Candles Burning In Loving Memory
Below are some of the stories, thoughts, and prayers many found helpful in dealing with their grief over the death of their beloved companion. Tribute To A Best Friend Sunlight streams through window pane unto a spot on the floor.... then I remember, it's where you used to lie, but now you are no more. Our feet walk down a hall of carpet, and muted echoes sound.... then I remember, It's where your paws would joyously abound. A voice is heard along the road, and up beyond the hill, then I remember it can't be yours.... your golden voice is still. But I'll take that vacant spot of floor and empty muted hall and lay them with the absent voice and unused dish along the wall. I'll wrap these treasured memorials in a blanket of my love and keep them for my best friend until we meet above. Author Unknown * * * * * A Little Dog Angel By Noah M. Holland High up in the courts of heaven today a little dog angel waits; with the other angels he will not play, but he sits alone at the gates. "For I know my master will come" says he, "and when he comes he will call for me." The other angels pass him by As they hurry toward the throne, And he watches them with a wistful eye as he sits at the gates alone. "But I know if I just wait patiently that someday my master will call for me." And his master, down on earth below, as he sits in his easy chair, forgets sometimes, and whispers low to the dog who is not there. And the little dog angel cocks his ears and dreams that his master's voice he hears. And when at last his master waits outside in the dark and cold, for the hand of death to open the door, that leads to those courts of gold, he will hear a sound through the gathering dark, a little dog angel's bark. * * * * * A Prayer for Animals By Albert Schweitzer Hear our humble prayer, O God, for our friends, the animals, especially for those who are suffering; for any that are lost or deserted or frightened or hungry. We entreat for them all Thy mercy and pity, and for those who deal with them, we ask a heart of compassion and gentle hands and kindly words. Make us, ourselves, to be true friends to animals and so to share the blessings of the merciful. * * * * * "Beau" He never came to me when I would call Unless I had a tennis ball, Or he felt like it, But mostly he didn't come at all. When he was young He never learned to heel Or sit or stay, He did things his way. Discipline was not his bag But when you were with him things sure didn't drag. He'd dig up a rosebush just to spite me, And when I'd grab him, he'd turn and bite me. He bit lots of folks from day to day, The delivery boy was his favorite prey. The gas man wouldn't read our meter, He said we owned a real man-eater. He set the house on fire But the story's long to tell. Suffice it to say that he survived And the house survived as well. On the evening walks, and Gloria took him, He was always first out the door. The Old One and I brought up the rear Because our bones were sore. We would charge up the street with Mom hanging on, What a beautiful pair they were! And if it was still light and the tourists were out, They created a bit of a stir. But every once in awhile, he would stop in his tracks And with a frown on his face look around. It was just to make sure that the Old One was there And would follow him where he was bound. We are early-to-bedders at our house -- I guess I'm the first to retire. And as I'd leave the room he'd look at me And get up from his place by the fire. He knew where the tennis balls were upstairs And I'd give him one for awhile. He would push it under the bed with his nose And I'd fish it out with a smile. And before very long He'd tire of the ball And be asleep in his corner In no time at all. And there were nights when I'd feel him Climb upon our bed And lie between us, And I'd pat his head. And there were nights when I'd feel this stare And I'd wake up and he'd be sitting there And I'd reach out my hand and stroke his hair. And sometimes I'd feel him sigh and I think I know the reason why. He would wake up at night And he would have this fear Of the dark, of life, of lots of things, And he'd be glad to have me near. And now he's dead. And there are nights when I think I feel him Climb upon our bed and lie between us, And I pat his head. And there are nights when I think I feel that stare And I reach out my hand to stroke his hair, But he's not there. Oh, how I wish that wasn't so, I'll always love a dog named Beau. Jimmy Stewart 1908-1997 * * * * * Dogs In Heaven? An old man and his dog were walking down this dirt road with fences on both sides, they came to a gate in the fence and looked in, it was nice grassy, woody areas, just what a 'huntin' dog and man would like, but, it had a sign saying 'no trespassing' so they walked on. They came to a beautiful gate with a person in white robes standing there. "Welcome to Heaven" he said. The old man was happy and started in with his dog following him. The gatekeeper stopped him. "Dogs aren't allowed, I'm sorry but he can't come with you." "What kind of Heaven won't allow dogs? If he can't come in, then I will stay out with him. He's been my faithful companion all his life, I can't desert him now." "Suit yourself, but I have to warn you, the Devil's on this road and he'll try to sweet talk you into his area, he'll promise you anything, but the dog can't go there either. If you won't leave the dog, you'll spend Eternity on this road." So the old man and dog went on. They came to a rundown fence with a gap in it, no gate, just a hole. Another old man was inside. "S'cuse me Sir, my dog and I are getting mighty tired, mind if we come in and sit in the shade for awhile?" "Of course, there's some cold water under that tree over there. Make yourselves comfortable" "You're sure my dog can come in? The man down the road said dogs weren't allowed anywhere." "Would you come in if you had to leave the dog?" "No sir, that's why I didn't go to Heaven, he said the dog couldn't come in. We'll be spending Eternity on this road, and a glass of cold water and some shade would be mighty fine right about now. But, I won't come in if my buddy here can't come too, and that's final." The man smiled a big smile and said "Welcome to Heaven." "You mean this is Heaven? Dogs ARE allowed? How come that fellow down the road said they weren't?" "That was the Devil and he gets all the people who are willing to give up a life long companion for a comfortable place to stay. They soon find out their mistake, but then it's too late. The dogs come here, the fickle people stay there. GOD wouldn't allow dogs to be banned from Heaven. After all, HE created them to be man's companions in life, why would he separate them in death?" Author Unknown * * * * Dogs Don't Have Souls, Do They? By Chuck Wells I remember bringing you home. You were so small and cuddly with your tiny paws and soft fur. You bounced around the room with eyes flashing and ears flopping. Once in a while, you'd let out a little yelp just to let me know this was your territory. Making a mess of the house and chewing on everything in sight became a passion, and when I scolded you, you just put your head down and looked up at me with those innocent eyes, as if to say, "I'm sorry, but I'll do it again as soon as you're not watching." As you got older, you protected me by looking out the window and barking at everyone who walked by. When I had a tough day at work, you would be waiting for me with your tail wagging just to say, "Welcome home. I missed you." "You never had a bad day, and I could always count on you to be there for me. When I sat down to read the paper and watch TV, you would hop on my lap, looking for attention. You never asked for anything more than for me to pat your head so you could go to sleep with your head over my leg. As you got older, you moved around more slowly. Then, one day, old age finally took its toll, and you couldn't stand on those wobbly legs anymore. I knelt down and patted you lying there, trying to make you young again. You just looked up at me as if to say you were old and tired and that after all these years of not asking for anything, you had to ask me for one last favor. With tears in my eyes, I drove you one last time to the vet. One last time, you were lying next to me. For some strange reason, you were able to stand up in the animal hospital, perhaps it was your sense of pride. As the vet led you away, you stopped for an instant, turned your head and looked at me as if to say, "Thank you for taking care of me. I thought, "No... thank you for taking care of me." * * * * * 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 Author unknown * * * * * The Power of the Dog by Rudyard Kipling There is sorrow enough in the natural way From men and women to fill our day; And when we are certain of sorrow in store, Why do we always arrange for more? Brothers and sisters, I bid you beware Of giving your heart to a dog to tear. Buy a pup and your money will buy Love unflinching that cannot lie-- Perfect passion and worship fed By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head. Nevertheless it is hardly fair To risk your heart to a dog to tear. When the fourteen years which Nature permits Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits, And the vet's unspoken prescription runs To lethal chambers or loaded guns, Then you will find--it's your own affair-- But ... you've given your heart to a dog to tear. When the body that lived at your single will, With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!) When the spirit that answered your every mood Is gone--wherever it goes--for good, You will discover how much you care, And will give your heart to a dog to tear. We've sorrow enough in the natural way, When it comes to burying Christian clay. Our loves are not given, but only lent, At compound interest of cent per cent. Though it is not always the case, I believe, That the longer we've kept 'em, the more do we grieve: For, when debts are payable, right or wrong, A short-term loan is as bad as a long-- So why in--Heaven (before we are there) Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear? * * * * * Dinah in Heaven by Rudyard Kipling She did not know that she was dead But, when the pang was o'er, Sat down to wait her Master's tread Upon the Golden Floor, With ears full-cock and anxious eyes, Impatiently resigned; But ignorant that Paradise Did not admit her kind. There was one step along the Stair That led to Heaven's Gate; And, till she heard it, her affair Was -- she explained -- to wait. And she explained with flattened ear, Bared lip and milky tooth-- Storming against Ithuriel's Spear That only proved her truth! Sudden -- far down the Bridge of Ghosts That anxious spirits clomb-- She caught that step in all the hosts, And knew that he had come. She left them wondering what to do, But not a doubt had she. Swifter than her own squeal she flew Across the Glassy Sea; Flushing the Cherubs everywhere, And skidding as she ran, She refuged under Peter's Chair And waited for her man. There spoke a Spirit out of the press, 'Said: -- "Have you any here That saved a fool from drunkenness, And a coward from his fear? "That turned a soul from dark to day When other help was vain; That snatched it from Wanhope and made A cur a man again?" "Enter and look," said Peter then, And set the Gate ajar. "If I know aught of women and men I trow she is not far." "Neither by virtue, speech nor art Nor hope of grace to win; But godless innocence of heart That never heard of sin: "Neither by beauty nor belief Nor white example shown. Something a wanton -- more a thief -- But -- most of all -- mine own." "Enter and look," said Peter then, "And send you well to speed; But, for all that I know of women and men Your riddle is hard to read." Then flew Dinah from under the Chair, Into his arms she flew -- And licked his face from chin to hair And Peter passed them through! * * * * * A Bridge Called Love It takes us back to brighter years, to happier sunlit days and to precious moments that will be with us always. And these fond recollections are treasured in the heart to bring us always close to those from whom we had to part. There is a bridge of memories from earth to Heaven above... It keeps our dear ones near us It's the bridge that we call love. 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 then 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 its 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. cg - 1995 * * * * * The Rainbow Connection Why are there so many songs about rainbows And what's on the other side? Rainbows are visions, but only illusions, And rainbows have nothing to hide. So we've been told and some choose to believe it I know they're wrong, wait and see. Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection, The lovers, the dreamers and me. Who said that every wish would be heard and answered when wished on the morning star? Somebody thought of that and someone believed it, and look what it's done so far. What's so amazing that keeps us stargazing? And what do we think we might see? Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection, the lovers, the dreamers and me. All of us under its spell, we know that it's probably magic... Have you been half asleep and have you heard voices? I've heard them calling my name. Is this the sweet sound that calls the young sailors? The voice might be one and the same. I've heard it too many times to ignore it. It's something that I'm supposed to be. Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection, the lovers, the dreamers and me. La, la la, La, la la la, La Laa, la la, La, La la laaaaaaa Author Unknown * * * * * Waiting Outside I've explained 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 and chew a celestial bone, No matter how long you may be. I'd miss you so much - If I went alone, It wouldn't be heaven for me. Author Unknown * * * * * The Forever Pet by Suzanne Taylor There' 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 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 always in my heart, My sweet, forever pet. * * * * * When you think of me, master Know that I am not the same, Not the frail, old body That I too fast became Smile back on your mornings My young paws wet with dew Think not of the pained version Of the pup you once knew Please remember our good times Our fond romps in the park Not the day I lay dying And my world became dark And at times when you are grieving In those moments of hurt Do replace tears with memories Of when I was alert Please remember my soft eyes And my sweet, loving lick Not the hazy, lost moments After I became sick When sad times are upon you And your tears start to flow Know I am not the confused dog That you grew to know Master, when you lie dreaming Let your dreams be not blue Dare not dream of the frail dog Whose earth years seemed so few May your dream paint you rainbows And bright bridges of gold And show you, my dear master, That I am no longer old May your rest bring you wisdom May you wake without care Grieving not for my loss but Knowing I am still there I'll be in puppy kisses And in walks in the park And right there beside you On your bed in the dark And those times you are smelling A sweet, dew-covered rose Eyes closed, feel the soft brush Of a little, wet nose. Whether you are in sunshine Or alone in the dark When the gentle wind whispers You just might hear my bark If at times you might feel Gentle taps on your knee Please don't let this alarm you It's most probably me Though you no longer see me Nor can you touch my soft hair In a way that you know not I will always be there Please do know I've not left you We were paired from the start I will be with you always Cuddled deep in your heart Love spans all horizons so Let your sad heart not harden I romp and I'm whole again, In a bright rainbow garden One fine day you will join me We'll run fast in a green field When you come to the gateway And, like I, you are healed And till that joyous reunion When I lick your sweet face Know I'm playing in rainbows And I'm saving your place So tonight as you lie back Settled down in your bed Know I'm not gone, dear master.... I've just gone on ahead. Author: Dorrin M. Birch
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