I will lend to you for awhile a puppy, God said, for you to love him while he lives and to mourn for him when he is gone. Maybe for twelve or fourteen years, or maybe for 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 that 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 life's land I have chosen you. Now will you give him all your love , nor think the labour 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 you'll run. Will you shelter him with tenderness, will you love him while you may and for the happiness you'll know forever grateful stay.

But should I call him back much sooner than you've planned. Please brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand. if, by your love, you've managed my wishes to achieve, in memory of him that you've loved, cherish every moment with your faithful bundle, and know he loved you too.

Author unknown

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owner, his wife, and their little boy were all very attached to Belker and they were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family there were no miracles left for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, the owners told me they thought it would be\ good for the four-year-old boy to observe the procedure. They felt he could learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. The little boy seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on.

Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. The little boy, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why."

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. He said, "Everybody is born so that they can learn how to live a good life - like loving everybody and being nice, right?" The four-year-old continued, "Well, animals already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."

Author unknown

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....

Author unknown

My best friend closed his eyes last night, as his head was in my hand.
The Doctors said he was in pain, and it was hard for him to stand.

The thoughts that scurried through my head, as I cradled him in my arms.
Were of his younger, puppy years, and Oh...his many charms.

Today, there was no gentle nudge with an intense "I love you gaze",
Only a heart that's filled with tears remembering our joy filled days.

But an Angel just appeared to me, aAnd he said, "You should cry no more,
GOD also loves our canine friends, He's installed a 'doggy-door'!

by Jan Cooper (1995)