RAINBOW BRIDGE

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.  When a pet dies - one that's 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, fear and worry free.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and the vigor of youth.  Those who were abused, hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again just as we want to 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 - someone who had to be left behind.  That someone who was kind, gentle and loving.  That someone who took the extra step, stayed the extra minute, reached out and touched with love, even once.

The animals 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 into the big, trusting eyes of your special love, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Author Unknown
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PET HEAVEN

It's hard to lose a pet you love -
You miss it very much.
You'd like to hold it close again
And feel its furry touch.

But there's a place in heaven
For our special animal friends...
Day and night, there's angel light
and love that never ends.

God knows each dog and kitty cat,
And calls them by their names.
He fills up all their water bowls
And plays their favorite games.

The angels give them lots of hugs
And tickle all their tummies.
They teach them to do awesome tricks,
Then give them tasty yummies.

So may this furry angel friend
 Remind you, 24/7
Your pet is happy, safe and sound,
In God's arms up in heaven.

J.S. Jackson
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 A DOG'S PRAYER

    Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of mine.
    Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.
    Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps fall upon my waiting ear.
    When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements.  And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth.  Though you had no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshipper.
    Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.  Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.
    And, beloved master, should the great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you.  Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest - and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.

By:  Beth Norman Harris
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SMOKIE

You rescued me from the street
Out of the cold, and out of the heat.
We would play games like catch
Throw the ball, and I would fetch.

Off we would go, for a ride in the car
Some trips were near, but never too far.
When I couldn't go with you
I would sit, and look at the view

I enjoyed our many talks
All of our little walks
Around the neighborhood we would go
Not too fast, not too slow

In my dish, I would look
For all the special food you would cook
A pat on the head, scratch behind the ears
All through life, for thirteen years

Remember all the good times we had
And try not to be too sad
God has special plans for me
And one day, together we'll be.
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A Pretty Place

There is a pretty place up in the sky,
Where special dogs go when they die.
A place to stay and wait all day
Until their master comes their way.

For some the wait is short and sweet,
For others time drags on leaded feet.
Row upon row by heaven's gate
The noble, furried creatures wait.

For a certain footstep that they know,
For a certain voice to say, "Let's go."
And so you left us on this day
For a place of no pain, to run, to play.

But keep your eyes upon the gate,
I'll try not to be too late.
I'll softly call your name and then,
Together, life will be good again.


By:  "Doc" Frank G. Nuanes
Bandera, TX
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A Petful Prayer

Dear Father, hear and bless
Thy beasts and singing birds,
And guard with tenderness
Small things that have no words.

                                    -Anonymous
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