Poems of Comfort
Don't cry because it's over,
Smile because it happened.
- T. Seuss Geisel -
The Last Battle
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 - the last battle- can't be won.
You will be sad I understand.
Don't let grief then stay your hand.
For on this day, more than the rest.
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
what's to come can hold no fears.
You'd not want me to suffer, so,
When the time comes, please let me go.
Take me to where my needs they'll tend.
Only, stay with me till the end.
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
it is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail it's last has waved.
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you
who has decided this thing to do.
We've been so close--we two--these years.
Don't let your heart hold any tears.
-Author Unknown-
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 than, 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 alright.
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 it's 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.
-C.G. 1995-
On Loan From God
God promised at the birth of time,a special friend to give
his time on earth is short, he said,So love him while he lives.
It may be six or seven years or twelve or then sixteen.
but will you, till I call him back, take care of him for me?
A wagging tail and cold wet nose and silken velvet ears,
a heart as big as all outdoors, to love you through the years.
His puppy ways will gladden you and antics bring a smile,
as guardian or friend, he will be loyal all the while.
He'll bring his charms to grace your life and though
his stay is brief, when he's gone the memories
are solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay since all from earth return,
but lessons only a dog can teach I want you each to learn.
Follow his lead and gain a life brim full of simple pleasure,
what ever love you give to him. returns in triple measure.
Enjoy each day as it comes allow your heart to guide,
be loyal and steadfast in love as the dog-child at your side.
Now will you give him all your love, nor think the labor vain,
nor hate me when I come to call to take him back again.
I fancy each of us would say,
"Dear Lord, thy will be done,for all the joy
this dog shall bring,
the risk of grief we'll run".
-Author Unknown-
My Forever Pet
There's something missing in my home,
I feel it day and night.
I know it will take time and strength
Before things feel quite right.
But just for now, I need to mourn,
My Heart-- it needs to mend.
Though some may say it's "just a pet"
I know I've lost a friend.
You've brought such laughter to my home,
And richness to my days---
A constant friend through joy or loss,
With gentle loving ways
Companion, pal and confidante,
A friend I won't forget,
You'll live for always in my heart--
My sweet forever pet.
-Author unknown-
They haven't really been taken away.
They have only gone with the Angels to play.
They have been given wings with which to fly.
All their troubles have passed them by.
Their life in heaven now must start.
But we'll hold their memory in our hearts.
Nothing about them will be forgotten.
For now they sleep on clouds of cotton.
- Author Unknown-
A Dog's Plea
Treat me kindly, my beloved friend,
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 blows, your patience and
understanding will more quickly
teach me the things you would have me learn.
Speak to me often, For your voice is
my world's sweetest music, as you must
know by the fierce wagging of my tail
when your footsteps fall upon my waiting ears.
Please take me inside when it is cold
and wet, For I am a domesticated
animal, no longer accustomed to the
bitter elements. I ask no greater glory than
the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth.
Keep my pan filled with water, for 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, my friend, when I am very old,
and I no longer enjoy
good health, hearing and good sight,
do not make heroic efforts to keep me going.
I am not having fun.
Please see that my trusting life is taken gently.
I shall leave this earth knowing
with the last breath I drew,
that my fate was always
safest in your hand.
--- By Beth Norman Harris 1968 ---
It Wouldn't Be Heaven
I got to the gate of Heaven today, after we said goodbye.
I began to miss you terribly, because I heard you cry.
Suddenly there was an angel, and she asked me to enter Heaven's gate.
I asked her if I could stay outside for someone who would be late.
I wouldn't make much noise, you see, I wouldn't bark or howl.
I'll only wait here patiently and play with my tennis ball.
The angel said I could stay right here and wait for you to come.
Because Heaven just wouldn't be Heaven if I went in alone.
So I'll wait right here, you take your time, but keep me in your heart.
Because Heaven just wouldn't be Heaven without you to warm my heart.
- Author Unknown-
I will lend to you for a while, a little Doberman pup, God said
For you to love her while she lives and mourn her when she's dead.
Maybe for twelve or fourteen years, or maybe two or three.
But will you, 'till I call her back, take care of her for me?
She'll bring her charms to gladden you, and should her stay be brief,
You'll always have her memories as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise she 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 crowds life's land, I have chosen you.
Now will you give her all your love, nor think the labor vain,
Nor hate me when I come to take my Dobe back again.
I fancied that I heard them say "Dear Lord Thy Will Be Done",
For all the joys this Dobe will bring, the risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter her with tenderness, we'll love her while we may,
And for the happiness we have known, forever grateful stay.
But should you call her 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,
The memory of her and her love, will help us while we grieve.
When our faithful bundle departs this world of strife
We'll have yet another Doberman and love her all her life.
-Author: Unknown-
Copyright © 2010 Peaceful Paws. All Rights Reserved.
Folks will know how large your soul is
by the way you treat a dog.
- Charles F. Duran-
"If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane,
I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again."
If Love Could Have Saved Them
They Would Have Lived Forever
