Pet Loss Poems and Stories:

The Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of Heaven is a place called The 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 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 or 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 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 to each other 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

If It Should Be

If it be I grow frail and weak,
And pain should wake me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle can’t be won.
You will be sad, I’ll understand,
Don’t let your grief then stay your hand,
For this day more than all the rest,
Your love and friendship stand the test.
We’ve had so many happy years,
What is to come will hold no fears,
You’ll not want me to suffer, so,
When the time comes, please let me go.
I know in time, you too will see,
It is a kindness you do me,
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering, I’ve been saved.
Do not grieve that it should be you,
Who has to decide this thing to do
We’ve been so close, we two, these years,
Don’t let your heart hold any tears.

Author Unknown

I will lend to you for a while, a pup, God said, For you to love him while he lives and mourn for him when he's dead. Maybe for twelve or fourteen years, or maybe two or three But will you, 'til 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 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 labor 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 we'll run. We'll shelter him with tenderness, we'll love him while we may And for the happiness we've known forever grateful stay

But should you call him back much sooner than we've planned, We'll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand. If, by our love, we've managed, your wishes to achieve in memory of him we loved, to help us while we grieve.

When our faithful bundle departs this world of strife,
We'll have yet another Pup and love him all his life.

Author Unknown