topic For Those Whose Pets Have Crossed the Bridge in Community Chat

For Those Whose Pets Have Crossed the Bridge

nagrom — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 20:36:42 GMT

To my dearest friend.
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 spoke 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 re-assure 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 "good-night, 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 me.

Author Unknown

Hope this brings some comfort to you.

Re: For Those Whose Pets Have Crossed the Bridge

beastielove — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 23:42:59 GMT

nagrom..

Thank you so much for sharing this very beautiful and poignant poem.

------------------------------------------------------

All of my children have paws =^..^=

Re: For Those Whose Pets Have Crossed the Bridge

devababy — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 03:51:56 GMT

Thank you. I just finished weeding out my pet cemetery and was talking to my babies and then I came inside and checked out web sites and found your poem. Just what I needed. I think of my pets with happy memories and know that they are having a great time in heaven and I'm glad they are no longer in pain, and that they are still looking after us and waiting for the day we can reunite.

Re: For Those Whose Pets Have Crossed the Bridge

cuddlesmama — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 15:10:00 GMT

Thank you so much for posting. I lost my beloved Sheltie of 13 years 2 weeks ago to cancer and my husband and I are so devastated. I was so upset I couldn't even function. I and just glad he is not in any more pain and happy in heaven and we can be together again.

Re: For Those Whose Pets Have Crossed the Bridge

Another new name Sue — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 05:42:18 GMT

So sorry, Cuddle. You must miss him terribly, and the above poem must have brought you to tears as well as comforted you.

Re: For Those Whose Pets Have Crossed the Bridge

violann — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 21:05:29 GMT

Weeble crossed 4 years ago tomorrow. I have had the enormous blessing to have several very unique kitties, and he was an enormous, laid back, super intelligent sweetheart. They always laughed when he showed up at the vet's office, because you could poke him practically anywhere, and he'd just purr and give you his face to rub. Nothing ever stopped him. The vet said he was gone practically as soon as she inserted the needle- his poor little brain had been seriously damaged by his stroke, yet he was not willing to be stopped by anything. He was 17, my hero.

Re: For Those Whose Pets Have Crossed the Bridge

lucylover64 — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 03:42:50 GMT

On 12/17/2014 cuddlesmama said:
Thank you so much for posting. I lost my beloved Sheltie of 13 years 2 weeks ago to cancer and my husband and I are so devastated. I was so upset I couldn't even function. I and just glad he is not in any more pain and happy in heaven and we can be together again.

Cuddlesmama--I am so very sorry for your loss. It is very, very hard. We do indeed all love our pets dearly. My heart goes out to you and your husband. Nagrom--THANK YOU for posting this poem.....it brought both tears and a smile to my face as I think of the dogs we have lost over the years. My sister just lost her miniature Yorkie a week ago---I plan to share this poem with her.

Re: For Those Whose Pets Have Crossed the Bridge

beach ladydrb — Mon, 29 Dec 2014 04:35:54 GMT

That is a besutiful poem, I am senfing it to a friend who just lost her beloved dog.

Re: For Those Whose Pets Have Crossed the Bridge

PamB226 — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 07:28:36 GMT

This was sent to me recently.....

Dogs Never Die

Some of you, particularly those who think they have recently lost a dog to “death”, don’t really understand this. I’ve had no desire to explain, but won’t be around forever and must. Dogs never die. They don’t know how to. They get tired, and very old, and their bones hurt. Of course they don’t die. If they did they would not want to always go for a walk, even long after their old bones say:” No, no, not a good idea. Let’s not go for a walk.” Nope, dogs always want to go for a walk. They might get one step before their aging tendons collapse them into a heap on the floor, but that’s what dogs are. They walk. It’s not that they dislike your company. On the contrary, a walk with you is all there is. Their boss, and the cacaphonic symphony of odor that the world is. Cat poop, another dog’s mark, a rotting chicken bone ( exultation), and you. That’s what makes their world perfect, and in a perfect world death has no place.

However, dogs get very very sleepy. That’s the thing, you see. They don’t teach you that at the fancy university where they explain about quarks, gluons, and Keynesian economics. They know so much they forget that dogs never die. It’s a shame, really. Dogs have so much to offer and people just talk a lot.

When you think your dog has died, it has just fallen asleep in your heart. And by the way, it is wagging it’s tail madly, you see, and that’s why your chest hurts so much and you cry all the time. Who would not cry with a happy dog wagging its tail in their chest. Ouch! Wap wap wap wap wap, that hurts. But they only wag when they wake up. That’s when they say: “Thanks Boss! Thanks for a warm place to sleep and always next to your heart, the best place.” When they first fall asleep, they wake up all the time, and that’s why, of course, you cry all the time. Wap, wap, wap.

After a while they sleep more. (remember, a dog while is not a human while. You take your dog for walk, it’s a day full of adventure in an hour. Then you come home and it’s a week, well one of your days, but a week, really, before the dog gets another walk. No WONDER they love walks.)

Anyway, like I was saying, they fall asleep in your heart, and when they wake up, they wag their tail. After a few dog years, they sleep for longer naps, and you would too. They were a GOOD DOG all their life, and you both know it. It gets tiring being a good dog all the time, particularly when you get old and your bones hurt and you fall on your face and don’t want to go outside to pee when it is raining but do anyway, because you are a good dog. So understand, after they have been sleeping in your heart, they will sleep longer and longer.

But don’t get fooled. They are not “dead.” There’s no such thing, really. They are sleeping in your heart, and they will wake up, usually when you’re not expecting it. It’s just who they are. I feel sorry for people who don’t have dogs sleeping in their heart. You’ve missed so much. Excuse me, I have to go cry now.

Re: For Those Whose Pets Have Crossed the Bridge

emmysmom — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 17:46:35 GMT

On 12/16/2014 nagrom said:
To my dearest friend.
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 spoke 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 re-assure 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 "good-night, 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 me.

Author Unknown

Hope this brings some comfort to you.

Thanks so much nagrom..its precious! I lost B this past fall...but I know he's pain free and happy with my mom, he adored her!

Re: For Those Whose Pets Have Crossed the Bridge

Black Cat Back — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 19:46:59 GMT

I've lost two wonderful pets (friends)... my collie dog and a wonderful cat. This poem is so beautiful. I think it can apply to people in our lives too.

Thanks for sharing!

Re: For Those Whose Pets Have Crossed the Bridge

wishd4it — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 00:59:10 GMT

I came to get some words of wisdom from everyone & saw this thread & now I am crying again.

Buddy crossed the bridge last night. He was with us for 16 years. My head knows letting him go was the right thing to do, based on his physical condition--my heart just won't listen. My head knows he couldn't stay with me forever, but my heart is broken.

When will the empty hole in my throat & stomach ease? I can't stop crying. My soul aches. Will it get better or am I doomed to feel this constant grip?

This is the hardest thing I have ever experienced.

I am lonely without him & miss him terribly.

View Raw Image" href="http://oi62.tinypic.com/2j3fr78.jpg">

Re: For Those Whose Pets Have Crossed the Bridge

Sammycat1 — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 01:16:51 GMT

On 1/5/2015 wishd4it said:
I came to get some words of wisdom from everyone & saw this thread & now I am crying again.

Buddy crossed the bridge last night. He was with us for 16 years. My head knows letting him go was the right thing to do, based on his physical condition--my heart just won't listen. My head knows he couldn't stay with me forever, but my heart is broken.

When will the empty hole in my throat & stomach ease? I can't stop crying. My soul aches. Will it get better or am I doomed to feel this constant grip?

This is the hardest thing I have ever experienced.

I am lonely without him & miss him terribly.

View Raw Image" href="http://oi62.tinypic.com/2j3fr78.jpg">

Wishd, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Buddy - what a handsome gentleman he was! But I see more in those wise, old soul eyes than good looks: love, lots of it, reflected back to the one he knew cherished him most.

The hearts that shatter into the most pieces are those who loved most deeply. You acted completely selflessly, and because you did, Buddy is free -- and waiting to see you again.

I know how badly you feel, how physically sick grief makes you; DH and I lost all of our pets within the past several years. Grief takes what it takes and the ache it causes is a tribute, in a way, to how much Buddy means to you and always will. Let the sorrow flow over and through you -- it's the path toward healing. And you will heal.

Although you write that your head says he can't stay with you forever, he already is -- because you love him so. Buddy claims that part of your heart that he stole long ago; that will never change.

There are so many wonderful people on this pet forum that helped me through those early dark days. They -- we -- understand like no one else can. Stay with us as long as you like. We have all the virtual kleenex you'll need and more. And I hope you and your family can feel some comfort in knowing that our prayers are with you.

Buddy looks special, and I hope in the coming days you can share with us some of the ways he changed your life.

Re: For Those Whose Pets Have Crossed the Bridge

wishd4it — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 02:44:09 GMT

Thanks for your words, Sammy. I am so sorry for your losses. I can't imagine how difficult it must have been.

Right now my emotions are so very raw. My routine revolved around him so I feel very lost & feel like I can't function. I look forward to the heartache easing & allowing me to remember the gift he was, instead of the grief & loss I feel.

Re: For Those Whose Pets Have Crossed the Bridge

Sammycat1 — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 03:29:03 GMT

On 1/5/2015 wishd4it said:
Thanks for your words, Sammy. I am so sorry for your losses. I can't imagine how difficult it must have been.

Right now my emotions are so very raw. My routine revolved around him so I feel very lost & feel like I can't function. I look forward to the heartache easing & allowing me to remember the gift he was, instead of the grief & loss I feel.

I know just how you feel. Our last pet, our loving boy cat, got heart failure, kidney failure and a whole list of ills -- requiring 24/7 care for years. One day our house revolved around him; then the next, it didn't. We we lost with nothing much to do and a house so empty it felt like the largest of tombs. But gradually it got better. And I'd do it all over again just for the privilege of having him -- although of course I wish he'd never gotten those illnesses to begin with. But if he did, we'd do it again -- for the gift that he was and the gift that he still is in our memories and hearts.

Be patient with yourself. Make sure you eat well, try to get some decent sleep. Talk to friends or family who understand...they ease the journey so much.

Re: For Those Whose Pets Have Crossed the Bridge

wishd4it — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 03:45:05 GMT

Thank you, my friend. I so appreciate your wisdom & will follow your advice.

Re: For Those Whose Pets Have Crossed the Bridge

okBlonde — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 19:04:40 GMT

On 1/5/2015 Sammycat1 said:
I know just how you feel. Our last pet, our loving boy cat, got heart failure, kidney failure and a whole list of ills -- requiring 24/7 care for years. One day our house revolved around him; then the next, it didn't. We we lost with nothing much to do and a house so empty it felt like the largest of tombs. But gradually it got better. And I'd do it all over again just for the privilege of having him -- although of course I wish he'd never gotten those illnesses to begin with. But if he did, we'd do it again -- for the gift that he was and the gift that he still is in our memories and hearts.

Sammycat, do you think you'll ever get another pet? You and your DH have so much love to give. I know Abigail and Maggie have helped me with my losses of Stinky and Tiggi.

Re: For Those Whose Pets Have Crossed the Bridge

NChgOfMyAttitude — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 22:28:24 GMT

Beautiful. I'm crying my eyes out. The pain of loss is always there.

Re: For Those Whose Pets Have Crossed the Bridge

Sammycat1 — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 22:53:33 GMT

On 1/6/2015 okBlonde said:
On 1/5/2015 Sammycat1 said:
I know just how you feel. Our last pet, our loving boy cat, got heart failure, kidney failure and a whole list of ills -- requiring 24/7 care for years. One day our house revolved around him; then the next, it didn't. We we lost with nothing much to do and a house so empty it felt like the largest of tombs. But gradually it got better. And I'd do it all over again just for the privilege of having him -- although of course I wish he'd never gotten those illnesses to begin with. But if he did, we'd do it again -- for the gift that he was and the gift that he still is in our memories and hearts.

Sammycat, do you think you'll ever get another pet? You and your DH have so much love to give. I know Abigail and Maggie have helped me with my losses of Stinky and Tiggi.

OK, thanks for your kind words about DH & I. After 2 1/2 years of nonstop critical care, DH and I needed a break...and to properly grieve Schmoo. His loss knocked our lights out unlike any other, and we've had pets for going on 40 years now as adults. But we've gone through the heaviest of mourning and we've healed from the sharpest sorrow of it--and have many, many more positive thoughts about Schmoo than sad ones!

As you know, I'm an author...and now I'm writing a book about Schmoo for national publication that will be the work of my career, so I want to keep clear on that until I'm finished--I want to get the word out about his story but also the plight of senior or ill pets...and maybe the love we showed Schmoo and our other pets will make a difference on a greater scale.

It's like a calling to me and is requiring great effort; I truly believe Schmoo was put in our path not just because he needed the right people to save him and care for him in toughest times, but also to inspire others through his story to save old/sick cats and dogs who so desperately need saving. DH, Schmoo's vet, the shelter from which we adopted Schmoo, friends and family, & several other nat'l groups are with me in this project.

Lastly, and on a personal front, it's not a good time. The least of it is that between the two of us, DH and I need 4 major operations, some of which were put off during Schmoo's illness. It's not the right environment in which to bring a pet; it's not fair to them. And because we always adopt the oldest or most sick pet in the shelter as a matter of principle, we're not equipped right now.

We've said to each other if our last pet is Schmoo, we're more than content with that. As a dear friend said to me, it's long past the time that you channel the love and care you put into Schmoo into yourselves for awhile. And so we will, knowing he would want it that way.

I hope this makes sense. Thank you, Debby, for thinking of us in the highest and kindest way.

Re: For Those Whose Pets Have Crossed the Bridge

okBlonde — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 00:29:56 GMT

Sammycat, I fully understand - count me in to be the first in line to purchase your book whenever you are finished. And my thoughts are with you and DH that you both are back in the best of health very soon.

And I have some good news to report: I have a meeting tomorrow at a company I interviewed with right after Christmas, and they are presenting me with a job offer! Maybe this is the way employers do it now, I used to get them by telephone but that was ages ago.