Old "Friends" -- Gone But Not Forgotten!!!

If A Pet Could Say Farewell:  

  I will always remember and treasure the day you chose me to be yours.

I was one of the many pets you came to see and I hoped I was making a          

good impression. I was so elated when you selected me to share your home

and heart. I knew from that very moment on, I was so lucky to be owned by

you.

While I was growing every day, maturing little by little- you fed me...you

watered me...you trained me. I loved it when you shared your precious

time playing with me. I eagerly anticipated each morning when I licked

your face.  It was my desire to awaken you before that dreadful alarm

clock would rudely rouse you from sleep. I felt it was my duty because,

I was so lucky to be owned by you.

I made my share of mistakes. There were times I erred on your carpet.

There were moments when the "animal beast" buried deep in me somehow

encouraged a little destruction of the furniture. I'm sorry. You scolded me.

You understood and forgave me. Could you see the devotion to our home?

I was so lucky to be owned by you.

I wondered why you took me on those visits to see the veterinarian. I

never fully understood those examinations, vaccinations, blood tests done

to check for heartworms or fecal tests that always seemed to be necessary.

You knew what was best for me and I learned to trust your judgment. I

couldn't remember much about what occurred during my neutering

surgical visit but somehow I came to realize you left me there because you

respected me and wanted to ease the animal kingdom's vast overpopulation

problem. I was so lucky to be owned by you.

The days you called holidays were always such fun. Presents for

everyone in our family- even me! How did you ever guess those toys and

treats were just what I wanted? After the visitors left our home, could you

feel my love as I sat by your side? I was so lucky to be owned by you.

These days, I haven't felt as well as I used to in my prior days. My bones

are quite stiff and sore. The pills you gave me helped for awhile but

my time here with you is drawing to an end. It's extremely hard to walk

and I long for my rest.  As we ride to the vet hospital, one final time, 

I see your tears and oh, how deeply I feel your love. It was such a 

wonderful life here with you.  Remember me and know that when you 

pass your love onto another pet, you honor my memory.  I want you to 

be as happy as you have made me.  I am sending you a final message 

as I look up at you with my big brown eyes and lick your hand for the 

last time. Thank you for everything.  I love you.

I was so lucky to be owned by you.  

***********************

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....

http://rainbowsbridge.com/Poem.htm