“Don’t let yesterday’s joys become today’s sorrows” If it Should Be… 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 the grief then stay your hand, For this day more than all the rest Your love and friendship stand the test. We’ve had so many happy years, What is to come can hold no fears. You’d not want me to suffer so; When the time comes, please let me go. Take me where my needs they’ll tend And stay with my, if you can, to the end. Hold me firm and speak to me Until my eyes no longer see. I know in time, you will see, It is a kindness you do for me. Although my tail its last was waved, From pain and suffering I’ve been saved. Don’t grieve that it should be you, Who must decide this thing to do, We’ve been so close, we two, these years; Don’t let your heart hold any tears. Smile, for we walked together for a little while.      For My Family:-  Do not stand by my grave and weep  Do not stand by my grave and weep, I am not there. I do not sleep.  I am a thousand winds that blow. I am a diamond glint of snow.  I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain.  When you awake in the morning hush, I am the swift, uplifting rush of quiet birds in circling flight.  I am the soft starshine at night.  Do not stand by my grave and cry. I am not there…I did not die.   Rainbow Bridge  Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies who 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 and water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who have been ill and old are restored to health and vigour; 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. The animals 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 begins to quiver. 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 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 together, you and your special pet cross the Rainbow Bridge.   Four Feet In Heaven Now we lay you down to sleep  You’re finally at rest You gave us joy for 15 years  you were the very best and when I pray for you at my bed I remember the good things I’ve said “Good Boy” and “I love you” Are just some of the things I’ve said to you The empty collar the empty spot makes my heart feel empty and stopped but I know you’re in a better place and no longer walk in pain or bark in vain but they look down and smile and stand by your empty owner for a while Until again you fill his heart with glee and meet again together you flee. Laura   From A Canine Friend to Those who Love Him 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 more 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 ’til 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 one last time, I breath your scent and through you 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 and steady dog my pain and struggle done. And don’t despair my passing for I won’t be far away forever here, with 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. -Author unknown   Lend Me a Pup ‘I will lend to you for a while, a pup’, God said; ‘For you to love 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 crowd 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 Pup back once again?’ I fancied that I heard them say, “Dear Lord, Thy Will be Done; For all the joys this Pup will bring, the risks of grief we’ll run. We’ll shelter her with tenderness we’ll love her while we may And for all the happiness we have known, forever grateful stay… But should you call her back much sooner than we’d planned, We’ll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand”. “If, by our love, we manage, Your wishes to achieve, In memory of her we loved, (to help us while we grieve), when our faithful bundle departs this world of strife, We’ll have yet other Pups and love them all their lives.”