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 again 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 ’till 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 lone 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 steady dog,
my pain and stuggle done.
And don’t despair my passing,
for I won’t be far away,
forever here, within your heart,
and memory I’ll stay.
I’ll be there watching over you,
your ever faithful friend,
and in your memories I’ll run,
…a young dog once again.
In memory of Asta, Feb 1997 (c) Karen Clouston
http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/friendto.htm
By the edge of the woods, at the foot of a hill.
is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.
Where the friends of man and woman do run,
when their time on Earth is over and done.
For here, between this world and the next,
is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.
On this golden land, they wait and they play,
till the rainbow bridge they cross over one day.
No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness,
for here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.
Their limbs are restored, their health renewed,
their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.
They romp through the grass, without even a care,
until one day they stop, and sniff at the air.
All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back,
then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack;
for just at that instant, their eyes have met,
together again, both person and pet.
So they run to each other, these friends from long past,
the time of their parting are over at last.
The sadness they felt while they were apart,
has turned into joy once more in each heart.
They embrace with a love that will last forever,
and then, side by side, they cross over…together.
Here is a list of informational and supportive websites to aid in your acceptance and understanding during this difficult time.
www.petloss.com
A gentle and compassionate website for pet lovers who are grieving over the illness or death of a pet. Here you will find personal support, thoughtful advice, The Monday Pet Loss Candle Ceremony, tribute pages, and poetry.
www.homevet.com/bonding/loss.html
Includes dexcription of grieving, the five stages of mourning, explaining pet loss to a child, and reasons for euthanasia.