Its not easy losing  a pet, wondering whether we have made the right decision to let them go.  They cant speak or tell us their suffering but yet instinctively rely on us to do the right thing for them and they trust and love us unconditionally.  Or when we have lost them suddenly and had no decision to make.  In either case it is so hard losing a much loved pet

 In such instances I have found many of the poems below of great comfort.

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, 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 each 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. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run 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...

The Last Battle

Rainbow Bridge

By the edge of a wood at the foot of a hill
Is a lush green meadow, where time stands still
Where the friends of man and woman do run
When their time on earth is over and done

For here between this world and the next
Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest
On this golden land they wait and play
Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day

No more do they suffer in pain or in sadness
For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness
Their limbs are restored, their health renewed
Their bodies have healed with strength imbued

They romp through the grass without even a care
Until one day they stop and sniff the air
All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back
Then all of a sudden one breaks from the pack

For just at that instant their eyes have met
Together again, both person and pet
So they run to each other, these friends from long past
The time of their parting is over at last

The sadness they felt while they were apart
Has turned into joy once more in each heart
They embrace with a love that will last forever
And then side by side they cross over together

--author unknown

MAY I GO

by Susan A. Jackson
May I go now?
Do you think the time is right?
May I say goodbye to pain filled days
and endless lonely nights?
I've lived my life and done my best,
an example tried to be.
So can I take that step beyond
and set my spirit free?
I didn't want to go at first,
I fought with all my might.
But something seems to draw me now
to a warm and loving light.
I want to go. I really do.
It's difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can
to live just one more day.
To give you time to care for me
and share your love and fears.
I know you're sad and afraid,
because I see your tears.
I'll not be far, I promise that,
and hope you'll always know
that my spirit will be close to you
wherever you may go.
Thank you so for loving me.
You know I love you, too.
That's why it's hard to say goodbye
and end this life with you.
So hold me now just one more time
and let me hear you say,
because you care so much for me,
you'll let me go today.

Tribute To A Best Friend

Sunlight streams through window pane
unto a spot on the floor....
then I remember,
it's where you used to lie,
but now you are no more.
Our feet walk down a hall of carpet,
and muted echoes sound....
then I remember,
It's where your paws would joyously abound.
A voice is heard along the road,  
and up beyond the hill,
then I remember it can't be yours....
your golden voice is still.
But I'll take that vacant spot of floor
and empty muted hall
and lay them with the absent voice
and unused dish along the wall.
I'll wrap these treasured memorials
in a blanket of my love
and keep them for my best friend
until we meet above.

Author Unknown

I Only Wanted you

They say memories are golden
well maybe that is true.
I never wanted memories,
I only wanted you.

A million times I needed you,
a million times I cried.
If love alone could have saved you
you never would have died.

In life I loved you dearly,
In death I love you still.
In my heart you hold a place
no one could ever fill.

If tears could build a stairway
and heartache make a lane,
I'd walk the path to heaven
and bring you back again.

Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same.
But as God calls us one by one,
the chain will link again.

Author unknown

 I Am Not There

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 soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there, I did not die.

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 you.
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

Poem For Cats

And God asked the feline spirit
Are you ready to come home?
Oh, yes, quite so, replied the precious soul
And, as a cat, you know I am most able
To decide anything for myself.

Are you coming then? asked God.
Soon, replied the whiskered angel
But I must come slowly
For my human friends are troubled
For you see, they need me, quite certainly.

But don't they understand? asked God
That you'll never leave them?
That your souls are intertwined. For all eternity?
That nothing is created or destroyed?
It just is....forever and ever and ever.

Eventually they will understand,
Replied the glorious cat
For I will whisper into their hearts
That I am always with them
I just am....forever and ever and ever.

Author Unknown

A 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

A Letter From Your Pet In Heaven

To my dearest family,
some things I'd like to say.
But first of all, to let you know,
that I arrived okay.

I'm writing this from the Bridge.
Here I dwell with God above.
Here there's no more tears of sadness.
Here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy
just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I am with you
every morning, noon and night.

That day I had to leave you
when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me
and He said, "I welcome you.

It's good to have you back again,
you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family,
They'll be here later on."

God gave me a list of things,
that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list,
was to watch and care for you.

And when you lie in bed at night
the day's chores put to flight,
God and I are closest to you...
in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth,
and all those loving years,
because you are only human,
they are bound to bring you tears.

But do not be afraid to cry,
it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers,
unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you
all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you,
you wouldn't understand.

But one thing is for certain,
though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now,
than I ever was before.

There are rocky roads ahead of you
and many hills to climb;
But together we can do it
by taking one day at a time.

It was always my philosophy
and I'd like it for you too;
That as you give unto the world,
the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody
who's in sorrow and pain;
Then you can say to God at night
"My day was not in vain."

And now I am contented...
that my life was worthwhile.
Knowing as I passed along
I made somebody smile.

God says: "If you meet somebody
who is sad and feeling low;
Just lend a hand to pick him up,
as on your way you go."

When you're walking down the street
with me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps
only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go...
from that body to be free.
Remember you're not going...
you're coming here to me.

--author unknown

God's Garden

God looked around his garden and found an empty place.
He then looked down upon the earth and saw your tired face.
He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest.
God's garden must be beautiful, he always takes the best.

He knew that you were suffering, he knew you were in pain.
He knew that you would never get well on this earth again.
He saw the road was getting rough and the hills were hard to climb.
So he closed your weary eyelids and whispered "Peace be thine".

It broke our hearts to lose you but you didn't go alone.
For part of us went with you, the day God called you home.

--author unknown

I Stood By Your Bed Last Night

I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep. I could see that you were crying, You found it hard to sleep.

I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear, "It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."

I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea, You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me.

I was with you at the shops today, Your arms were getting sore. I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.

I was with you at my grave today, You tend it with such care. I want to reassure you, that I'm not lying there.

I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key. I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said "It's me."

You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair. I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.

It's possible for me to be so near you everyday. To say to you with certainty, "I never went away."

You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew, in the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.

The day is over... I smile and watch you yawning and say "good-night, God bless you mum, I'll see you in the morning."

And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide, I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side.

I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see. Be patient, live your journey out ... then come home to be with me.

--author unknown 

The Last Battle

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this -- the last battle -- can't be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But 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,
You wouldn't 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 till 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.

-- Unknown

To Love Again

Oh what unhappy twist of fate  
Has brought you homeless to my gate,
The gate where once another stood
To beg for shelter warmth and food?
 
For from that day I ceased to be
The master of my destiny,
While she, with purr and velvet paw
Became within my house the law.
 
She scratched the furniture and shed
And claimed the middle of my bed,
She ruled in arrogance and pride
And broke my heart the day she died.
 
So if you really think, oh cat
I'd willingly relive all that,
Because you come forlorn and thin
Well don't just stand there - come on in!

Author unknown

I'll Lend You

I'll lend you for a little while,
My grandest cat, said God.

For you to love while she's alive,
And mourn for when she's not.

It may be one or twenty years,
Or days or months, you see.
But will you, till I take her back,
Take care of her for me?

She'll bring her charms to gladden you
And should her stay be brief,
You'll have those treasured memories,
As solace for your grief.
I cannot promise she will stay,
Since all from earth return.

But there are lessons taught on earth
I want this cat to learn.
I've looked the wide world over
In my search for teachers true.

And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes,
With trust, I have selected you.

Now will you give her all your love?
Nor think the labour vain,
Nor hate me when I come
To take her back again?

I know you'll give her tenderness
And love will bloom each day,
And for the happiness you've known,
You will forever-grateful stay.

But should I come and call for her
Much sooner than you'd planned,
Please brave the bitter grief that comes,
And try to understand.

*Author Unknown*

Lend Me a Kitten

I will lend you for a while, a kitten, God said.

For you to love while he lives, and mourn when he's dead.

Maybe for twelve or fourteen years, or maybe two or three.

But will you, 'til 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 kitten to learn.

I've looked the whole world over in search of teachers true,

And from the folk that crowd 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 kitten home again ?

 I fancied that I heard them say " Dear Lord Thy Will Be Done "

For all the joys this kitten brings, 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,

Then in memory of him whom we loved, please help us while we grieve.

When our cherished kitten departs this world of strife, 

Please send yet another needy soul for us to love all his life.

Author Unknown

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

John Quealy

GOODBYE
-------
With heavy hearts; and a tear in our eyes
after all these years; we must say goodbye
Please understand; we've done all we could
if there was anything we could do; you know we would

I'm sitting right here; gently rub your ears
while I talk to you softly; trying to hold back the tears
The memories you gave us; we'll never forget
especially the ones; of the day we all met

One last hug; and one last kiss
you have no idea; how much you'll be missed
To look into your eyes; this one last time
you tell me it's ok; you know it's your time

Close your eyes now; and go to sleep
we'll pray to the Lord; you're soul he'll keep
Go in peace now; our good friend
we'll stay right here with you; until the end

Dream of that special day and time
when we'll meet at the Bridge; and all will be fine
We'll run and play; side by side
with a soft warm feeling; deep down inside

Your memory will live on; in each one of us
you'll always be number 1; to all of us
Have a safe journey; through the night
I promise when you awake; you'll be in God's light

So with heavy hearts; and tears in our eyes
just for now my friend; we say goodbye

John Quealy

You're filled with anger and disbelief
you ask why take your pet; she never hurt a leaf
Nothing makes sense; as you sit down and cry
but only the good Lord; can really say why

Into all our lives; a little rain must fall
and we must be strong; to answer that call
It usually happens; when are guard is down
then your feelings go on; a merry-go-round

You must hold on tight now; with all your might
because it's always darkest; before the light
Stop and take a look; down deep in your heart
it's there you'll find the strength; to make a new start

Your little one is now home; in Heaven above
cradled in God's arms; covered with his love
This isn't the end; you'll see her one day
and on that special day; you'll be together to stay

John Quealy