Debbie, I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my baby girl Belle to canine lymphoma and it about broke my heart. I came across the following poems - I hope they help.
Kate
Prayer for pets #1
Heavenly Father, Creator of all things, thank you for having entrusted us with a loyal pet.
Thank you for letting him teach us unselfish love.
Thank you for the memories that we can recall to brighten our days for the rest of our lives.
Finally, in gratitude, we return our pet to you.
Amen.
Prayer for pets #2
Heavenly Father... We know that not even a sparrow falls without your knowledge, so we know that you are here with us today.
Although this beloved companion animal will be missed very much, we give thanks to you for allowing us to have so many wonderful years with her. Thank you for this and for all thy blessing, Lord.
Amen.
Prayer for pets #3
Lord Almighty God, this animal brought sunshine to us and was a vital part of our lives.
His passing has created a void in our hearts that cannot be filled.
We do not question the will of God, but ask Him to be merciful in our loss.
Amen.
Prayer for pets #4
Our Heavenly Father, we know that Thy love is so great that not even a sparrow falls without your knowledge.
We feel that it is with understanding that you look down on a scene like this today,when that which was so much loved is gone.
As this pet was unto her caretakers, ever loyal, ever faithful, may we, as we leave this place of solitude (burial) resolve that to our Master Christ, we too find strength to be more loyal
and faithful. Give us strength, for we ask it in the Masteršs name.
Amen.
Prayer for pets #5
Lord, make me an instrument of Thy Peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is despair, hope.
Where there is darkness, light.
Where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved, as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive.
It is in pardoning, that we are pardoned.
And it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Saint Francis of Assisi
-- The Patron Saint of Animals
A POEM FOR THE GRIEVING...
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die...
-Anonymous
The Last Battle
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
and pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this--the last battle--can't be won.
You will be sad I understand,
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,
What is to come can hold no fears
You'd not want me to suffer, so.
When the time comes, please let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me til 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 to 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 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
MY FOREVER PET
There's something missing in my home,
I feel it day and night,
I know it will take time and strength
before things feel quite right.
But just for now, I need to mourn,
My heart -- it needs to mend.
Though some may say, "It's just a pet,"
I know I've lost a friend.
You've brought such laughter to my home,
and richness to my days.
A constant friend through joy or loss
with gentle, loving ways.
Companion, friend, and confidante,
A friend I won't forget.
You'll live forever in my heart,
My sweet, forever pet.
-- Susanne Taylor
Lend Me A Puppy
“I will lend to you for awhile a puppy,” God said,
“For you to love when she lives and to mourn when she’s dead.
Maybe for twelve or thirteen years, maybe for two or three,
However, will you, till I call her back, take care of her for me?
She’ll bring her charms to gladden you and should her stay be brief,
You’ll always have her memories as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise she 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 for teachers true
And from the folk that crowd life’s land, I have chosen you.
Now will you give her all your love, nor think the labor vain?
Nor hate me when I come to take my dog back home again?
He fancied that he heard us say “Dear Lord, Thy will be done,
For all the joys this dog will bring, the risk of grief we’ll run.
We’ll shelter her with tenderness; we’ll love her while we may
And for the happiness we’ve known, forever-grateful stay.
But should You call her back to You 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 her we loved, please help us while we grieve.
When our faithful bundle departs this world of strife,
We’ll get yet another dog and love her all her life.”
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I cried just as hard when my dog 'children' died as when my family died. It's not that I didn't love my sister and dad with all my heart, it that I didn't love my dogs any less. No one should ever feel ashamed to have loved such a gentle loving creature. I would be very worried about the spiritual state of anyone who says 'it was just a dog'
