Rainbow Bridge Poem

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, someone who was 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 begins to quiver. Suddenly, he breaks from the group, flying over the green grass, 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 those trusting eyes, so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together...

A DOG'S PRAYER

Treat me kindly, my beloved master, 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 the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps falls upon my waiting ear.

When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth.

Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshiper.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, 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, beloved master, should the great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest -- and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.

A FAITHFUL DOG

A Faithful Dog Will Play With You
And Laugh With You Or Cry
He'll Gladly Starve To Stay With You
Nor Ever Reason Why,
And When You're Feeling Out Of Sorts
Somehow He'll Understand
He'll Watch You With His Shining Eyes
And Try To Lick Your Hand.
His Blind, Implicit Faith In You
Is Matched By His Great Love
The Kind That All Of Us Should Have
In The Master, Up Above.
When Everything Is Said And Done
I Guess This Isn't Odd
For When You Spell "Dog" Backwards
You Get The Name Of God.

A STUMP FOR A TAIL

You can't buy loyalty, they say
I bought it though, the other day;
You can't buy friendship, tried and true,
Well just the same, I bought that too.
I made my bid, and on the spot
Bought love and faith and a whole job lot
Of happiness, so all in all
The purchase price was pretty small.
I bought a single trusting heart,
That gave devotion from the start.
If you think these things are not for sale,
Buy a brown-eyed puppy with a stump for a tail.

An Exciting thought

An exciting thought popped into my head today,
While I sat watching two young puppies at play.
How much we could learn if we only would look
At these creatures who have never read a book.
Jealousy, hatred, gossip and greed
Are rarely found in dogs, no matter the breed.
What do they know that we do not?
Obviously, though they're not telling, quite a lot.
Of course, two pups may squabble over a bone.
But soon you will find it left all alone,
While the former combatants snuggle close, sound asleep.
Secure in the knowledge that their treasure will keep.
Warmth and closeness mean so much more to them,
Even though the battle will probably begin again.
It is more playful than serious, this game of tug
And will end again with them both asleep, close on the rug
When two humans decide they want the same thing,
Whatever the object, they both will cling Grimly determined that each is right,
No matter how long, they continue to fight.
Let's look at those puppies, asleep at our feet.
Has either lost that treasure he tried so hard to keep?
Not really, as it lays just a few feet away
Not a treasure trove, just an object of play.
And the two little creatures? Are they content?
Completely and totally because their little souls are bent
Upon keeping this friend who plays this game with them,
And is still willing to snuggle again and again.
If only we could learn the great lesson here
Things are not precious, friendships are dear.
What good will this thing do us, this precious bone,
If we find ourselves left completely alone?
The next time I find myself wanting to fight,
I'll remember those puppies and, with all of my might,
I will try to give it up with a shrug
And hope to end up sound asleep, close on the rug.

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