Is there really a Dog Heaven?
For thousands of years, the dog has been mankind's best and most loyal friend. The first drawings by man indicate that the dog was the first domesticated pet on Earth. Even in prehistoric times, the wildest of wolves found a common bond with man in their quests to discover and share the world together.
When the life of a dog passes, grieving is often deeper and more devastating than when people close to us die. Perhaps this is because the dog gives us unyeilding, unconditional love and devotion through its entire lifetime. No other species of living thing on Earth, including human beings, possesses the capacity to give so much, demand so little, and forgive so quickly. What a unique blessing this is. Ironically, it is often the unaccomplished mission of our lifetime as people!
When we lose our friend and companion, we inevitably ask ourselves, 'does this dog have a soul? Was his life on Earth his last? Does this spirit move up and on to a higher place?' After having given us the rare gift of his life, surely the dog must move on to an eternal place. Theologians and religious scholars are reluctant to decide, so for most, the question remains unanswered. As for me, I have known too many dogs in a special way that I have never known people. My heart knows the answer.
If you have any doubt, be comforted by this belief. The loving creator of all universes and creatures would not have blessed us with them, if He had not blessed THEM first. Is it a coincidence that this is revealed to us so clearly by the simple reflection of the word DOG in a mirror?
Cleveland Wheeler
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The Rainbow Bridge Story
"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 of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food and water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and 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 and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing, they 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. The bright eyes are intent, the eager body quivers. Suddenly they begin to break away from the group, flying over the green grass, their legs carrying them faster and faster. YOU have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together 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
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Sequel to Rainbow Bridge
Oh, when we get to Heaven
We hope that we will find
The Souls that one we loved
Who left us all behind.
Some left at the right time,
They left this world in peace.
Others left too sudden
Without the chance to say goodbye.
They were gone before we had
The chance to even cry.
There's a special place for grownups;
A special place for kids;
Me, I'll be on the other side -
The side called Rainbow Bridge.
Across the dark green meadow,
A-top the hills I'll run,
Where the colors from the Rainbow
Glitter from the sun.
And there I'll find my sweetheart
running fast toward me,
Into my arms where he belongs
FOR ALL ETERNITY!!
Written by Jean McColgan
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Creation
When God had made the earth and sky,
the flowers and the trees,
He then made all the animals
the fish, the birds and bees
And when at last He'd finished
not one was quite the same.
He said I'll walk this world of mine
and give each one a name.
And so He travelled far and wide
and everywhere He went,
a little creature followed Him
until its strength was spent.
When all were named upon the earth
and in the Sky and Sea,
the little creature said "Dear Lord,
there's no name left for me."
Kindly the Father said to him
"I've left you to the end.
I've turned my own name back to front
And called you DOG, my friend".
Author Unknown
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Alone Again
I wish someone would tell me
what it is that I've done wrong.
Why I have to stay chained up
and left alone so long.
They seemed so glad to have one
when I came here as a pup.
There were so many things we'd do
while I was growing up.
They couldn't wait to train me
as a companion and a friend.
And told me how they'd never fear
being left alone again.
The children said they'd feed me
and brush me everyday.
They'd play with me and walk me,
if only I could stay.
But now the Family "Hasn't Time";
they say I often shed.
They do not want me in the house
not even to be fed.
The children never walk me,
they always say "Not Now!"
I wish that I could please them;
won't someone tell me how?
All I had, you see, was love;
I wish they would explain.
Why they said they wanted me,
then left me on a chain!!!
Author Unknown
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Caring Cats
Appearing to be, just little brats,
Nevertheless, they are caring cats.
Qualified to leap, to unreachable heights
Always more frisky, particularly at night.
Able to run sideways, even on walls
Keeping in balance, never to fall.
Accused of being finicky, when I call it class
An affectionate nature, there caring cats.
When talking to a cat, to make you aware
They shift their ears, to tell you they hear.
The light that shines, from their eyes at night
Alone in the dark, a mysterious sight.
Captivating your love, with a relaxing purr
Displaying affection, attentive to words.
Their spirited nature, being mischievous cats
Compassionate felines, their caring cats.
by: T.A.S.Yoder
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What is a Pet
A pet is such a special friend,
A friend in many ways.
Sharing love and companionship,
Just looking for your praise.
The clever things they often do
Bring a smile to your face;
And so to them I dedicate,
This small but special place...
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Have You a Pet in Heaven
HAVE YOU A DOG IN HEAVEN?
Have you a dog in Heaven, Lord?
And do you pat its head?
Does he sit up and beg each night
before he goes to bed?
Does he look up with shining eyes
when he sees Your smilling face?
Does he wag his stubby little tail
when he wants to run a race?
Have You a dog in Heaven, Lord?
Is there room for just one more?
Cause my little dog died today;
he'll be waiting at Your door.
Please take him into Heaven, Lord.
And keep him there for me,
just feed him, pet him,l ove him, Lord,
thats all he'll ask of Thee.
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Metamorphosis
A caterpillar asked God, "What happens when I die?"
God replied, "Have you seen the butterfly?"
The Caterpillar, "Yes, do I have to die to become one?"
God said, "No, not really. A part of you dies, but another, stronger part of you continues to live - it just changes forms."
Author Unknown
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Should You Go First!
Should you go first and I remain
To walk the road alone,
I'll live in memories' garden
With happy days we've known.
In Spring I'll wait for roses red,
When faded, the lilacs blue;
In earl' Fall when brown leaves fall,
I'll catch a glimpse of you.
Should you go first and I remain,
For battles to be fought,
Each thing you've touched
Along the way,
Will be a hallowed spot.
I'll hear your bark, I'll see your smile,
Though blindly I may grope,
The memory of your helping paws
Will buoy me on with hope.
Should you go first and I remain
One thing I'll have to do,
Walk slowly down that long path
For soon I'll follow you.
I want to know each step you take
So I may take the same,
For someday down that lonely road
You'll hear me call your name.
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Where To Bury a Dog
If you bury him in this spot, he will come to you when you call.
Come to you over the grim, dim frontiers of death,
and down the well-remembered path to your side again.
And though you call a dozen living dogs to heel, they shall
not growl at him, nor resent his coming, for he belongs there.
People may scoff at you, who see no lightest blade of grass
bent by his footfall, who hear no whimper; people who may never really
have had a dog. Smile at them, for you shall know something that is
hidden from them, and which is well worth the knowing. The one best
place then, to bury a dog, is in the heart of his master....
Back to top
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A Dog's Prayer
By Beth Norman Harris
My Beloved Master, for not heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness
then 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 the bitter elements...and ask no greater glory than the privildge
of sitting at your feet beside the hearth...though you had 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 Devoted Worshipper. 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 stay 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 to eternal rest...and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I draw,
my fate as ever safest in your hands.
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A Dog's Prayer 2
To Those Who Love & Those Who Love Me
When I am gone, release me, let me go-
I have so many things to see and do.
You must not tie yourself to me with tears,
Be happy that we had so many years.
I gave you my love, you can only guess
How much you gave me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you have each shown.
But now it is time I traveled alone.
So grieve awhile for me if grieve you must,
Then let your grief be comforted by trust,
It is only for a while that we must part,
So bless the memories within your heart,
I will not be far away, for life goes on,
So if you need me, call and I will come.
Though you can not see or touch me, I will be near.
And if you listen with your heart, you will hear
All my love around you soft and clear.
And then, when you must come this way alone,
I will greet you with a smile and "Welcome Home".
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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.
When some proud son of man returns to earth,
Unknown to glory, but upheld by birth,
The sculptor's art exhausts the pomp of woe,
And storied urns record who rests below.
When all is done, upon the tomb is seen,
Not what he was, but what he should have been.
But the poor dog, in life the firmest friend,
The first to welcome, foremost to defend,
Whose honest heart is still his master's own,
Who labors, fights, lives, breathes for him alone,
Unhonored falls, unnoticed all his worth,
Denied in heaven the soul he held on earth --
While man, vain insect! hopes to be forgiven,
And claims himself a sole exclusive heaven.
Oh man! thou feeble tenant of an hour,
Debased by slavery, or corrupt by power --
Who knows thee well must quit thee with disgust,
Degraded mass of animated dust!
Thy love is lust, thy friendship all a cheat,
Thy smiles hypocrisy, thy words deceit!
By nature vile, ennobled but by name,
Each kindred brute might bid thee blush for shame.
Ye, who perchance behold this simple urn,
Pass on -- it honors none you wish to mourn.
To mark a friend's remains these stones arise;
I never knew but one -- and here he lies.
George Gordon, Lord Byron
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The Housedog's Grave
I've changed my ways a little, I can no longer
run with you in the evenings along the shore,
except in a kind of dream, and you, if you dream a little
you see me there.
So leave a while the paw marks on the front door,
Where I used to scratch to come in or go out,
and you'd soon answer, leave on the kitchen floor
the marks of my drinking pan.
I cannot lie by your fire all evening
On the warm stone, nor yet at the foot of your bed
no, all the night through, I lie alone.
But your kind thought has laid me less than 6 feet
outside your window, where firelight so often plays,
and where you sit to read, and, I fear, often grieving for me--
every night your lamplight lies on my place.
You, Man and Woman, live so long,
it is hard to think of you ever dying!
A little dog would get tired, living so long.
I hope that when you are lying
under the ground like me, your lives will appear
as good and joyful as mine. No, dears, that's too much hope...
you have not been as well cared for as I have been,
And never knew the passionate, undivided
fidelities I knew.
Your minds are perhaps too active, too many sided,
but to me you were true.
You were never Masters, but Friends. I was your Friend.
Deep love endures to the end and long past the end...
If this is my end, I am not lonely. I am not afraid.
I am still yours.
R. Jeffers
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A Simple Message From Your Pet
To have loved and then said farewell is better than to have never loved at all.
For all of the times that you stooped and touched my head, fed me my favorite treat and
returned the love that I so unconditionally gave to you. For the care that you gave to me
so unselfishly. For all of these things I am grateful and thankful. I ask that you grieve
not for the loss but rejoice in the fact that we lived, loved and touched each other's lives.
My life was fuller because you were there, not as owner, but as my friend. Today, I am
as I was in my youth. The grass is always green, butterflies flit among fthe flowers and
the sun shines gently down upon all of God's creatures. I can run, jump and play
and do all of the things that I did in my youth. There is no sickness, no aching joints
and no regrets and no aging. We await the arrival of our lifelong companions and know
that togetherness is forever. You live in our hearts as we do in yours. Companions such
as you are very rare and unique. Don't hold the love that you have within yourself.
Give it to another like me and then I will live forever. For love never really dies,
and you are loved and missed as surely as we are.
Your pet in heaven.
by Ken D. Conover
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No More Tears
The time has come for the tears to end
for you to be happy and cheerful again.
I am safe in God's home above
cradled in His arms; covered with His love.
We run and play by the Bridge all day
waiting for the day when you'll be here to stay.
You've been crying so much I feel bad
I want you to be happy and not so sad.
Remember the time when I was so small
I couldn't even pickup the rubber ball.
I fought that ball from morning to night
it made you laugh, I was quite a sight.
Remember teaching me sit and stay
we had such fun since I didn't really obey.
but you kept at it with test after test
so when I entered my first show I was the best.
Remember the great times we had in the past
like when we walked to the park we had a blast.
We'd run and play all through the park
until the sun went down and it got dark.
Remember the times we went for a ride
I was so excited I'd jump right inside.
Away we went to who knows where
but you and I we didn't really care.
I'll always love you, you're my best friend
I'll be right with you even to the end.
Always remember the great times we had
and there will be no reason to ever be sad.
Written by John Quealy
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Bridge Called Love
It takes us back to brighter years,
to happier sunlit days
and to precious moments
that will be with us always.
And these fond recollections
are treasured in the heart
to bring us always close to those
from whom we had to part.
There is a bridge of memories
from earth to Heaven above...
It keeps our dear ones near us
It's the bridge that we call love.
Author Unknown
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Beyond the Rainbow
As much as I loved the life we had and all the times we played,
I was so very tired and knew my time on earth would fade.
I saw a wonderous image then of a place that's trouble-free
Where all of us can meet again to spend eternity.
I saw the most beautiful Rainbow, and on the other side
Were meadows rich and beautiful--lush and green and wide!
And running through the meadows as far as the eye could see
Were animals of every sort as healthy as could be!
My own tired, failing body was fresh and healed and new
And I wanted to go run with them, but I had something left to do.
I needed to reach out to you, to tell you I'm alright
That this place is truly wondrful, then a bright Glow pierced the night.
'Twas the Glow of many Candles shining bright and strong and bold
And I knew then that it held your love in its brilliant shades of gold.
For although we may not be together in the way we used to be,
We are still connected by a cord no eye can see.
So whenever you need to find me, we're never far apart
If you look beyond the Rainbow and listen with your heart.
C.G. 1995
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To My Master
I explained to St. Peter,
I'd rather stay here,
Outside the Pearly Gate.
I won't be a nuisance,
I won't even bark,
I'll be very patient and wait.
I'll be here chewing on a celestial bone,
No matter how long you may be.
I'd miss you so much, if I went in alone,
It wouldn't be Heaven for me...
Author Unknown
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Just My Dog
She's just my dog.
She is my other eyes that can see above the clouds;
My other ears that hear above the winds.
She is the part of me that can reach out into the seas.
She has told me a thousand times over that I am her reason for being.
By the way she rests against my leg.
By the way she thumps her tail at my smallest smile.
By the way she shows her hurt when I leave without taking her.
When I am wrong, she is delighted to forgive.
When I am angry, she clowns to make me smile.
When I am happy, she is joy abound.
When I am a fool, She ignores it.
When I succeed, she brags.
Without her, I am only another person.
With her, I am all powerful.
She has promised to wait for me...whenever...
In case I need her; and I expect I will---
As I always have.
She is my dog.
Author Unknown
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The Boy
There's sadness now, we cry, we weep,
our gentle giant's gone to sleep.
It's quiet, yet we hear his sound, his feet still dragging along the ground.
He made all welcome, no bark, no growl,
just the largest grin, then he'd fetch his towel.
He asked for nothing but gave his all,
right to the end, to that final call.
When it's time for us to take that final ride,
that fearful trip to the other side,
our journey there will bear no strife,
we know he'll be waiting, as he was in life.
If you've lost your friend, if he's not at hand,
the loneliness you'll understand.
No more will follow, they couldn't compare
to that giant, gentle, big black bear.
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Lend Me a Pup
I will lend to you for awhile,
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, 'till 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's life's land
I have chosen you.
Now will you give him all your love
Nor think the labour 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
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An Owner's Plea
Please, God, if You should hear a scratch on Eden's Gate tonight,
A gentle whine, a muffled bark; have Peter take a light
And open up the Pearly Gates and call her Spirit in,
For I think she lived in Heaven once; please take her back again.
She may have been a mongrell, without a pedigree,
Yet she was noble, kind and good; I think You will agree:
That she'll be very useful where the souls of children play.
She'll romp with them, and see; Dear God; they do not go astray.
Just tell her that we're sorry that we could not pat her head,
And whisper how we loved here 'ere her Spirit fled.
I pray that when death beckons, and my soul surmounts life's fog,
I'll rate a place in Heaven, Dear God, beside our dog...
Author Unknown
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The Power of the Dog
There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and sisters, I beg 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 to a dog to tear.
When the fourteen years which Nature permits
Are closing in asthma, or tumour or fits,
And the vet's unspoken prescriptin runs
To lethal chambers or loaded guns,
Then you will find--it's your own affair--
But...you've given your heart to a dog to tear.
When the body that lived at your single will,
When 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 to a dog to tear.
We've sorrow enough in the natural way,
When it comes to burying Christian clay.
Our loves 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-term 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?
Rudyard Kipling
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A Special Place
You have a special place Dear Lord
that I know you'll always keep
A special place reserved for dogs
when they quietly fall asleep
With large and airy kennels
and a yard for hiding bones
With maybe a little babbling creek
that chatters over stones.
With wide green fields and flowers
for those who never knew
about running freely under
Your sky of perfect blue.
Lord, I know You keep this Special Place
And so to You I pray,
For one Special Rottweiler
Who quietly died today
She was full of strength and love
and so very, very wise.
The puppy look she once had
Had long since left her eyes.
She is dearly missed my Lord
By a very good friend of mine.
She went to join her ancestors
To Your land that is Divine
So, speak to Crimmy softly please
And give her a warm hello.
She's a Special gift to You Dear Lord
From Brenda, who loved her so.
by Jan Cooper 1994
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Time to Go
The time has come I think you know
the Lord is calling so I must go
I love you so much; I wish it wasn't so
I wish I could stay; I don't want to go
You're the best family a dog ever had
so kind and gentle, never mean or mad
I'll never forget the day that we met
I was so lucky to become your pet
You opened your door and showed me your heart
I'll never forget you; we'll never part
You loved me and cared for me over the years
you taught me everything and took away my fears
The Lord is calling now I must go
but before I go I want you to know
I know it hurts to lose a friend
but I'll always be with you even to the end.
Written by John Quealy
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A Pet's Prayer to St. Peter
I have travelled far to reach this Pearly Gate
But I do not want to wander beyond this place
I just need to rest awhile for my friend I wait
Please let them know I love them still
Let them know that I understand
what they did they did with love
With my body gone my spirit flew
on the wings of a dove
to my Creator's Heaven above
Now I ask that I may wait
I will lay quietly here by the gate
For if I entered now without my friend
it wouldn't be Heaven at all
Written by John Quealy
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Heaven's Doggy-Door
My best friend closed his eyes last night,
As his head was in my hand.
The Doctors said he was in pain,
And it was hard for him to stand.
The thoughts that scurried through my head,
As I cradled him in my arms.
Were of his younger, puppy years,
And Oh...his many charms.
Today, there was no gentle nudge
With an intense "I love you gaze",
Only a heart that's filled with tears
Remembering our joy filled days.
But an Angel just appeared to me,
And he said, "You should cry no more,
GOD also loves our canine friends,
HE's installed a 'doggy-door'!!!
Jan Cooper '95
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A Pet's Plea
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep
Then you muct do what must be done
For this, the last battle, can't be won.
You will be sad- I 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 can hold no fears
You'd not want me to su
