2015/10/30
Tapestry
The effect
of love on a heart is a wondrous thing. When one loves and is loved, it is as
if the fibers of each heart reach out to each other and twine together, forming
a bond. The longer and deeper the relationship, the more intricate the pattern
that the bond forms. The love between parent and child, between grandparent and
grandchild, between close friends, between people in love, between a person and
a beloved pet - each forms aunique pattern and all intertwine to form a
tapestry in the heart. One who does not
love has a blank canvas for a heart. A person with a heart full of love has a
rich and beautiful tapestry in their heart.
I would like to thank Laurel Kristick for the kind permission to publish the writing on my blog.
When one of
the loved ones has to make that final journey to the Rainbow Bridge
(Laurel
Kristick, 1996)
*****
I would like to thank Laurel Kristick for the kind permission to publish the writing on my blog.
Promises kept
You run in different fields now. … Effortless.
You jump and play with wild
abandon. … Painless.
Eternally young and
carefree. ... Timeless.
There is a shroud over
my heart. … Darkness.
Days are longer and
empty without you. … Cheerless.
I still keep your pillow
next to my bed. … Sleepless.
The years march on. … Ceaseless.
The memories never wane.
… Impervious.
I feel the moment of my
fading, then ... Brightness.
We run in different
fields now. … Effortless.
We jump and play with
wild abandon. … Painless.
Together for all
eternity. … Glorious.
(Jim Willis, 2001)
*****
I would like to thank Jim Willis (http://www.crean.com/jimwillis/) for his kind permission to publish his
writing (taken from "Promises Kept Poem Memorial Keepsake Picture Frame and Pet Loss Sympathy Gift”)
on my blog.
ASCII-Kunst / ASCII-Art
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(Artist unknown)
(Artist unknown)
2015/10/29
"Engelshund"
Nachdem ich gestern den
englischsprachigen Artikel „angel dog“ gelesen hatte, machte ich mich auf die
Suche, ob es auch einen deutschen Bericht gibt – und wurde fündig:
*****
Eine
Frau verabschiedet sich von ihrem Hund. Auf einem Foto entdeckt sie später
Unglaubliches
Tiere
verurteilen nicht, sie sind einfach da und stehen ihrem Besitzer bei. Deshalb
ist es eine wundervolle Verbindung und deshalb tut es so weh, seinen treuen
Gefährten zu verlieren.
Ashley
Lang aus Chicago bekam ihren Hund mit dem Namen Wagner, als er noch ein Welpe
war. Vor kurzem starb der Golden Retriever im Alter von zwölf Jahren.
Bei
der Beerdigung verstreut Ashley seine Asche in ihrem Lieblingspark, um ihrem
geliebten Vierbeiner die letzte Ehre zu erweisen. Eine Freundin fängt den
Moment mit dem Handy ein. Die Bilder zeigen anschließend unglaubliches: Es
scheint, als ob Wagners weiße Asche in den Himmel steigt und die Silhouette des
Hundes formt.
"Angel dog"
Yesterday, I read the following article:
*****
Woman who lost her beloved golden retriever shares
photo of ghostly 'angel dog' that appeared alongside her as she spread his
ashes in their favorite spot
- Ashley Lang, of Chicago, was saying goodbye to her 12-year-old golden retriever, Wagner, when her friend took the amazing photo
- The picture seems to show a dog leaping up at Ashley as she spreads the ashes in a park
- She believes the photo was Wagner's way of bidding her farewell
A Chicago woman who lost her beloved dog says she was
able to get one last glimpse of her loyal best friend in what she claims was a
supernatural moment while she was spreading his ashes.
Ashley Lang's golden retriever, Wagner, died recently,
at age 12, and while she was disseminating his ashes in their favorite park,
her friend captured a snap on her phone that appeared to show the silhouette of
a dog approaching Ashley.
'It’s pretty remarkable… the tail and the legs and he
looks like he’s, you know, leaping to go up,' she told CBS Chicago of the
amazing picture.
2015/10/28
They will not go quietly ...
*****
Addendum
Today (Oct 11, 2016) I found the information that this poem was written by Linda Barnes.
9 things your deceased pet wants you to know
Sarah Petruno writes on her side about the loss of her dog *Mama* and she wants "to share with you the 9 things that Mama - and every pet - wants and wishes for their owners to know, after their Spirit crosses over":
1. There’s nothing that could have been done differently
*****
1. There’s nothing that could have been done differently
A Soul’s path is planned before they are born onto
this Earth. This plan includes all possible exits from this world. And when the
Soul leaves this Earth, know that this exit was part of their Soul’s plan and a
specific choice made by their soul.
There’s nothing you, or anyone, could have done
differently to save them. The time at which your Pet’s Spirit leaves this world
is no one's doing, it’s no one's fault.
When it’s the Soul’s time to exit their physical body,
everything that can be done, has already been done. Everything that needed to
happen, did. Your pet wants you to know that there’s absolutely nothing you
could have done differently, you did everything exactly right.
2. They chose you as their parent(s)
Just as the Soul chooses exit paths and plans for
their life, your pet also selected you as their parent.
Your dog, your cat, your bird - chose you, as the one
who would make them feel the most loved and bring them the most comfort and joy
while they were here. And you did.
Your pet wants you know that you were and are the
perfect parent.
2015/10/27
2015/10/26
The journey
When you
bring a pet into your life, you begin a journey - a journey that will bring you
more love and devotion than you have ever known, yet 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 leaving its mark.
Along the
way, you will learn much about savoring life’s simple pleasures - jumping in
leaves, snoozing in the sun, the joy 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.
The Vision
I saw a
ship with beautiful sails on a foggy
winter’s
morn; it seemed so peaceful
as it
passed by no sound came from it at all.
I stood and
watched the beauty as it passed me by the shore, and when I
looked
around to see
who was on
it;
there it
was no more. I stood and wondered
why this
vision had come my way, and then God reminded me we must all pass
away some
day.
And even
though the beauty goes from our sight
the image
remains in our hearts and
it remains
so bright.
So take
some comfort just now and know that for sure, your pets are safe with God in
His land
forever more.
(Julie
Schofield, 2005)
*****
I would like to thank Julie Schofield (http://julieandherdogs.tripod.com/mypoems/) for her kind permission to publish her poem on my blog.
Dinah in heaven
She did not know that she was dead
But, when the pang was o'er,
Sat down to wait her Master's tread
Upon the Golden Floor,
With ears full-cock and anxious eyes,
Impatiently resigned;
But ignorant that Paradise
Did not admit her kind.
There was one step along the Stair
That led to Heaven's Gate;
And, till she heard it, her affair
Was - she explained - to wait.
Epitaph To a Dog
Near this spot
Are deposited the Remains
Of one
Who possessed Beauty
Without Vanity,
Strength without Insolence,
Courage without Ferocity,
And all the Virtues of Man
Without
his Vices.
The Price, which would be unmeaning flattery
If inscribed over Human Ashes,
Is but a just tribute to the Memory of
“Boatswain,” a
Dog
Who was born at Newfoundland
May, 1803,
And died in Newstead Abbey,
Nov. 18,
1808.
So go and run free with the angels
 |
| ("So go and run free with the angels" Author unknown, modified by Isa of Mayflower. Photo & Design by Isa of Mayflower) |
Do they know?
Do they know, as we do, that their time must come?
Yes, they know, at rare moments.
No other way can I interpret those pauses of his
latter life, when, propped on his forefeet, he would sit for long minutes quite
motionless-his head drooped, utterly withdrawn; then turn those eyes of his and
look at me.
That look said more plainly than all words could:
"Yes, I know that I must go."
If we have spirits that persist-they have.
If we know, after our departure, who we were-they do.
You know you’ve gone to the ‘dogs’ when ... (1)
- Nobody's feet are allowed on the furniture, but your dogs are welcome to sleep on any piece they so choose.
- It takes an entirely separate garbage can to handle all the poop.
- All kinds of things around the house are in need of repair, but the injured dog you rescued by the side of the road requires immediate surgery and out comes the checkbook.
- You and your family haven't had your annual check up in two years, but the dogs are all medically up to date.
- You start barking at your children to "Sit! Stay!"
- You're more concerned with the dogs' needs than your own when the budget gets tight.
- At least three of your five weeks vacation are scheduled around grooming, vaccinations and dental cleaning ... all for the dogs!
You know you're a dog person when ... (1)
- You spend $18 in entry fees, $25 in gas, $100 in lodging and meals, all for a .50 ribbon.
- Your family room has crates in it.
- You have extra cleaning bills for the squished up liver ground into the pockets of your jacket, pants, skirt ...
- When buying a new house, the first thing you check is whether the yard is good enough!
- When you're shopping for a new dress, and decide against one that is beautiful and really flatters you because it doesn’t have pockets for bait.
- When your main consideration in buying a new pair of shoes is whether they have non-skid soles so you won't fall while gaiting your dog.
- When almost every color of dress in your closet is the same, because that is the color that best compliments your dog - even if it's a terrible color for you.
- When your family reunion and dog show falls on the same weekend, and you send your apologies to the family.
- Every conversation you have eventually mentions dogs, even if you're talking about flowers, libraries, reading, whatnot.
- When you're short on money and are more worried about whether the dogs have enough food for the month, than about your own groceries.
You know you have too many dogs when ...
- ... you have more grass in your driveway than in your backyard.
- ... you neighbors find ANY dog running loose and automatically bring it to your house.
- ... you want to watch TV and you have to sit on the floor because all of the furniture is "occupied".
- ... it takes you longer to wash your dogs' dishes than your own.
- ... you have to use a wash tub for a water dish.
- ... you have to run an obstacle course to get to the phone.
- ... you see one of your dogs doing something bad (like chewing something up or leaving a "dog deposit" on the rug) and you have to run through the entire list of dogs in order to yell at the right one and by then it is too late.
Why do dogs sniff each other?
The dogs once held a meeting; they came from near and
far.
Some of them came by train, and others by trolley car.
But before they got inside the hall and allowed to
take a look,
They had to take their rear ends off and hang them on
a hook.
Then in the hall they went at once... the Mother, son
and sire.
But hardly were they seated when some
"mongrel" hollared "FIRE!"
So out the door they ran all in a bunch... they had
not time to look...
And each one took a rear-end, at random, from the
hook.
What dogs do for us
- Catch Frisbees.
- Keep a lonely night from being truly lonely.
- Keep our homes safe.
- Get us outside on beautiful fall days.
- Listen to our singing.
- Treat us like celebrities when we come home.
- Warm up our beds on cold nights.
- Star in our home videos.
- Make our hearts more vigorous.
- Take us outdoors on snowy winter days.
- Alert us to the arrival of the mail.
- Help us to live longer.
- Make us smile.
Waiting
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
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.
Just a dog
A poem dedicated to all of our missing friends.
From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up,
it's just a dog," or, "that's a lot of money for just a dog."
They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs
involved for "just a dog."
Some of my proudest moments have come about with
"just a dog." Many hours have passed and my only company was
"just a dog," but I did not once feel slighted.
Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by
"just a dog," and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of
"just a dog" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.
2015/10/25
So go and run free with the angels
So go and
run free with the angels
Dance
around the golden clouds
For the
Lord has chosen you to be with him
And we
should feel nothing but proud
Although he
has taken you from us
And our
pain a lifetime will last
Your memory
will never escape us
But make us
glad for the time we did have
Your face
will always be hidden
Deep inside
our hearts
Each
precious moment you gave us
Shall
never, ever depart
So go and
run free with the angels
As they
sing so tenderly
And please
be sure to tell them
To take
good care of you for me
(Author
unknown)
That fateful day
I can’t
forget that fateful day,
you had to
leave, you went away.
A sadness
filled me up inside,
emotions
hat I could not hide.
Tears, they
came, sadness too,
all my
emotions, just for you.
Time will
heal, so I was told,
but time
could never fill this hole.
Here in my
heart there is a place,
you’re
always there, keeping me safe.
It’s filled
with love and happy times,
it’s never
dark, you light it shines.
In heaven
now you do reside,
to watch
over me with love and pride.
I know one
day, we’ll meet again,
until we do
just know how much I miss
you, and
you are always with me. Always.
(Author
unknown)
One day at the Rainbow Bridge
The scene
is the fields at the Rainbow Bridge
A black
cocker/poodle mix comes up to the dog.
Nessie: Hi!
Welcome to the Rainbow Bridge
Dog: I
don't know. Where am I?
Nessie:
You're at the Rainbow Bridge
Dog (very
scared): You mean humans are here too?
Nessie
(with a yip of understanding): Oh! You never had a special human who loved you,
did you?
Nessie:
Human? Love?
Nessie
looks around, and calls to a black Doberman running laps in the field.
Nessie:
Tia! Do you have some time?
Tia comes
running up.
Tia: Hi,
Nessie! Who's this?
Nessie:
He's a new arrival to the Bridge. He never had a special human as we did. I
thought maybe you could explain it better than I could.
Tia: I can
try. I think you may have been like me, friend. When I was young, the human I
was with hurt me and scared me. My memories are of hurting hands and loud angry
voices. Fortunately, I was very lucky. I was rescued by two wonderful people.
They took me into their home. For over ten years I had good food, fresh water,
a comfortable place to sleep, room to run, and lots of love and attention.
Eventually, though, I became old and tired. I came here, where I have more
energy than I had even as a puppy. I can run for hours and hours and hours.
Someday, my two special humans will come here; we will have a wonderful reunion
and then we will cross that beautiful Bridge there. We will never again be separated.
2015/10/24
Do I go home today?
My family
brought me home cradled in their arms.
They
cuddled me and smiled at me and said I was full of charm.
They played
with me and laughed with me and showered me with toys.
I sure do
love my family, especially the girls and boys.
The
children loved to feed me, they gave me special treats.
They even
let me sleep with them - all snuggled in the sheets.
I used to
go for walks, often several times a day.
Oh, it was
just so wonderful to be able to play and play and play.
They are
the things I'll not forget - a cherished memory.
I now live
in the shelter - without my family.
They used
to laugh and praise me when I played with that old shoe.
But I
didn't know the difference between the old ones and the new.
2015/10/22
I stole your dog today
I stole your dog today.
No, I didn't set a foot on your property, but from the condition of your
dog, I can imagine what it looks like ... the word "junkyard" comes
to mind.
I found her along a road, with a heavy chain wrapped around her neck,
still attached to rotten boards from her doghouse, with rusty six-penny nails
protruding. Not only did I know that most of the town had already ignored her,
judging by where I found her, but I knew that if she had gotten into the woods
the "cross" that she dragged behind her would have wrapped around a
tree until starvation or thirst killed her. The local populace is usually deaf
to the sound or blind to the sight of an animal in need, unless they decide to
shoot one for trespassing.
That her ribs showed, that her ears were filthy, that her overall
condition was poor and that her coat and eyes were dull, were good indications
that you didn't deserve her. But just to make sure, I checked with the local
authorities for a report of a missing (unlicensed) dog matching her description
and to see if you'd placed a "lost dog" advertisement in the local
newspaper. You hadn't, which I can only surmise means that you do not miss her.
That's rather convenient, because the fact that she is not spayed, probably
unvaccinated, and possibly heartworm positive means that restoring her health
could cost me around a thousand dollars.
Don't grieve too long for now I'm free
Don't grieve too long for now I'm free
I'm following the path God set for me
I ran to Him when I heard His call
I wagged my tail and left it all.
I could not stay another day
To bark, to love, to romp or play
Games left unplayed must stay that way
I found such peace it made my day.
My parting has left you with a void
So fill it with your remembered joy
A friendship shared, your laugh, a kiss
Oh, yes, these things I too shall miss.
God saw you getting tired
God saw you getting tired
When a cure was not to be,
So He closed His arms around you
And whispered, "Come to Me".
You didn't deserve what you went through
and so He gave you rest,
God's garden must be beautiful
He only takes the best.
And when we saw you sleeping
So peaceful and free from pain,
We could not wish you back
To suffer that again.
(Author unknown)