In working with people and their animals, Animal Connection is many times asked to communicate with animals who are coming to the end of their physical life or who have passed away. We know, through these experiences, how truly special and loved each animal is to their human companion.
The following memorial tributes have been contributed by Animal Connection clients and newsletter subscribers. We include these on our web site as a way to pay tribute to those animals who have brought such joy to our lives. Contributions may be about specific animals or general contributions which will give comfort to others who have lost an animal.
Contributions to this page are accepted by email at AnimalConn@aol.com We will post as many as possible and once posted, the tribute will remain available for at least one month. As you'll see, many authors are unknown as these contributions were posted on the Internet. If you know of the author, please notify Animal Connection, so we may request their permission for posting.
Dear Belle
by Christie H.
More than a friend,
More than a pet,
You showed me the world
In those sweet green eyes
And you taught me...
So much.
Everything can be improved
With a nap.
Always find entertainment
In the ordinary.
Seeing the world through rose-colored glasses
Is not a bad thing.
You taught me that love never, ever
Says "Can't."
And most of all, Sweet Girl,
You taught me how to see all the things
That love can be.
To see all the forms that love can take
Be they human, or furry, or spirit.
Love doesn't stop with that final breath,
It continues to live on
Forever, and ever.
And I will forever love you.
If It Should Be
If it should be that I grow weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Than you must do what must be done,
For this last battle cannot 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 for me must stand the test.
We've had so many happy years -
What is to come can hold no fears.
You'd not want me to suffer so;
The time has come, so let me go.
Take me where my needs they'll tend
And please stay with me until the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time that you will see
The kindness that you did for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.
Please do not grieve - it must be you
Who had this painful thing to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years -
Don't let your heart hold back its tears.
~Author Unknown
Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep
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 the snow.
I am the sunlight on the ripened grain;
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush;
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there; I did not die.
~author unknown
As a tribute to her dog, Strups, Ulrike L. of Fairbanks, Alaska shared this beautiful verse.
~Strups~
Strups, my loyal and faithful friend,
Teacher of wisdom and so much more
Rambunctious, mischievous and charming,
Unafraid warrior and always
Protecting and guiding me with your life
Sleep well and see you again in another life time - so long, my beloved Strups!
I'm Still Here
Friend, please don't mourn for me
I'm still here, though you don't see.
I'm right by your side each night and day
and within your heart I long to stay.
My body is gone but I'm always near.
I'm everything you feel, see or hear.
My spirit is free, but I'll never depart
as long as you keep me alive in your heart.
I'll never wander out of your sight.
I'm the brightest star on a summer night.
I'll never be beyond your reach.
I'm the warm moist sand when you're at the beach.
I'm the colorful leaves when fall comes around
and the pure white snow that blankets the ground.
I'm the beautiful flowers of which you're so fond,
The clear cool water in a quiet pond.
I'm the first bright blossom you'll see in the spring,
The first warm raindrop that April will bring.
I'm the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine,
and you'll see that the face in the moon is mine.
When you start thinking there's no one to love you,
you can talk to me through the Lord above.
I'll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees,
and you'll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze.
I'm the hot salty tears that flow when you weep
and the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep.
I'm the smile you see on a baby's face.
Just look for me, friend, I'm everyplace!
~author unknown
It came to me that every time I lose a dog they will take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are." Author Unknown
Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called 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 he begins to break away from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him 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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