Bridge

Remember me always, but do not grieve for me too long. I have tried to comfort you in times of sorrow and have made every effort to add joy to your life. I never wanted to cause you pain.

Peace for me is certain now and I suspect I will have eternal rest in the earth I have loved so well. Please, after your period of grieving for me, make room in your heart for another. You are the kind of person that should always have a friend like me to love.

Your kind and gentle heart should not be wasted on my memory for too long. Give your love to another. I know your new friend will never take my place because we had something very special. It may not be quite the same, but a new and loving companion will, in time, become special in their own way.

You loved me very much and I loved you. My spirit will always be with you. And no matter how deep my sleep, my grateful tail will always be wagging.

Author unknown

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

Brandywine CD
1/29/81 - 3/14/86

This is one of the last pictures I have of Brandy. Her ears were so expressive, standing up when she was alert, droopy when she was relaxed and pinned back when she was worried or scared.

Thank you, Brandy, for seeing me through so many rough times in college and for getting me started in this sport.

The Last Battle

If it should be that I grow frail and weak and pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done, for this -- the last battle -- can't be won.

You will be sad I understand, but 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 is to come can hold no fears
You wouldn't want me to suffer so. When the time comes, please, let me go.

Take me to where to 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 its last has waved, from pain and suffering I have been saved.

Don't grieve that it must be you who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close, we two, these years. Don't let your heart hold any tears.

Author Unknown

I received the following in a card the day after Jack was put to rest. It touched me deeply and I wanted to share it here.

Good Memories

When I am gone, just release me, let me go...
So I can move into my afterglow.
You mustn't tie me down with your tears;
Let's be happy that we had so many years.

Jack gave you his love, you can only guess
How much you gave him in happiness.
He thanks you for the love you have shown,
but now it's time he traveled on alone.

So grieve for him awhile, if grieve you must,
then let your grief be comforted with trust.
It's only for while that you must part,
so bless the memories within your heart.

And then, when you must come this way alone,
He will greet you with a slurp and a kiss and a "Welcome Home."

Thank you Jackie, for your wonderful card and this beautiful poem.

A Parting Prayer

Dear Lord, please open your gates and call St. Francis
to come escort this beloved companion to the Rainbow Bridge.

Assign her to a place of honor, for she has been a faithful
servant and has always done her best to please me.

Bless the hands that send her to you, for they are doing so in love
and compassion, freeing her from pain and suffering.

Grant me the strength not to dwell on my loss. Help me remember the details of her life with the love she has shown me. And grant me the courage to honor her by sharing those memories with others.

Let her remember me as well and let her know that I will always love her. And when it's my time to pass over into your paradise,
please allow her to accompany those who will bring me home.

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of her companionship and for the time we've had together.

And thank you, Lord, for granting me the strength to give her to you now.

Amen.

- © Brandy Duckworth, 1998

Request From 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.

Copyright (c) 1992 Constance Jenkins