While going through this whole ordeal,  I came across so many quotes & poems.  When Belle passed I decided to honor her memory and give others going through the same thing some words to voice their feelings.  So I surfed and solicited others to help build this collection.  Many are poems and such that have passed from person to person so many times that the author, unfortunately, is unknown to me or the person that sent it.  If in reading this you recognize that person, please email me that information so that credit can be duly given.   For those of  you making the same rough journey that Belle and I made, I hope you can find some comfort in this collection.

 

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 forever in my heart,
My sweet forever pet.....
                                  ~Author Unknown

 

 

The Silhouette

The silhouette stands boldly
at the end of the hallway
ears erect, eyes like jewels
the tail, it softly sways.

This wouldn't be the first time
I've seen him stand nearby,
his image clear as crystal
from the corner of my eye.

His visits I don't share with some
who think I've went over and beyond
the grieving time they deem I need,
they say I should move on.

I sometimes pity people who
have never felt just cause
to share the bond between two souls,
one with hands and one with paws.

The silhouette reminds me
what the others say is wrong
for as long as breath goes through me
there exists our mighty bond.

When the Keeper calls me home
and the Bridge gates open wide
our bond will deepen ten fold
as we walk through side by side.

You see, I am the lucky one
as I've been truly blessed
for someday we'll walk together
as eternal silhouettes.

            ~Author Unknown

 

 

So do not grieve for me, my friend
As I am with my kind.

My collar is a rainbow's hue
My leash is a shooting star
My boundaries are the milky way
Where I sparkle from afar.

There are no pens or kennels here
For I am not confined
But free to roam God's heavens
Among my special kind.

I nap the day on a snowy cloud
And gentle breezes are rocking me.
I dream the dreams of earthlings
And how it used to be.

The trees are full of liver treats
And tennis balls abound,
And milk bones line the walking ways
Just waiting to be found.

There even is a ring set up
The grass all lush and green,
And everyone who gaits around
Becomes the "Best Of Breed".

 

For we're all winners in this place
We have no faults you see,
And God passes out the ribbons
To each one--even me.

I drink from waters laced with gold.
My world a beauty to behold.
And wise old dogs do form my pride,
To amble at my very side.

At night I sleep in an angel's arms
Her wings protecting me.
And moonbeams dance about us
As stardust falls on thee.

So when your life on earth is spent
And you reach heaven's gate
Have no fear of loneliness
For here, you know I wait.

                  ~Author Unknown

 

NATIVE AMERICAN PRAYER

I give you this one thought to keep --

I am with you still – I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow,

I am the diamond glints on snow, 

I am the sunlight on ripened grain, 

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning’s hush, 

I am the swift, uplifting rush  of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not think of me as gone –    

I am with you still – in each new dawn.

                        ~Author Unknown

 I STOOD BY YOUR BED

I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying, you found it hard to sleep.
 
I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,
"It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."

I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea,
You were thinking of the many times your hands reached down to me.

I was with you at the shops today, your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.

I was with you at my grave today, you tend it with such care.
I want to reassure you, that I'm not lying there.

I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.
I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said "it's me."

You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.

It's possible for me to be so near you every day.
To say to you with certainty, "I never went away."

You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew ...

in the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.

The day is over... I smile and watch you yawning
and say "goodnight, God bless, I'll see you in the morning."

And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side.

I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out ... then come home to be with me.

Author Unknown

 

I'm Still Here

Friend, please don't mourn for me
I'm still here, though you don't see.
I'm right by your side each night and day
and within your heart I long to stay.

My body is gone but I'm always near.
I'm everything you feel, see or hear.
My spirit is free, but I'll never depart
as long as you keep me alive in your heart.

I'll never wander out of your sight-
I'm the brightest star on a summer night.
I'll never be beyond your reach-
I'm the warm moist sand when you're at the beach.

I'm the colorful leaves when fall comes around
and the pure white snow that blankets the ground.
I'm the beautiful flowers of which you're so fond,
The clear cool water in a quiet pond.

I'm the first bright blossom you'll see in the spring,
The first warm raindrop that April will bring.
I'm the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine,
and you'll see that the face in the moon is mine.

When you start thinking there's no one to love you,
you can talk to me through the Lord above you.
I'll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees,
and you'll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze.

I'm the hot salty tears that flow when you weep
and the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep.
I'm the smile you see on a baby's face.
Just look for me, friend, I'm everyplace!

~Author Unknown

 

Quoted often…

 

If tears could build a stairway,

And memories a lane,

I’d climb right up to Heaven,

And bring you home, again.

          ~Author Unknown

“Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent.
To sit with a dog on a hillside on a sunny afternoon is to be back in Eden,
where doing nothing was not boring - it was peace.”  -Milan Kundera

"If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the
shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal
likewise with their fellow men." -St. Francis of Assisi

 

… Also, a reference to a song I originally heard done by Sarah
McLachlan. So many of us have "moved the bed downstairs" to be with
our friends in their hours of need. When Belle passed, I listened to
this over and over, remembering all those sleepless nights I spent
trying to keep her comfortable.

"So now you're sleeping peaceful
I lie awake and pray
that you'll be strong tomorrow
and will see another day
and we will praise it
and love the light that brings a smile
across your face." - Sarah McLachlan, "Hold On"
http://www.sarahmclachlan.com/f_discography.html