I know what you're thinking. You think I'm dead. Because you cannot see me
with your human eye, cannot feel me with your hands or hold me in your arms you
think I am gone forever. You recall how I looked when I left this place and
you cannot remotely imagine that I could possibly be alive in another place. You are racked and torn by the pain of our separation and it blinds you to that which is right in front of you...me.
How many times since I left your immediate sight have you been told that I'm
dead and you should "get over it"? How many times have you cried
yourself to sleep because you feel like an outcast, believing you're supposed
to get over me because that's what people say is normal but somehow you can't
and no one seems to understand? How many times have you put yourself
through such excruciating pain because you aren't willing to consider that I
am not, by any means, dead?
I want you to do me a favor and go back in time with me. Remember the
glorious day you brought me home - was I not the most intriguing creature
you'd ever met? Did I not make you laugh and giggle? Did I not look at you with such adoration that you wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of your life
with me? I wanted this too.
Remember the days when I was in my prime and we did many things together.
You were so proud of me! I was a good friend and I took care of you when you
cried, were angry or felt down and unhappy. When you didn't have a lot of time
for me because of your obligations, I waited patiently for you. I was always
there when you needed me. Did I not look at you with such acceptance and patience that at times you felt perhaps a bit unworthy? You were never unworthy in my eyes.
Remember when age crept up on me, my bones became stiff and my movements slower. Still I met you at the door when you came home and followed you around the house. We'd been together for so long, I was your very best friend regardless of what you were doing, saying, thinking. Did I not look at you with such kindness and understanding that you felt overwhelmed? I couldn't get enough of you.
Remember the last time we saw each other with earthly eyes. You tried to be
brave but I knew you were crying...I know you so well. Better than anyone
else in the whole world. Did I not look at you with such pure trust and love that you yearned only to hold me close and keep me with you always? Did you not
promise that you would love me forever? I believed you.
If this is so then why have you let me go by thinking I no longer exist?
Remember the depth in my eyes all those times I looked at you with adoration,
acceptance, patience, trust and love. Who created this depth and love? Would
the Creator diminish the song of our laughter which was created in the name of
love? I am no longer an earthly figure, this is true. My body was only part
of who I really am. My body would have been but a mere shell on earth if it were not filled to overflowing with my soul, my spirit, my loving light. When we met you thought I was cute, sweet, pretty and adorable. But what kind of relationship would we have had if this is all that I'd been? How could you have loved me if I'd had no spiritual substance?
We are all made up of energy which resides far deep down inside of us, it is
our core, our soul, spirit and loving light. It is the energy that is all of
life...it has no beginning, it has no end. It simply is and always will be and without it there is no life. You can't see it with the naked eye nor can you hold it in your hand, it is simply a certain knowing that this energy does exist. It's a knowing just as you know that our love existed on earth - you couldn't see our love in a solid sense, you couldn't gather it all up and confine it to one place. But you *knew* it existed. There was no doubt in your mind.
They demand you get over me, insisting that I'm dead and you'll never see me
again because animals don't go to Heaven. Oh really? I'm here to tell you
different. You were worthy of my love and undying devotion on earth as I was
of yours. Do you really believe this love would be snatched from us *forever* by a loving Creator simply because I wasn't human? Was I not a living, breathing
creation with personality? How could I have been so if I didn't possess the
energy of soul, spirit and loving light? And if this energy is and always
will be, then how can it be that I am dead? If my core is not of the energy that is all of life then I was never alive to begin with. But you know better.
You cry because you miss me, this I understand. I miss you too - I miss the
belly rubs, hugs and kisses that we shared. But life does go on beyond these
wonderful, fulfilling physical connections. I came to this place to live a
whole new life, not because I didn't love you anymore or because I wanted something better. I came here because it was time for me to go to the next phase of my existance, something all living creatures must do eventually. It is the normal progression of life. I was not taken away from you because you cannot take away that which was never owned. My presence in your life was and is a gift to be cherished and honored just as I cherish and honor you.
Life is not simply about being born into a body, living a certain number of
years and then dying. Energy cannot die. We are blessed with time in a body so that we can learn, share and grow. It prepares us for the next phase of our eternal life. The body holds within it the true life force of our existance...our soul, spirit and loving light. Without these our bodies would be empty, blank, void of feeling and expression. Without our energy we would indeed be dead and could never have experienced our love for each other.
You say that all you have left are memories. Not so. You see, when I took
leave of my earthly body I left a little something behind for you. You can't touch it, hold it or examine it for what I left behind is far too uninhibited for confinement. I left behind a piece of my soul. I placed it right next to your own which is quite fitting as we were always side by side in our earthly life together. I love you too much to have left you with nothing but memories which tend to fade and grow cloudy as the years go by. I love you too much to have vanished without a trace. How selfish it would be of me to remove love and light from your life.
I understand your tears, each one you shed is testament to your love for me
and I am honored and humbled. But don't forget the good things we shared -
remember and smile. This is an honor for me as well. And when you need me I
will be here. Close your eyes, relax, take slow, deep breaths and picture me
in your mind. Shut off the world and your notions of what death is and give me a
chance. Look for the subtle signs I send you. Don't stop being proud of me, I
am a friend to be proud of, I am still your friend and soul mate. Don't
memorialize the death of my body but instead honor and celebrate my never-ending
life for it is eternal and forever as is my love for you.
Until we meet again...
Author Unknown
Once upon a time, long, long ago, before Mankind and Dogdom learned to love one another, the Grand Canine Council of Eight, which governed the fate of all dogs, called an important meeting. It had been decided that the governing of dogs would be more easily accomplished if each dog was designated by the name of his choice, and each breed could then select a prototype to portray breed characteristics. This action was deemed necessary because Mankind and Dogdom were to soon unite, hopefully to the benefit of each.
On the appointed day, the representatives gathered and one by one, in an orderly fashion, each made his selection from a series of catalogs depicting body parts available.
As the day wore on, it became clear that there was not enough material on hand to satisfy all breed requirements. Shortages were beginning to develop, especially in the ear and tail categories. A few of the breed representatives began to show signs of anxiety. A Greyhound crowded near a large dog at the front of the line. "Please, friend Rottweiler," whined the Greyhound, "Let me take your place in line. If I stay at the end of the line there won't be any long tails left, and without long tails to act as rudders, Greyhounds will run crookedly."
"Well, okay," said the Rottweiler, and he moved back a step for the grateful Greyhound.
The line began inching forward again. "Pardon me, sir," rumbled a deep voice at the Rottweiler's shoulder. "Would you mind if I went ahead of you?"
"Well," said the Rottweiler, "I really don't think..."
"You see," the deep voice went on, "We St. Bernards must have great size to perform our rescue work in the snow. It's extremely difficult for small dogs to rescue people. Just think of all those lost children."
"Oh, all right," sighed the Rottweiler, and again he moved back in line.
And so it went...a little prototype dog for whom a long body was essential so he could wriggle into badger holes edged in; a terrier type needed agility and speed to catch rats; another needed a dense coat to be comfortable while guarding sheep in winter; a tiny prototype needed a silky coat to please those upon whose lap she sat.
Finally, all that remained was the tired canine that had patiently yielded his place to the others. Sadly, he looked through the catalogues. Most of the items had black lines drawn through them.... all of the good stock was gone. The Rottweiler sighed deeply.
"HURRY UP!" yapped the Eighth Fate, without looking up.
"Well," said the Rottweiler, very alert now that his turn had finally come. "I guess a big deep chest won't look bad with small ears that stand up sharply."
"Sorry," said the Eighth Fate. "All out of stand up ears."
"NO STAND UP EARS!" Howled the Rottweiler.
"That's what I said. We can give you rosettes, long or medium-short, but they all drop."
"I'll take the medium-short," said the Rottweiler with disappointment. They won't be too noticeable with a nice bright color combination."
"NO BRIGHT COLORS," yipped the Second Fate. "Only black."
"BLACK?" Snarled the Rottweiler.
"Wait, wait," whimpered the Fourth Fate, in an attempt to placate. Here are a few tan markings you can scatter on the face and legs."
"I have three white hairs here," said the Fifth Fate. "Not enough for everyone, but occasionally you can sprinkle two or three on a chest."
"It's not really what we had in mind," said the Rottweiler. Then he brightened, "However a big plume of a tail will make up for everything."
"SORRY," barked the Sixth Fate. "NO TAILS."
"WHAT?" Roared the Rottweiler, "You expect me to report back to my breed chairman in BLACK with a few tan markings, DROP EARS and NO TAIL?"
"Sorry," said the others. "You should have gotten here sooner."
"One moment," the Chief Fate interceded. "This prototype was one of the first to arrive."
"I can't help that," said the Eighth Fate crankily (he was getting very tired.)
"Besides," added the Third Fate, "All of the catalogues are closed. There are no more supplies to be had."
"I realize that," answered the Chief Fate, "But we can do what all good dogs should do...give something of ourselves."
From each of us, Rottweiler, you will receive one gift to bestow upon your breed: COURAGE, GENTLENESS, INTELLIGENCE, STRENGTH, LOYALTY, PLACIDITY, HANDSOMENESS and VIGILANCE. However, the greatest attribute of any breed you already possess in abundance...A GENEROUS HEART."
By Beverly Mitchell
I got to the gate of Heaven yesterday after we said goodbye.
I began to miss you terribly, because I heard you cry.
Suddenly there was an Angel and she asked me to enter Heaven's gate.
I asked if I could stay outside for someone who'd be late.
I wouldn't make much noise you see; I wouldn't bark or howl.
I'll only wait here patiently and play with my tennis ball.
The Angel said I could stay right here and wait for you to come
Because Heaven just wouldn't be Heaven if I went So I'll wait;
you take your time, but keep me in your heart.
Because Heaven just wouldn't be Heaven without you to warm my heart.
Author Unknown
I've changed my ways a little; I cannot now
Run with you in the evenings along the shore,
Except in a kind of dream; and you,
If you dream a moment, you see me there.
So leave awhile the paw marks on the front door
Where I used to scratch to go out or in,
And you'd soon open; leave on the kitchen floor
The marks of my drinking-pan.
I cannot lie by your fire as I used to do
On the warm stone,
Nor at the foot of your bed; no, all the nights through
I lie alone.
But your kind thought has laid me less than six feet
Outside your window where firelight so often plays,
And where you sit to read-and I fear often
Grieving for me-
Every night your lamplight lies on my place.
You, man and woman, live so long, it is hard
To think of you ever dying. .
A dog would get tired, living so long.
I hope that when you are lying
Under the ground like me your lives will appear
As good and joyful as mine.
No, that's too much hope; you are not
So well cared for as I have been.
And never have known the passionate, undivided
Fidelities that I knew.
Your minds are perhaps too active,
Too many-sided...
But to me you were true.
You were never masters, but friends.
I was your friend.
I loved you well, and was loved.
Deep love endures to the end and far past the end.
If this is my end,
I am not lonely.
I am not afraid.
I am still yours.
Robinson Jeffers, 1941 Selected Poems
I awake.... But I do not remember falling asleep.
Just a moment ago, little Jimmy threw the ball
And I chased it with all my puppy concentration;
Timing each bounce in the grass to catch it
At just the right moment.
Did I feel the front yard's grass turn to stone?
Did I hear a screaming sound?
Perhaps I did. Perhaps I dreamed.
The fresh tang of dewy grass teases my nose.
The warm sun warms me. I open my eyes.
Many new friends gather around me.
They show me what to eat, where to drink.
We play and sleep, near the bridge of many colors.
This is wonderful...but it is not perfect.
I awake.... Only a moment ago I fell asleep,
Deep asleep, lying in Jim's arms.
I remember the pain in his eyes,
And the pain in my body, slowly ebbing.
So many years I played at his feet,
Slept by his side, sat watching at his windows.
Slowly I moved less, jumped less, ate less, saw less.
He loved me, carefully caressing me,
Making soft soothing sounds.
But the pain is gone; The blades of grass tickle my nose.
I open my eyes and find new friends gathered around me.
My legs are like springs. Butterflies play tag.
I am fed, and we play near the many-colored bridge.
It is wonderful....but it is not perfect.
I awake.... When I fell asleep moments ago,
I thought all was finished. But now I see
Sunshine streaming throught the leaves above.
All the pains and aches of my long life
Are dimmest memories. I lift my hand
Before my eyes. I see it clearly, soft and smooth,
As it has not been in years. I rise.
My legs are strong again, my toes against
The cool grass. My ears hear birdsong.
The freshness of dawn floods my senses.
I move easily, drawn to a bridge nearby,
Arching gracefully into the distance.
This is wonderful....but it is not perfect.
I approach the bridge, and turn to gaze
Into the fields nearby. I see happy creatures,
Sitting, playing and sleeping.
But my eyes are drawn to two joyous beings,
Running at their fullest speed.
They seem familiar. Can they be the
Animals that I knew before?
THEY ARE!! I kneel down,
They rush into my arms, wetting my face
With joyous kisses and tears!
We stand. We move together
Across The Rainbow Bridge.
This is wonderful. This is perfect.
By ---Mike Blanche
An old man and his dog were walking down a dirt road with fences on both sides. They came to a gate in the fence and looked in. It was nice, with grassy, woodsy areas, just what a huntin' dog and man would like, but it had a sign saying, "No Trespassing," so they walked on.
They came to a beautiful gate with a person in white robes standing there. "Welcome to Heaven," the robed man said. The old man was happy and started in with his dog following him. The gatekeeper stopped him, "Dogs aren't allowed. I'm sorry, but he can't come with you." "What kind of Heaven won't allow dogs?" the old man said. "If he can't come in, then I will stay out with him. He's been my faithful companion all his life. I can't desert him now." "Suit yourself," the gatekeeper said. "But I have to warn you, the Devil's on this road and he'll try to sweet talk you into his area. He'll promise you anything, but the dog can't go there either. If you won't leave the dog, you'll spend Eternity on this road."
So the old man and dog went on. They came to a rundown fence with a gap in it, no gate, just a hole. Another old man was inside. "Excuse me, sir. My dog and I are getting mighty tired. Mind if we come in and sit in the shade for a while?" "Come on in," the man said. "There's some cold water under that tree over there. Make yourselves comfortable." "You're sure my dog can come in? The man down the road said dogs weren't allowed anywhere." "Would you come in if you had to leave the dog?" "No sir. That's why I didn't go to Heaven. He said the dog couldn't come in. We'll be spending Eternity on this road, and a glass of cold water and some shade would be mighty fine right about now. But I won't come in if my buddy here can't come too, and that's final."
The man smiled a big smile and said, "Welcome to Heaven." "You mean this is Heaven? Dogs are allowed? How come that fellow down the road said they weren't?" "That was the Devil, and he gets all the people who are willing to give up a lifelong companion for a comfortable place to stay. They soon find out their mistake, but then it's too late. The dogs come here, the fickle people stay there. God wouldn't allow dogs to be banned from Heaven. After all, He created them to be man's companions in life. Why would he separate them in death?"
Author Unknown
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