Dog Heaven...

If you have ever been lucky enough to have a special dog in your life, then you know there is a place called Dog Heaven. Cynthia Rylant also wrote a book "Cat Heaven". In June of 1998, I lost my beloved companion Samantha, a Standard Poodle. As a gift, I was given this book. I look through this book often when I think of all my pets that I have lost. It lightens my heavy heart. Although it is a children's book, I recommend it to anyone at any age who has lost a beloved pet - the drawings are precious. It makes me feel good to look at the book and hope and believe and picture the kind and gentle spirits of my Samantha, Copper, Abbey, Archie and Lucy who followed her over The Rainbow Bridge since 1998, in "dog heaven", whole, young and healthy again, running and playing in the beautiful sunshine. I love to read the part where these beloved companions come back to check on us and make sure that we are ok - or check out a favorite spot in their yard. Somehow this comforts me - and can even bring a smile to my face for a moment, replacing the many, many tears.

If you've ever cried over the death of a pet, you need this book. Cynthia Rylant offers comfort for any grieving pet owner, no matter what thier age.

"When dogs go to heaven, they don't need wings because God knows that dogs love running best." From that simple beginning, this book paints a picture of a place filled with canine joys. There are good-natured geese to bark at, angel children to play with, and dog biscuits to munch. Even strays have wonderful homes and lots of love in dog heaven.

It's been over ten years since I lost my Samantha, and I still identify with this book as if the loss had been yesterday. I can't think of a better way to say farewell to a good and faithful friend than to share this book as a memorial.

My friend's beloved dog Jazzy, this morning April 23, 2009 was ready to leave us and crossed the rainbow bridge with assistance. Jazzy, several evenings ago, I sat on the floor with you and asked you to lift your head so I could take this photo of you. You never did photograph well, none of you black dogs do. This is not the best photo, but I will always remember your doing exactly what I asked of you even when you were too weak and tired to do so. I will also remember when you jumped in the pool with us for the first time in years, when your mom adopted your Big Brother Bugsy, about 9 months ago. Some people "swim with the dolphins" and some swim with the dogs! Bugsy may have been bigger then you, but you never let him steal the show. When he came to live at your house, you were already a tired old gal and had several physical ailments including Arthritus. I believe you hung in there long enough so that you could check out this new guy and make certain you would leave Mom well looked after.

Jazzy, go and run and play, hold your tail high and chase balls in heaven, you will always remain in our hearts here on earth. (Jazzy was 13 ish + years old, but being a rescued dog who really knows exactly)

Bugsy, Anita, and Jazzy soon after Bugsy was adopted from the Lab Rescue Group in South Florida.

A DOG'S PLEA: "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".

Thinking of bringing another pet into your home......consider adopting from a rescue group or shelter.

Maxine
volunteer Small Paws Rescue

The Loss of a beloved pet

I do not mean to make anyone sad with this posting, it is written with wonderful memories of all the incredible pets that have had a place in my life and heart....and I loved them all.

This past week the beloved pet of a very close friend and neighbor crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. This is always a very sad time as we can't understand and don't know why our wonderful friends are taken from us......sometimes so quickly and at a young age.

Mia....this posting is a tribute for you.......good bye my friend. Although you were not my pet, you took a place in my space.....you were loved and will not be forgotten!
November 1998-July 27, 2008.


I have had many pets in my lifetime, each very individual and loved! I know I have been very lucky to have had all these special dogs in my life and I know there is a Dog Heaven. In fact with the passing of my Standard Poodle, Samantha or "Sam" as we called her, I was given a very special book, called Dog Heaven, written and illustrated by Cynthia Rylant. I have shared this book with several friends as they grieve the loss of a pet. I personally have read it over and over and over, each time completing the book with a happier feeling in my heart. This book was actually written for children to understand the loss of a pet, and perhaps we are all children in our hearts.

As I reread this book last evening, I came across a Hallmark Card that was tucked inside. I do not know the author but would like to post these beautiful words here, as they are so touching and so true.

They will not go quietly,

the dogs who've shared our lives.

In subtle ways they let us know

their spirit still survives.

Old habits still make us think

we hear a barking at the door.

Or step back when we drop
a tasty morsel on the floor.

Our feet still go around the place

the food dish used to be,

And, sometimes, coming home at night

we miss them terribly.
And although time may bring new friends.......
and a new food dish to fill,

That one place in our hearts always

belong to them..............

and always will.

Thinking of this recent loss ...... I want to share what has gotten me through my sorrows, as needed. The following link will forward you to all kinds of helpful information on grieving the loss of a pet. I urge everyone to take from it what will help mend your hearts and never forget. If you have been lucky enough to have a special dog in your life, then you know there is a place called Dog Heaven. Perhaps you can find some comfort in these pages.

http://www.smallpawsrescue.org/pup3/petlossgrief.html .





A Pet'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 me.

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 footstep falls 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 had you 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 worshiper.

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 the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.
Written by Beth Norman Harris