http://www.apetcemetery.com/poems.php September 18, 2007 we buried our cat Rascal on a bluff overlooking the lake he so loved.Today I went to visit him. The sunlight he loved was shining on his spot, the lake looked beautiful. I could almost hear his gentle purr in the wind and rustle of maple leaves. I sat there remembering our life together, tears welled up. I heard a soft noise in the bushes and there were two mallard ducks that had come up from the lake. It was as if they were offering comfort to a fried. I was thankful for the exceptional journey of love with an exceptionall loving cat. He had given me eight years of fun, warmth, comfort and unconditional love. He had saved my life after heart surgery with his gentle presence. He stayed with me until I recovered and it seemed he knew it was time to go. Farewell, dear friend, go with love until me meet again.. Rascal cannot come to greet me,I know I's not alone I know he is always with me, my heart is now his home. http://www.apetcemetery.com/poems.php?mode=view&id=154 [This is actually a song lyric; you can hear the song at www.myspace.com/theuncommonhouseflies] Four Legs You tracked mud into the house Looked so sad when I said "No" You were always there to greet me And you cried when I would go Well, maybe it was just your time Guess I did all I could do Now nothing anyone can say Keeps me from missing you Sometimes four legs are better than two Sometimes four legs are better than two You won't have to hurt anymore But I still hurt for you Sometimes four legs are better than two I miss your face I miss your eyes Funny things you used to do I miss the way you slept by me And the days I spent with you And if you were still here I'd rub your head and scratch your ears I'd let you chew up all my shoes Just to have you near Sometimes four legs are better than two Sometimes four legs are better than two Never thought that it could be so hard Living without you Sometimes four legs are better than two It's not easy finding a friend A loyal one like you Now I realize four legs Can be better than just two Though sometimes I break down and cry I knew we had to say goodbye And I know you're doing better now But that won't make it easy Sometimes four legs are better than two Sometimes four legs are better than two Goodbye old friend I will miss you Sometimes four legs are better than two http://www.apetcemetery.com/poems.php?mode=view&id=153 Cindy and Elvis My sister Cindy lives so far away, Arizona in the USA. Her on the west coast, me on the east - so far away to say the least. We lost our Mom last summer so we talk more often, we've seemed to have mellowed, we've seemed to have softened. Then one night I received her call, it wasn't a pleasant one, not pleasant at all. Her little boy kitty, Elvis was his name - had been sick for five days and now he was so lame. Cindy took Elvis to the vet, "please don't let him die, it's not his time yet". I've never felt so helpless, I was so far away, I just wanted to hold my sister, there was nothing I could say. She was on the phone and full of so much pain, her tears were pouring out, just like an ominous rain. She took all the blame and she felt she was the reason, but Elvis was not aware it was fertilizing season. Cats like to eat grass and bathe in the sun, so Daddy let him out to have some fun. But while Cindy was out and George was there, he forgot to let Elvis back in like he didn't even care. Elvis chewed on the grass and ate his fill, he never had a chance I guess that was God's will. "I can't make this decision, I'm the one who is ending his life. My husband should be here, not me his wife." I could only cry and hug her from the phone, I knew she was hurting and oh, so alone. Cindy, please listen to what the vet has said, it's too late to save him just hold him instead. Let him know it was you who was there till the end. And God will make sure Elvis knew you were his very best friend. No one else could Elvis have ever loved more, because you were his angel the day you walked him through your door. He will never forget the woderfule owner that you were, your love was unconditional, and simply it was pure. So have faith in the knowing that the day will come, that you two will reunite and God will take you home. ------------------------------------------------------ In loving memory of Elvis and a very warm hug for my "Big Sister" who loved him and cared for him till the end. I love you Cindy. http://www.apetcemetery.com/poems.php?mode=view&id=141 A gift of love you first came to be. We welcomed you into our home and became part of our family. A boy's first pet a faithful friend is he, but a twist of fate revealed just what you'd come to mean to me. Years went by together you both have grown. But now the boy no longer, seeks a life out on his own. Saddened by the loss of one so close to me. You stayed behind to keep me company. My friend and companion you stood by me so faithfully. And when the time came to let you go I said good by so tearfully. Your presence was such a comfort your devotion I shan't forget. I will miss you sorely my precious beloved pet. http://www.apetcemetery.com/poems.php?mode=view&id=137 MR. PENNY, IN MEMORIAM 12-26-2005 The world’s sweetest cat, That truly was you And now that you’re gone, oh what will we do? Everywhere we look, we see Penny’s face You were into everything, all over the place. We can’t believe you’re not here any more You’re not there to greet us when we come in the door. Or sitting in your bowl--your favorite place, Just waiting for us to notice your beautiful face! A kitty more loved, there never has been And we can’t imagine there being again. Your spirit will stay here, even if we have cats many. We’ll never forget you, our precious Mr. Penny! http://www.apetcemetery.com/poems.php?mode=view&id=136 ODE TO BEAR DOG Best dog in the world, and he came our way. We could see from the start, he was planning to stay. Sweet and smart, and a watchdog was he; No one ever guessed he’d never hurt a flea. He’d be on the porch or running to meet us Out on the driveway, to welcome and greet us. Trips on the 4-wheeler he just loved to take, He’d follow along--take a swim in the lake. He was my protector wherever I’d go, Daytime or night time, his love he did show. He came to us trained; he knew lots of tricks, “Sit!” “Speak!” “Shake hands!” He’d do quite a mix! He kept on trying, as long as he could, But then one day, he moved to the wood. We didn’t know why, unless ‘twas to spare us From seeing him struggle, and maybe prepare us. For that sad day when he’d have to leave To never return, and we’re left to grieve. We’ll never forget him, that big, sweet Bear Dog! But know he’ll be watching when we come along. And he’ll run to meet us, like he did before, At the Rainbow Bridge…back together once more. How we loved you, Bear Dog! http://www.apetcemetery.com/poems.php?mode=view&id=135 we knew it from the start. And now we sit together, me with a heavy heart. I know that it is time, to release you from your pain. There’s nothing left to do, nothing left to gain. As I look into your eyes, I feel the pain I see I know you have been holding on, just because of me. You are my best friend, and I don’t want you to go But loving you as I do, I can’t let you suffer so. So as I hold you here, I just wanted you to know Today I loved you most of all, Today I let you go http://www.apetcemetery.com/poems.php?mode=view&id=130 Todat the sun stopped shining And our world just fell apart Cos Ben our little dog has gone And truly broke our hearts. He tried his best to stay with us His little eyes said so But in the end he pleaded Please just let me go. We had to do the best for him And meet his last request Because you see, our little dog He simply was the best. He fell asleep as we held him tight And we cried and kissed him goodnight But our lives must continue on right now To look after his older brother Oscar's his name and he's certainly like no other He too will miss this little dog, you see He thought he was his mother. One day our hearts will mend And the pain and torture may end Until that day we pray for Ben And hope he is at peace Cos I know for sure until we die Our love will never cease. So farewell, Goodnight, God bless To our beloved little boy Right until the very end You gave us so much joy. Until we meet again someday And we see your little eyes We send our love as always And wish you a safe goodbye. http://www.apetcemetery.com/poems.php?mode=view&id=129 HEAVEN'S DOGGY-DOOR My best friend closed her eyes last night, As her head was in my hand. The Doctors said she was in pain, And it was hard for her to stand. The thoughts that scurried through my head, As I cradled her in my arms. Were of her younger, puppy years, And OH...her many charms. Today, there was no gentle nudge With an intense "I love you gaze", Only a heart thats filled with tears Remembering our joy filled days. But an Angel just appeared to me, And he said, "You should cry no more, GOD also loves our canine friends, HE's installed a 'doggy-door"! -- http://www.apetcemetery.com/poems.php?mode=view&id=127 I cried when I saw my goldfish die Then watched him speed into the sky, And on and on through molten dye As the world sat down and ate fish-pie The rocks were bare, the plants bereft The day old Goldy left the nest But somewhere on the wave’s white crest Where fish can feel a fine caress A double-headed frog came down One face delight, and one a frown. The giant squid with ink of brown Tumbled with a bare-faced clown And Slike and Lobster, red-tailed Rudd Played joyous in the celestial mud Monster Glimp from before the flood Even one large, female, Carparathud Their joy was real, to see his soul Return, as I stood silent by the hole. Though sad, I needed not be told That he was glad to leave the bowl. http://www.apetcemetery.com/poems.php?mode=view&id=126 There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge, because of its many colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge, there is a land of meadows, hills and valleys with lush green grass. When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There is always food and water and warm Spring weather. Those old and frail animals are young again. Those who have been maimed are made whole again. They play all day with each other. But some of them here by the Bridge are different. They were beaten, starved, tortured, and unloved. They watch wistfully as their friends leave one by one, to cross the Bridge with their special person. But for them there is no special one. Their time on Earth did not give them one. But one day, as they run and play, they notice someone standing by the road to the Bridge. They see a person wistfully watching the reunions of friends, for during life, this person had no pet. This person, too, was unloved. Standing there alone, one of the unloved pets approaches, curious as to why this person is also alone. And as the unloved pet and the unloved person get nearer to each other, a miracle occurs, for these are the ones who were meant to be together; the special person and the beloved pet who never had the chance to meet while on Earth. Finally, now, at the edge of the Rainbow Bridge, they meet, their pain and sorrow disappear, and two friends come together. They cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated. http://www.apetcemetery.com/poems.php?mode=view&id=120 Sleep My Baby I held you in my lap, your precious purr felt rumbling, And dreamed of early years, when you played so hard, running, purring, and tumbling. I ran my fingers through your fur, and softly felt you leaving, And counted all the memories we shared and cursed the time cut short by grieving. I gazed into your beautiful eyes and saw the love you gave freely and gently you went to sleep, And remembered times I gazed upon you as you slept and how much I loved to watch you leap. I held you close upon my lap, the pain and hurt now banished and felt your soul run free, And thought of all the joy you have brought and how precious you are to me. And as my precious fur face forever closed his eyes, I kissed him softly on his whiskers and thought how fragile he seemed. I remember as a baby how he slept on mommies knees and how he twitched when he was dreaming. He loved to lay in my lap and talked to me with tilted head, and eyes a piercing yellow full of life and glee. And now my baby Shasta sleeps forever, rest my love my linky lank for you will now run free. Free from pain, from sickness that came quickly and took the glee, replacing it with dark, Wait for me at Rainbow Bridge, I will see you again and for now will keep you and the love you gave so freely forever in my heart. Dedicated to my precious Shasta Basty, Linky Lanky http://www.apetcemetery.com/poems.php?mode=view&id=116 I went to the animal shelter in 1992 , looking for a dog that would be a good companion, Little did I know I would have her as my best friend for 14 1/2 years, She was all black, with a crooked jaw and a beautiful Labrador. No one wanted her because of her jaw, Life is sometimes that way,when you have a deformity you are often over looked for what's on the inside. She right away fit in, never chewed never soiled in the yard, only the woods,never bit anyone, Never had her own puppies. But, she mothered and taught good manners to all who shared her home. She loved me unconditionally...She wagged her tail and spoke to me when I came home from anywhere. She loved to travel, and visited the New England area. When we went to the motel they said "no pets". Next one we went to we didn't ask, she just went in and no one knew she was there..She never left any place she slept trashed. She loved her french fries and ice cream. Oh! I almost forgot , it was policy she got the 1ST cookie from the oven, and she knew it. He last days were of pain from old age. Her gait was stiff but her love was always fresh, When she slept with me , if she snored it was OK, she was my friend. God had a very good idea when he gave us pets to be our companions, he knew people. Some are not trust worthy or honest and faithful, but, my Tammy always was ..She cried from pain her last months, today I cry because MY FRIEND IS GONE, for awhile!! http://www.apetcemetery.com/poems.php?mode=view&id=113 STILL HERE I stood by you, 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 have not left you, I am well. I am fine. I am 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 am 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 is possible for me to be so near you everyday - 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, Good Night, God bless, I will see you in the morning. And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide, I will rush across to greet you and we will 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 http://www.apetcemetery.com/poems.php?mode=view&id=110 My family brought me home cradled in their arms. They cuddled me and smiled at me and said I was full of charm. They played with me and laughed with me and showered me with toys. I sure do love my family, especially the little girls and boys. The children loved to feed me; they gave me special treats. They even let me sleep with them - all snuggled in the sheets. I used to go for walks, often several times a day. They even fought to hold the leash, I’m very proud tosay! These are the things I’ll not forget - a cherished memory. I now live in the shelter - without my family. They used to laugh and praise me when I played with that old shoe. But I didn’t know the difference between the old one and the new. The kids and I would grab a rug, for hours we would tug. So I thought I did the right thing when I chewed the bedroom rug. They said I was out of control and would have to live outside. This I didn’t understand, although I tried and tried! The walks stopped, one by one; they said they hadn’t the time. I wish that I could change things; I wish I knew my crime. My life became so lonely in the backyard on a chain. I barked and barked all day long to keep from going insane. So they brought me to the shelter, but were embarrassed to say why. They said I caused an allergy, and then each kissed me goodbye. If I’d only had some training as a little pup, I wouldn’t have been so hard to handle when I was all grown up. “You only have one day left”, I heard a worker say. Does that mean I have a second chance? Do I go home today? http://www.apetcemetery.com/poems.php?mode=view&id=109 On the morning of September 11, 2001, there was an unprecedented amount of activity at the Rainbow Bridge. Decisions had to be made. They had to be made quickly. And, they were. An issue, not often addressed here, is the fact that many residents really have no loved one for whom to wait. Think of the pups who lived and died in hideous puppy mills. No one on earth loved or protected them. What about the many who spent unhappy lives tied in backyards? And, the ones who were abused. Who are they to wait for? We don't talk about that much up here. We share our loved ones as they arrive, happy to do so. But we all know there is nothing like having your very own person who thinks you are the most special pup in the Heavens. Last Tuesday morning a request rang out for pups not waiting for specific persons to volunteer for special assignment.... An eager, curious crowd surged excitedly forward, each pup wondering what the assignment would be. They were told by a solemn voice that unexpectedly, all at once, over 4,000 loving people had left Earth long before they were ready. All the pups, as all pups do, felt the humans' pain deep in their own hearts. Without hearing more, there was a clamoring among them - "May I have one to comfort?" "I'll take two, I have a big heart." "I have been saving kisses forever." One after another they came forward begging for assignment. One cozy-looking fluffy pup hesitantly asked, "Are there any children coming? I would be very comforting for a child 'cause I'm soft and squishy and I always wanted to be hugged." A group of Dalmatians came forward asking to meet the Firemen and be their friends. The larger working breeds offered to greet the Police Officers and make them feel at home. Little dogs volunteered to do what they do best, cuddle and kiss. Dogs who on Earth had never had a kind word or a pat on the head, stepped forward and said, "I will love any human who needs love." Then all the dogs, wherever on Earth they originally came from, rushed to the Rainbow Bridge and stood waiting, overflowing with love to share - each tail wagging an American Flag. http://www.apetcemetery.com/poems.php?mode=view&id=108 Twas The Night Before Christmas Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; The children were nestled all snug in their beds, With no thought of the dog filling their heads. And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap, Knew he was cold, but didn't care about that. When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, Figuring the dog was free of his chain and into the trash. The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow Gave the luster of mid-day to objects below, When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But Santa Claus - with eyes full of tears. He unchained the dog, once so lively and quick, Last year's Christmas present, now painfully thin and sick. More rapid than eagles he called the dogs name. And the dog ran to him, despite all his pain; "Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN! On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONNER and BLITZEN! To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! Let's find this dog a home where he'll be loved by all" I knew in an instant there would be no gifts this year, For Santa Claus had made one thing quite clear, The gift of a dog is not just for the season, We had gotten the pup for all the wrong reasons. In our haste to think of the kids a gift There was one important thing that we missed. A dog should be family, and cared for the same You don't give a gift, then put it on a chain. And I heard him exclaim as he rode out of sight, "You weren't giving a gift! You were giving a life!" http://www.apetcemetery.com/poems.php?mode=view&id=107 There once was a cat named Boo, A tomcat named George he knew, George tried so hard To drive Boo from his yard, But now George is crying Boo-hoo! http://www.apetcemetery.com/poems.php?mode=view&id=106 Eternal Spirit, we bring you our grief in the loss of [name of animal] and ask for courage to bear it. We bring you our thanks for [name of animal] who lived among us and gave us freely of his/her love. We commit our friend and companion [name of animal] into your loving hands. Give us eyes to see how your love embraces all creatures and every living thing speaks to us of your love. Amen. http://www.apetcemetery.com/poems.php?mode=view&id=105 I had just gotten a divorce and I jumped immediately into a relationship. I don't know if I was scared....lonely...or what...but I know now….I should have waited until my feet were back on the ground. He was a charmer…..a sweet talker...what I didn't know...and would soon find out was that he was an alcoholic and had a very short temper. We met when he moved in the same place I was living. He rented a room where me and a friend of mine and my daughter were living. He seemed like a nice person, paid his bills on time, was polite, had fantastic manners, never missed a day of work. We got involved and after a whirlwind...we moved in together and despite 2 forms of precaution...I ended up pregnant. (The best thing that ever happened from that relationship) One night…..he wanted to go to the bars and I told him I didn't want to go because I was tired and wanted to stay home. He went to the bar...I went to bed. I awoke to being drug out of the bed by my hair. He was mad because I did not wait up for him. He was so drunk. I could not get away from him. He was so much stronger than me. He kept hitting my face again and again…...then he hit me in the stomach once...I don't know if it was the fear from when he hit me in the stomach...or what...but just then my cat, "Georgia Crackers" (we always called him Crackers...but now we call him KING) jumped up off the bed and landed square with all four paws on his face. That gave me the chance I needed to get away and get out the door. I ran to the neighbors house about 4 doors away...and called the police. I had to have reconstructive surgery to put my nose and all back together while I was pregnant. I am thankful my son is ok. I did press charges. He was in jail for a year and he got a year of probation and a $250.00 fine. His only comment was, "Damn...Good thing I was in Georgia...Florida would have really socked it to me." He turned to religion while he was in jail...which I learned later, they all do. I bought into it and agreed to see him when he got out. My son was born while he was in jail. When he got out, I let him see him and we eventually worked our way into a relationship again. I told him before he moved back in...I was TRYING this one more time FOR my son..but that I would not STAY in it FOR my son..I told him if he started drinking or I felt threatened...it was over for good. Things went well for a while...Then my asthma got really bad...Came to find out later...it was because he was smoking in the house when I wasn't home and spraying that odor neutralising stuff afterwards so I couldn't smell it. After that, I found out he was drinking again but I couldn't prove it so I was silent. It came to a screeching halt one night when he came home drunk and we got into a big fight...he threatened me in front of my daughter (who was petrified) . She snuck off to go call my father who lived around the corner. We had talked about it many times. She knew that if I had to deal with him….that her job was to call for help...and she pulled it off beautifully. He went wild when my dad showed up and got in his face pointing his finger and threatening him but my dad never backed down from him...My father told him that he wasn't scared of him because he wasn't a man...He told him..."A man doesn't beat on a woman...A man doesn't scare a little girl and make a little boy cry....a man stands by his family and takes care of them. Then he told him to get his stuff and get out of the house and to not come back. He left...and we obtained a restraining order before the night was over. Aren't daddy's great? That’s the end of my story. He is basically out of my life except for an occasional phone call to my son. I have remarried and as far as my son is concerned...He has his daddy! http://www.apetcemetery.com/poems.php?mode=view&id=104