So many of us have travelled difficult roads with our
beloved animal companions.
If love was a magic potion, certainly none of our dogs would ever be
faced with the cruelty that is cancer.
"I have sometimes thought of the final cause of
dogs having such short lives and I am quite satisfied
it is in compassion to the human race; for if we suffer so much in
losing a dog after an
acquaintance of ten or twelve years, what would it be like if they were
to live double that time?"
. . . Sir Walter Scott . . .
"The Rainbow Bridge"
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 of 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 to them, who had to be 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 quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him 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 the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together . . .
"Request from the Rainbow Bridge"
Weep not for me though I am gone
Into that gentle night.
Grieve if you will, but not for long
Upon my soul's sweet flight.
I am at peace, my soul's at rest
There is no need for tears.
For with your love I was so blessed
For all those many years.
There is no pain, I suffer not,
The fear now all is gone.
Put now these things out of your
thoughts,
In your memory I live on.
Remember not my fight for breath
Remember not the strife
Please do not dwell upon my death,
But celebrate my life.
. . . Constance Jenkins . . .
I give you this one to keep . . .
I am with you still . . . 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 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 stars that shine at night.
Do not think of me as gone . . .
I am with you still . . . in each new dawn.
. . . Native American Prayer . . .
"I Stood By Your Bed Last Night"
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 out 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 almost 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 . . .
"I Can't Stop Seeing You!"
It was a beautiful day in the mountains
Fresh snow lay cool on the forest floor
Giant Sequoias pierced the winter blue
The trip was all we had hoped for, and more
As we drove down the mountain highway
and your Golden form came into view
pacing determinedly on the inner shoulder
it was so unexpected, this vision of you
A purposeful air to your quickening stride
You paced onward as our van drew near
Away from homes, far from a safe path
You were a sight, heartbreakingly dear
What were you doing out there by yourself?
I could find no answer that eased my dread
Had you been abandoned? Were you lost?
Fear for your safety screamed in my head
Please stop the car and turn around I pled
as we had passed him, continuing our drive
Poor thing must surely be lost or worse
chances were he would not long stay alive
Could you tell? Was he wearing a collar?
Please go back to him, stop, and let's see
He may have tags with his name, a number to call
If he were my dog, wouldn't you do that for me?
Besides, it's not safe to leave him out there
It's getting dark, he won't be as easy to see
There's room in the van, we can bring him inside
Please! He's alone and not where he should be.
But to my rising horror our pace didn't slow down
My words had fallen on closed hearts and deaf ears
I looked back and saw him as he rounded the bend
My spirit in sorrow, my eyes filled with tears
Feeling angry, now, I knew, would not help him, so
I turned back as the beauty around me rushed by
It was so clear that the Retriever was searching...
for something only he could see in his mind's eye
I prayed, "Please, God, don't leave him alone.
Lead him to shelter, a safe harbor for the night.
Guide him to his loved ones. If not, to a new home.
I'm sorry we didn't stop, Lord. Please make it right."
His striding form played again in my head
but this time the Golden was not alone
for with every step his paws did tread
a pair of angel's feet kept pace...
to lead the Golden home.
. . . Copyright 2004 by Kathy Anne Harris . . .
"They Will Not Go Quietly"
Thanks to our special friend, Deb Orwig . . .
