Poems

The Pet Connection
A Faithful Friend Unto The End

by Dana Keith

My eyes are rheumy
My coat turning grey
Remember not my image now, but that of yesterday.
For many a long year
I have watched your garden grow, and even seen your babies go.
Through it all I think you know, never a more faithful friend
was I then to you who loved me well and true.
So now the time has come for you to bid me fond farewell.
But just this last time, listen, for a story I have to tell.
I who was the puppy who crawled upon your knee, and sometimes
didn't make it out the door, during many a downpour.
I was the dog full of pride in my prime, who guarded your
home as though it was mine.
And sometimes I bested that cat of yours; true, and I
even caught a mouse or two.
After you taught me how I listened well,
And sometimes your troubles to me you did tell.
So now that the end of my time has come
I ask only one last thing of you.
Tell me you always loved me, true blue.
As the needle goes in my vein, hold me in your arms, and I
won't feel the pain.
My days of suffering are almost over.
But in your memory I'll live on.
Because we loved each other, I'll never really be gone.

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Ten Commandments of Pet Ownership - from a pet's point of view:

My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be painful to me. Remember that before you take me home.
Give me time to understand what you want from me.
Place your trust in me. - it's crucial to my well-being.
Don't be angry with me for long, and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your entertainment, and your friends. I have only you.
Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when it is speaking to me.
Be aware that how ever you treat me, I'll never forget it.
Remember before you hit me that I have teeth that could easily crush the bones of your hand, but that I choose not to bite you.
Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate, or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, or I've been out in the sun too long.
Take care of me when I get old; you too will get old.
Go with me on the last journey. Never say "I can't bear to watch it." Or "Let it happen in my absence." Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember, I love you.

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Four Feet in Heaven

Your favorite chair is vacant now...
Nor eager purrs to greet me
No softly padded paws to run
Ecstatically to meet me
No coaxing rubs, no plaintive cry
Will say it's time for feeding
I've put away your bowl, and all
The things you won't be needing
But I will miss you little friend,
For I could never measure
The happiness you brought me,
The comfort and the pleasure.
And since God put you here to share
In earthly joy and sorrow
I'm sure there'll be a place for you
In Heaven's bright tomorrow...

Alice E. Chase

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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 souls sweet flight.
I am at peace, my souls 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.

Author Unknown

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Did you know? 53% of pet owners are spending more on their pets now than they did three years ago.