Buddy
1987 - 1999
Rescued in 1990 by those of us who loved him.
Those we love never die,
for as long as we live
and remember,
they are with us.
Lend me a pup
I will lend you for awhile, a pup, God said.
For you to love him while he lives and mourn for him when he's dead.
Maybe for twelve or fourteen years, or maybe two or three
But will you, 'till I call him back, take care of him for me?
He'll bring his charms to gladden you, and (should his stay be brief)
you'll always have his memories as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he 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's life's land I have chosen you.
Now will you give him all your love Nor think the labor vain,
Nor hate me when i come to take my pup back again
I fancied that I heard them say "Dear Lord, thy Will be Done"
For all the joys this pup will bring the risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter him with tenderness, we'll love him while we may
And for the happiness we've known forever grateful stay
But should you call him back much sooner than we've planned.
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand.
If by our love, we managed, your wishes to achieve
In memory of him we've loved, to help us while we grieve,
When our faithful bundle departs this world of strife,
We'll have yet another pup and love him for all his life.
------ author unknown.
Rainbow Bridge
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 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 had been ill, and are 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 miss someone very special,
someone who was left behind.
They run and play together,
but the day comes when one suddenly stops
and looks into the distance.
His 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
I'm Still Here
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 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 "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
Scooter, my Pony Boy, at the Rainbow Bridge
Christmas at the Rainbow Bridge
