I did was for you and with you.

Now I ask you remember me

With a knowing smile

And I will wait for you forever

At the rainbow bridge.

S. Hatton,2006

[kamuzz]

A Dog's Purpose, (from a 6-year-old)

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why."

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.

He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life-- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The six-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."

[Hounder]

“ There is one best place to bury a good 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 sees 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 the knowing.

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

(B.S Campion)

[madredeperros]

This one was given to me the day my heart dog Sisal passed on too young. Way too young.

THE BROKEN CHAIN

We little knew that morning, that God

was going to call your name.

In life we loved you dearly,

In death we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you,

you did not go alone;

for part of us went with you,

the day God called you home.

You left us peaceful memories,

your love is still our guide;

and though we cannot see you,

you are always at our side.

Our family chain is broken,

and nothing seems the same;

but as God calls us one by one,

the chain will link again.

Author unknown.

[Rom]

Meeting an Angel

I had the freedom of the Universe

Oh how I could soar and glide

But twinkling in the distance

Was a light that caught my eye

I came upon you gently

And felt the love in your heart

I knew in that moment

From you I'd never part

So I traded my wings to be with you

Knowing I couldn't stay long

We had things to share you and I

And our bond would be ever strong

So when you grant me leave to go

Or if I'm taken before you can prepare

Know that my wings are waiting for me

Somewhere out there

My wings will give me freedom

And lift me from the pain

Age will melt away from me

And I'll be strong again

I'll soar when you are joyful

And I'll hover when you're blue

But I'll patiently wait the moment when

You get your wings back too

By Rom for all the Angels who grieve at being parted from each other

[DeerhoundLover]

OGRE

The end of the road

My good dog's life completed

Time to say goodbye

[gsdog2]

REMEMBER

(In memory of beloved pets who are gone, but not forgotten.)

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 re-assure you, that I’m not lying there.

I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.

I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said “It’s me.”

You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.

I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.

It’s possible for me to be so near you everyday.

To say to you with certainty, “I never went away.”

You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew…

in the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.

The day is over… I smile and watch you yawning

and say “Good-night, God bless, I’ll see you in the morning.”

And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,

I’ll rush across to greet you and we’ll stand, side by side.

I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.

Be patient, live your journey out… then come home to be with me.

- Author unknown

[Jasla]

A "GOLDEN" GOOD-BYE

this was writen bye Holly W.Gray for Shockie the golden retriever

I sit and try to write the wpords, I want your heart to hear.

Hoping to find some comfort, in the fact that your not here.

I look out into the open field, that you once occupied,

Knowing now that field is empty, because my love, you've died.

I do believe with all my heart, that your soul has gone to be,

Wuth all the other angel dogs, that you were meant to see.

We will have to stay behind, until god calls us too

So do not be afraid, that he's only called for you.

The water is stil, in the pond that you played,

And your bed is empty, where your pretty head laid.

Our bed is empty, where you once laid between,

the two people who LOVED you and now only dream,

that one day our eyes will shut one last time,

and you will come to greet us, angel of mine.

Until then, I'll kepp trying to see through the tears,

with memories you left us, to reflect through the years.

We'll never forget one minute we spent,

of loving and laughing, the places we went.

And I dread the day that your sent disappears,

for it's "proof" to me,Shockie, that you were just here!

But one day will come,when we'll remember just "you".

Now you go and play, and look down when you can'

remembering we love you,and this isn't the end.

thats beautiful. ;)

[speedy2]

Some people have quoted part of this - but the whole of it is just as good.

Speedy2

***************

Where To Bury A Dog

There are various places within which a dog may be buried. We are thinking now of a setter, whose coat was flame in the sunshine, and who, so far as we are aware, never entertained a mean or an unworthy thought. This setter 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, and it touches sentiment more than anything else.

For if the dog be well remembered, if sometimes he leaps through your dreams actual as in life, eyes kindling, questing, asking, laughing, begging, it matters not at all where that dog sleeps at long and at last. 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 pasture land, where most exhilarating cattle graze. It is all one to the dog, and all one to you, and nothing is gained, and nothing lost -- if memory lives. But there is one best place to bury a dog. One place that is best of all.

If you bury him in this spot, the secret of which you must already have, 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 should not growl at him, nor resent his coming, for he is yours and he belongs there.

People may scoff at you, who see no lightest blade of grass bent by his footfall, who hear no whimper pitched too fine for mere audition, people who may never really have had a dog. Smile at them then, for you shall know something that is hidden from them, and which is well worth the knowing.

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

by Ben Hur Lampman

[speedy2]

and this one too

Speedy2

***************

The House Dog's Grave (Haig, an English bulldog)

I've changed my ways a little; I cannot now

Run with you in the evenings along the shore,

Except in a kind of dream; and you, if you dream a moment,

You see me there.

So leave awhile the paw-marks on the front door

Where I used to scratch to go out or in,

And you'd soon open; leave on the kitchen floor

The marks of my drinking-pan.

I cannot lie by your fire as I used to do

On the warm stone,

Nor at the foot of your bed; no, all the night through

I lie alone.

But your kind thought has laid me less than six feet

Outside your window where firelight so often plays,

And where you sit to read--and I fear often grieving for me--

Every night your lamplight lies on my place.

You, man and woman, live so long, it is hard

To think of you ever dying

A little dog would get tired, living so long.

I hope than when you are lying

Under the ground like me your lives will appear

As good and joyful as mine.

No, dear, that's too much hope: you are not so well cared for

As I have been.

And never have known the passionate undivided

Fidelities that I knew.

Your minds are perhaps too active, too many-sided. . . .

But to me you were true.

You were never masters, but friends. I was your friend.

I loved you well, and was loved. Deep love endures

To the end and far past the end. If this is my end,

I am not lonely. I am not afraid. I am still yours.

Robinson Jeffers, 1941

[MsKatie]

:rolleyes:

Beautiful - having trouble typing through the tears

[Fevah]

Pchelka...been thinking about you a lot lately...

The first day we meet

Your youthful step

As you were given to us

Did you even realise

The change to come?

Little red vixen

While we were bargaining for your life

You went for a meander around the suburbs

In the car

Such a new experience

How did you react?

You sang your heart out

(And continued to do so every trip)

Loud and warbling

Little red vixen

I think you believed you were a soprano

I laugh remembering your sing-songs

We were first time canine owners

It was evident from the beginning

No crate for you

No basket for you

No laundry for you

Little red vixen

It was to bed with me - every night

I will always remember falling into dreams with you

When it came to eating

I never knew anyone so intense about it

We did you wrong twice

Once you ate the snail bait

Once you reacted to our overindulgences

(Oh how you loved apples and cheese)

Little red vixen

You were such a fantastic actress

Gave us the works - big, sad eyes, and constant shivering

You knew the word for 'walk'

How excited you were to explore the world

Outside the safety of our den

You would bark as if to say; 'Hurry!'

You would prance around my ankles

Little red vixen

And we would walk the streets, the parks, the beaches

Stepping high - My pride for you, Your pride for me

You watched me grow

From child, to teen, to adult

I saw the changes in you - from pup to senior

But even when the white hairs

Overrode the red in your coat

Little red vixen

You were still the most beautiful girl in the world

The best thing in my life

I would always talk to you

Throughout the good times and the bad

I felt you knew what I was saying

Even if you couldn't reply

Little red vixen

You knew, always, when I needed a cuddle

You wouldn't leave my side if tears were cascading down my face

You had a particular friend for a while

A whippet named Prince

Oh, how you took advantage of him

Oh, how you loved to show dominance

Little red vixen

You always wanted to be alpha bitch

Regardless of the competition, Regardless of your size

You loved to lie on the tiles in the sun

You loved to curl up on pillows

You loved to play tug-o-war with the blanket

You loved to bark loudly at the sound of a door knock

Little red vixen

I loved to teach you, you loved to show me you could be taught

Sit, Lie, Speak, Stay, Heel, Come, Shake paw...and our favourite...Roll over

You loved to lie on laps when friends came around

You loved to be the centre of attention

You loved going on holidays with us

You loved convincing people to give you snacks

Little red vixen

You loved me unconditionally

Even when I was harsh with you, you always forgave me

I always knew when you had done wrong

Your greeting would be exaggerated

Then the bins were probably overturned

Or something was chewed that wasn't supposed to be chewed

Little red vixen

You knew right from wrong

But sometimes instinct and your strong personality took over - and that was ok with me

I know I could of done more for you

You were never really socialised with other canines

You learnt to stay at home during the day

Waiting for us to come home

Little red vixen

But you taught me so much and even in my ignorance

I never took you for granted

I remember the worst day of my life

It was when we were at the park

And a big dog jumped his fence

He attacked you so ferociously

Little red vixen

I saved you, I didn't think of my safety

I know you would have done the same

When you got sick

Near the end

I felt so helpless

So alone

Little red vixen

When you slipped from me

My heart broke

It was so empty

Without you

I needed to fill my heart again

With joy

Little red vixen

I prayed you would understand

When my chocolate boy came home

A year after your death

The phone rang

I didn't want to answer

My chocolate boy started to howl

Little red vixen

He had never done that before

It was a specific quirk of yours

You were my first

You will never be forgotten

Our bond was special

It will never be replaced

Little red vixen

I hope there is an afterlife

So I can see you again

To my darling red Min Pin Pchelka

I still cry for you

Love Paulii

Edited September 22, 2008 by Fevah

[beddieX]

I apologise beforehand, this is not poetry, nor even the best prose you will ever read and it's not about a lost one, simply a cry from the heart. I've stayed away from this thread till now as I find it difficult to read, or type, while crying. Yeah I know, a man who describes himself as old, bald, ugly and cantankerous. Then I found this, refound it really. It was written by a man by the name of Gary Paulsen, as the closing of his book, 'Winterdance', The Fine Madness of Alaskan Dog-Racing.

It's a splendid read for anyone into dogs of whatever kind.

...............I was coming on fifty and had smelled the copper and it would not be the same again nor would I ever live again.

Not as I lived.

Not with the dogs.

And how could that be? How could I live without the sweep of them? Without the blink on the horizon and the snap-joy of them and the reason they gave to life? How in the living hell could that be?

All those questions were there then...........they are here now when I am fifty-three, and they will be here tonight as I go to what passes for sleep, and they will be here tomorrow when I awaken.

How can it be to live without the dogs?

Then the hardest thing of all-the phone call to a friend, another dog driver 'You have to come and take them all-pups, dogs, sleds, everything-every thing but Cookie. I have to have them gone when I get home or..........'

Unfinished.

Or I won't do it. Or I'll die. Or I won't be able to stand it.

The break must be clean. He will take good care of my dogs, run the Iditarod with them, run with my dogs.

My dogs. God.

How can it be to live without the dogs?

Edited October 23, 2008 by beddieX

[kamuzz]

Farewell my humans,

Yet not farewell,

Where I go you too shall dwell.

I am gone before your face,

A moment's time, a little space,

When you come where I have stepped,

You will wonder why you wept.

~author unknown

[spikey]

I don't know the author of this poem, but my vet sent it to me when I had my old GSD put to sleep, and it brings me to tears every time I read it:

... So, I am glad, not that he's gone

But that this earth he roamed and lived upon

Was my earth too,

That I had closely known and loved him

And that my love I'd shown.

Tears over his passing?

Nay - a smile

That I had walked with him a little while.

Edited November 29, 2008 by spikey

[MsKatie]

For Clapton

My boy

You came to us a little black dog

With a big smile

You came to us

From an unknown home

And found your way

Into our hearts

You gave yourself

The role

Of protector

Defender of the family

And you loved us unconditionally

You gave us so many years

Of so much joy

And you were always my boy

And then the children came along

And you protected them too

Always with that big smile

And that unconditional love

And then …one day..you were old

Your eyes no longer sparkled

Your legs no longer ran

And you no longer smiled

And I told you

“When you are ready to go, tell us”

And you did

You were old and tired

And your smile was gone

And I knew

You were telling me it was time

Time to let you go

To give you your wings

I cried as I held you

And I cry as I write this

But I know

You are smiling that big smile again

And you are free to run and play

Watch over us

Wait for me

Until we meet again

I love you

I miss you

KB 5/12/2008

[juzzmysteesmum]

Look not where I was

For I am not there

My spirt is free

I am everywhere

In the air that you breath

In the sounds that you hear

Don't cry for me Mum

My spirit is near

I'll watch for you

From the other side

I'll be the one running

New friends by my side

Smile at my memery

Remeber in your heart

This isn't the end

It's a brand new start

by:Carol Kufner

A PARTING PRAYER

Dear lord, please open your gates

and call St.Francis

to escort this beloved companion

across the rainbow Bridge.

Assign her to a place of honor,

for she has been a faithful servant

and always done her best to please me

Bless the hands that send her to you,

for they are doing so in love and compassion,

freeing her from pain and suffering.

Grant me the strength not to dwell on my loss.

help me remember the details of her life

with the love she has shown me.

And grant me the courage to honor her

by sharing those memories with others.

Let her remember me as well

and let her know that I'll always love her.

And when it's my time to pass over into your paradise,

please allow her to accompany those

who bring me home.

Thank you, Lord,

for the gift of her compainionship

and for the time we've had together.

And thank you,Lord,

for granting me the strength

to give her to you now.

Amen. by;Brandy Duckworth,1998

[Bullbreedlover]

Just one to share.

I memorised this verse about 20 years ago. Not bad for remembering it now I have hit the 40's

Do doggies go to heaven?, yes I really think they do. It may sound quite fantastic, all the same it may true.

That human love gives them release, and sets their dumb souls free. As love divine gives us our hope of immortality.

It may be that they pass through a land of endless lanes, where they can scamper and escape from whips and leads and chains. A happy land where life's all bones and biscuits fun and play. And cosy kennels snug and warm, when daylight fades away.

Where is that dear old creature who was faithful to the end? Where is that little pal you loved, that understanding friend?

That soul, imprisoned in the melting depths of amber eyes.

He's surely waiting somewhere, in some doggy's paradise.

Author unknown to me.

This was taken from an old Dog world.

[Bullbreedlover]

This is a poem I wrote when we said goodbye to one of our beautiful dogs.

Ok so I know it is a bit soppy but this is something I had to do.

Hope you like it.

With trusting eyes and forgiving mind

A heart that holds no fear

Quietly he left our lives

Our beautiful Ed E Bear

With endless love to give us all

He taught us how to care

And quietly he gave us hope

Our gorgeous Ed E Bear

So many times people have said

Don't give your heart to a dog to tear

But you've never lived until you've loved

Our precious Ed E Bear

If we could walk to the ends of the earth

And could keep all thats dear

We would walk a thousand miles

For our darling Ed E Bear

Every day we shared with him

We will cherish and hold so near

Until we meet again our boy

Our adorable Ed E Bear

But where there is love there is always loss

With a grieving heart and many a tear

And an Angel came and put her hand

On our Forever Ed E Bear

Debs

[bustam]

Just a little quote I found

"A pet is never truly forgotten until it is no longer remembered"

-Lacie Petitto