I need help. I am trying to find the poem a dog wrote to his master and owner. Said something about the dog telling his owner when he got old and tired to let him go to sleep and not be in pain anymore. It brings tears to my eyes and sadness to my heart knowing what needs to be done. I think if I read that particular poem again it would help. I can see the hurt in Spot's eyes and it hurts me cause he is hurting.
I lost a German Sheperd in December and now the other one is not long for this world. He has congestive heart failure and water on his lungs.
He turned 13 last month. Please post it or direct me to it.
Okie

I feel for you. I believe this is what you speak of: I hope it helps.

The Last Battle
If it should be that I grow frail and weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done?
For this...the last battle...can't be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so,
When the time comes...please let me go.
Take me to where my needs they'll tend,
Only...stay with me until the end.
And hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree,
It is a kindness you do for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you,
Who has decided this thing to do,
We've been so close..we two...these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.
I got to the gate of Heaven yesterday,
After we said good bye,
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 her if I could stay outside and wait
For someone who'd be late,
I wouldn't make much noise you see,
I wouldn't bark or howl,
I'd 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 in alone.
So, I'll wait here, you take your time,
Because Heaven just wouldn't be Heaven,
Without you to warm my heart.

quote:

Because Heaven just wouldn't be Heaven,
If I went in alone.

Amen!
Peter.

Thanks Peter,
That is not the one I was thinking of but it will help ease the pain. If someone can find the other one I was thinking of it would be appreciated. Thanks in advance,
Okie

Okie:
This isn't a poem, but like most of us dog-lovers, I think you'll enjoy reading this. It was in Outdoor Life several years ago.

NO TIME LEFT

Where hunting is concerned, the old dog has truly seen the monkey and the elephant. season after season, when the 12-ga spoke, his sharp Labrador eyes marked the downed birds that splatted beyond the decoys or dropped out of sight into high marsh.

Good Labrador eyes are expressive. You've known this particular pair from bumblling puppyhood to near-senility. And now, between the start of a new hunting season and the close of the last, which you doubted the old dog would complete, anxious eyes follow your every move. They still worry about being left behind but seem to reflect an inner awareness that there is nothing new to anticipate.

As you ease into a comfortable chair the old dog's chin rests on the floor between his forepaws. But raised eyebrows enable his eyes to assure him you'll stay put for a time.

At this stage in his life it hurts to stare too long at him. so you see him as he was. You wonder if his canine faculties are capable of memories. He must recall the soft swish of set wings at first light and the flurry of activity when his keen nose forced an elusive upland bird into flight.

You are sure there was satisfaction, pride and triumph equal to your own when, after a long swim or a hard trailing effort, he finally caught up with,
and delivered to hand a fleeing cripple.

As testimony to how many times he did such things with the sure touch of an old pro, the memories are blurred together or exist only as smudge images. But the eyes always told the same story---the shine of happiness.

You also hope that there are things the old dog has forgetten. You made mistakes in his training. There were moments of anger when you overdid a necessary thrashing. But the old dog for-gave quickly.

You simply refuse to envision hunting years still left for you now that his time has run out. Affection and appreciation show in those calm, knowing eyes, but at the same time manage to convey that he shares you inner regret.

I found this to be particularly poignant as I had to put my old dog (13yrs 11mos) down last year. Even typing this brought tears to my eyes.

I hope someone can forward the poem you're seeking.

Ciao,
J.Schott

Okie, I feel you pain. My mother told me when I got my first lab, " Remember, if things go like they are supposed to, you're gonna outlive the dog." I did not fully understand her words at the time, but have come to understand the pain you are feeling. Do your best to focus on the time you spent together and remember it w/ the next one. I'm going to go rub my old man's ears now and shed a tear or two over his father, my first.

Okie:
My sympathy to you. After reading your post I started to think of my Elroy and Queenie. I lost Queenie to bone cancer and Elroy to old age. When I lost them I lost a part of me. Now I have Bella, she's 5, a Border Collie and we are inseperable since I retired. I hope that day is a long way off because I haven't gotten over Queenie and Elroy and it's been years.
Hang in there and I'm sure they are looking down on you. Bring up,"Rainbow Bridge",it's about where dogs go. It was a comfort to me.

Take care my friend

Nick10Ring
Struthers,Ohio

Okie, I found this:

"Ask the animals, and they shall teach you; the birds of the sky, they will tell you. Or speak to the earth, it will teach you; the fish of the sea, they will inform you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of God has done this? The soul of every living thing and the spirit of all flesh is in God's hand." Job 12:7

Peter.

Would you be thinking about 'The Power Of The Dog' by Rudyard Kipling?

Even if its not the one your thinking about, I know you'll appreciate it.

The Power Of The Dog

by Rudyard Kipling

There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
And when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.

Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie--
Perfect passion and worship fed
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless it is hardly fair
To risk your heart for a dog to tear.

When the fourteen years which Nature permits
Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,
And the vet's unspoken prescription runs
To lethal chambers or loaded guns,
Then you will find--it's your own affair--
But...you've given your heart for a dog to tear.

When the body that lived at your single will,
With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!);
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone--wherever it goes--for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart for the dog to tear.

We've sorrow enough in the natural way,
When it comes to burying Christian clay.
Our loves are not given, but only lent,
At compound interest of cent per cent.
Though it is not always the case, I believe,
That the longer we've kept 'em, the more do we grieve:
For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short-time loan is as bad as a long--
So why in Heaven (before we are there)
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?

quote:

cent per cent

Wow, now that's a dated (English) expression! Thanks.
Peter.

Man's Best Friend

When You Bring a Dog into Your Life

When you bring a dog into your life, you begin a journey. A journey that will bring you more love and devotion than you have ever known, yet will also test your strength and courage. If you allow, the journey will teach you many things, about life, about yourself, and most of all, about love.
You will come away changed forever, for one soul cannot touch another without forever leaving its mark. Along the way, you will learn much about savoring life's simple pleasures -- jumping in leaves, snoozing in the sun, the joys of puddles, and even the satisfaction of a good scratch behind the ears.

If you spend much time outside, you will be taught how to truly experience every element, for no rock, leaf, or log will go unexamined, no rustling bush will be overlooked, and even the very air will be inhaled, pondered, and noted as being full of valuable information.

Your pace may be slower, except when heading home to the food dish, but you will become a better naturalist, having been taught by an expert in the field. Too many times we hike on automatic pilot, our goal being to complete the trail rather than enjoy the journey. We miss the details: the colorful mushrooms on the rotting log, the honeycomb in the old maple snag, the hawk feather caught on a twig.

Once we walk as a dog does, we discover a whole new world. We stop; we browse the landscape, we kick over leaves, peek in tree holes, look up, down, all around. And we learn what any dog knows: that nature has created a marvelously complex world that is full of surprises, that each cycle of the seasons bring ever changing wonders, that each day has an essence all its own.
Even from indoors, you will find yourself more attuned to the world around you. You will find yourself watching: summer insects collecting on a screen; how bizarre they are; how many kinds there are; or noting the flick and flash of fireflies through the dark. You will stop to observe the swirling dance of windblown leaves, or sniff the air after a rain. It does not matter that there is no objective in this; the point is in the doing, in not letting life's most important details slip by.

You will find yourself doing silly things that your dog-less friends might not understand: spending thirty minutes in the grocery aisle looking for the exact brand of food your companion must have, buying dog birthday treats, or just driving around the block an extra time because your dog enjoys the ride. You will roll in the snow, wrestle with chewie toys, bounce tennis balls till your eyes cross, and even run around the house trailing your bathrobe tie with a puppy in hot pursuit, all in the name of love.

Your house will become muddier and hairier. You will wear less dark clothing and buy more lint rollers. You may find dog biscuits in your pocket or purse, and feel the need to explain that old socks adorn your living room floor because your dog loves an impromptu game of tug. You will learn the true measure of love--the steadfast, undying kind that says, "It doesn't matter where we are or what we do, or how life treats us as long as we are together."

Respect this always. It is the most precious gift any living soul can give another. You will not find it often among the human race. And you will learn humility. The look in my dog's eyes often made me feel ashamed--such joy and love at my presence! She saw not some flawed human who could be cross and stubborn, moody or rude, but only her wonderful companion. Or maybe she saw those things and dismissed them as mere human foibles, not worth considering, and so chose to love me anyway. If you pay attention and learn well, when the journey is done, you will be not just a etter person, but the person your dog always knew you to be--the one they were proud to call beloved friend.

I must caution you that this journey is not without pain. Like all paths of true love, the pain is part of loving. For as surely as the sun sets, one day your dear companion will follow a trail you cannot yet go down. And you will have to find the strength and love to let them go. A dog's time on earth is far too short, especially for those of us that love them. We borrow them, really, just for a while; and during these brief years they are generous enough to give us all their love, every inch of their spirit and heart, until one day there is nothing left. The dog that only yesterday was a puppy is all too soon old and frail and sleeping in the sun. The young pup of boundless energy now wakes up stiff and lame, the muzzle gone to gray. Deep down we somehow always knew that this journey would end. We knew that if we gave our hearts they would be broken. But give them we must, for it is all they ask in return.

When the time comes, and the road curves ahead to a place we cannot see, we give one final gift and let them run on ahead, young and whole once more. "God speed, good friend," we say, "until our journey comes full circle and our paths will cross again."

~~ Author unknown ~~

I think this is the poem you are looking for.

A Dogs Plea

Treat me kindly my beloved friend, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me learn.

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 footstep falls upon my waiting ears.

Please take me inside when it is cold and wet for I am a domesticated animal, no longer accustomed to bitter elements. I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for 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 you be in danger.

And, my friend, when I am very old, and no longer enjoy good health, hearing and sight, do not make heroic efforts to keep me going. I am not having any fun. Please see that my trusting life is taken gently. I shall leave this earth knowing with the last breath I draw that my fate was always safest in your hands.

-Author Unknown

Spot went to sleep last Monday while I was on a hauling job. He didn't have the energy to walk me to the door when I left at 9 that morning. He hadn't ate since Saturday.
When the wife got home home at 6:40 she noticed he had an accident on the flor and it was almost black in color. She took him to the vet one last time and informed him of the dark stool. The dr examined him and told her his organs were starting to fail.She told him she didn't want him to hurt or be in pain. He agreed and said the meds had quit working and his time was about up. She thought it was time to let him rest and the doc agreed. He gave Spot a shot and explained to her he would just go to sleep and he would be back in a few minutes. He cam back in the room and Spot was asleep in her arms. Through her tears she informed the vet she wanted him creamated. She handed her little dog to the vet and called me while she was driving home to tell me what had been done. We had talked about it and knew it was the humane thing to do. I couldn't see because of the tears and had to pull over on the side of the road.
It sure was quiet when I got home a couple of days later but we both knew our little dog was not hurting and appreciative of making the decision to give him his etarnal rest.
I sure miss that little dog. Spot I love you!
Okie

Thanks for all of the resonses. I think it is the poem that Snapper posted was the one I was thinking of. Okie

Maybe this?

A note from your dog, to you...



My life is likely to last ten to fifteen years. Any separation from you will be painful for me. Remember that before you acquire me.

Give me time to understand what you want from me.

Place your trust in me. Remember that before you acquire me.

Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, and your entertainment. I only have you.

Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don't understand your words, I understand your voice when it is speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget.

Remember before you hit me that I have teeth that can easily crush the bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite you.

Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate, or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I don't understand what you ask of me or perhaps I am not feeling well, not getting the right food, been out in the sun too long, or my heart is getting old and weak.

Take care of me when I get old, you too will grow old.

Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say " I can't bear to watch," or "let it happen in my absence." Everything is easier if you are there.

Remember, no matter what, that I love you. Unconditionally...

Or maybe this?

The Rainbow Bridge

There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge
because of its many colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a
land of meadows, hills, and valleys with lush green grass.
When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There is always food and
water and warm spring weather. The old and frail animals are young again.
Those who are maimed are made whole again. They play all day with each other.
There is only one thing missing. They are not with their special person who
loved them on Earth. So, each day they run and play until the day comes when
one suddenly stops playing and looks up! The nose twitches! The ears are up!
The eyes are staring! And this one suddenly runs from the group!
You have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet, you take him or
her in your arms and embrace. Your face is kissed again and again and again,
and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet.
Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together never again to be separated.

Anyone that has owned a dog and can't relate to this thread missed something special.....I just called my Labrador and gave him a hug.....maybe It was I that needed it more than the dog!

Vapodog, after reading your post I did the same. I was hugging not just this dog, but all my previous dogs as well! The dog didn't really know what was going on but we both enjoyed it anyway.
Peter.

I always like this one:

He is my other eyes that can see above
the clouds; my other ears that hear above
the winds. He is the part of me that can
reach out into the sea.

He has told me a thousand times over that
I am his reason for being: by the way he
rests against my leg; by the way he thumps
his tail at my smallest smile; by the way he
shows his hurt when I leave without taking him.
(I think it makes him sick with worry when he
is not along to care for me.)

When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive.
When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile.
When I am happy, he is joy unbounded.
When I am a fool, he ignores it.
When I succeed, he brags.
Without him, I am only another man. With him,
I am all-powerful.
He is loyalty itself.
He has taught me the meaning of devotion.
With him, I know a secret comfort and a
private peace. He has brought me understanding
where before I was ignorant.
His head on my knee can heal my human hurts.
His presence by my side is protection against
my fears of dark and unknown things.
He has promised to wait for me...
henever...wherever--in case I need him.
And I expect I will--as I always have.


He is just my dog.

Just an old broken down dog
is what I've come to be.
My senses are all growing dim,
My eyes can barely see.

But master, you're still in your prime,
while I am fading fast,
Please take me with you one more time
Before I breathe my last.

You used to take me with you
To the woods when I was young,
To do your bidding faithfully
In my youth when I was strong.

My best's no longer good enough,
I'm useless and confused:
For surely you must care for me
as much as I for you.

I'll be waiting by the back door,
Take me with you when you go.
It's all I've ever wanted
and the only thing I know.

I'll struggle up and wag my tail,
Eager your will to do;
And gladly endure a painful walk
Just to be with with you.

Take me with you when you go.
One more time I long to be
with my master and my friend.
Take me with you once again.

"Take me with you, once again"
Thanks for posting, Doris.
Peter.

A Dog's Purpose? (from a 6-year-old).

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker and were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane 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.

Shane, 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. It has changed the way I try and live.

He said, ''People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?''
The Six-year-old continued, ''Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.''

Live simply.

Love generously.

Care deeply.

Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.

Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Delight in the simple joy of a walk.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you're not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

'Animals come into our lives as gifts from God, for companionship, to teach us and to heal us. They deserve our very best efforts in caring for them'...Dr. Ihor Basko, DVM

Then Twilight Zone had an episode on this subject...

Why dog is man's best friend