R.I.P Our Cherished Pets: ANTONIO

HEAVENS DOGGIE 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 thats 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~

RUN FREE

While you could not speak the words,

I could hear the whispers of your voice.

Telling me it was time to go,

to celebrate your life and rejoice.

You decided it was time to go and

find your resting ground.

You lay down your tired head and

went without a sound.

In my heart I know you loved me,

as much as I loved you.

I pray you've found the peace,

that's helped to see me through.

I thank you for all the joy in my life and

the smiles you've brought to me.

May God guide you on your journey and

may your spirit always run free.

NEVER FORGOTTEN

As time goes by I won't forget,
That you were my beloved pet.
You made me happy when I was sad
And just for that I'm very glad.

God took you to his home in the sky.
I miss you son but please don't cry.
Although my heart is broken in two,
One day I'll come and be with you.

I don't know when, but when I do,
I will come and cuddle you.
I think about you everyday.
My heart will never feel the same way.

Until we meet again some day,
Together forever and never apart,
You'll be forever in my heart.

Always thinking of you, never forgotten,

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.
~Ken D Conover~

WHEN TOMORROW STARTS WITHOUT ME

When tomorrow starts without me,
And I'm not there to see;
The sun will rise and find your eyes
All filled with tears for me.
I wish so much you wouldn't cry
The way you did today,
Remembering how I'd lay my head
In your lap that special way.
I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me,
I know you'll miss me too.

But when tomorrow starts without me.
Please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name
And petted me with her hand.
She said my place was ready,
In Heaven far above,
And that I'd have to leave behind
All those I dearly love.

But, as I turned to heel away,
A tear fell from my eye,
For all my life I never thought
That I would have to die.
I had so much to live for,
So many sits and downs to do,
It seemed almost impossible,
That I was leaving you.

I thought about our lives together,
I know you must be sad,
I thought of all the love we shared,
And all the fun we had.

Remember how I'd nudge your hand,
And poke you with my nose?
The frisbee I would gladly chase,
The bad guy, I'd "bark and hold".

If I could relive yesterday,
Just even for awhile,
I'd wag my tail and kiss you,
Just so I could see you smile.

But, then I fully realized,
That this could never be;
For emptiness and memories
Will take the place of me.
And when I thought of treats and toys,
I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you and when I did,
My dog-heart filled with sorrow.

But then I walked through Heaven's gate,
And felt so much at home;
As God looked down and smiled at me,
From His beautiful golden throne.
He said, "This is eternity,
And now we welcome you,
Today your life on earth is past,
But here it starts anew.

I promise no tomorrow,
But today will always last;
For you see, each days's the same day,
There's no longing for the past.
Now you have been so faithful,
So trusting, loyal and true;
Though there were times you did things,
You knew you shouldn't do.

But good dogs are forgiven,
And now at last you're free;
So won't you sit here by my side,
And wait right here with me?"
So when tomorrow starts without me,
Don't think we're far apart.
For every time you think of me,
I'm right there, in your heart.
~author unknown~

You can shed tears that she is gone,

Or you can smile because she lived,

You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back,

Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left.

Your heart can be empty because you can't see her

Or you can be full of the love that you shared,

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,

Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember her and only that she is gone

Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on,

You can cry and close your mind be empty and turn your back,

Or you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes,

love and go on.

~david harkins~

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 rubbing 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 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 your 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 one 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~

This Poem was Written By Member Vicki Vange for her Beloved Kaylee.....

KAYLEE VANGEL
AUG.1/97 - JAN.12/10

When is it time to say goodbye
To all the love i've know
When is it time to end your pain
And leave me all alone?

I've watched you on your good days
I feel your strength renewed
But shortly after little ups
The down days then ensue.

I try to see beyond the pain
You feel with every step
And softly whisper to myself
This may get better yet.

If I can bear to watch you
Another day or two
I justify my reasons to
Ensure I cling to you.

Letting go is harder for
your mom who's left behind
It means that if I let you go
I cannot turn back time.

If I let myself admit
It's time to let you go
I'd have to face reality
Without you... but I know....

That soon I have to face the
Final outcome that I dread
And holding on will only serve
To hurt you in the end.

You've given such unselfish love
For all our time in life
But if I hold too tightly
You'll not move t'ward the light

To a better life, where you
Can once again be free
Of all the pain and discomfort
That holds you here to me

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.

I'll hold with me, the memories
That in my heart remain
Pray one day, down the road a'ways
....They'll lessen my own pain.

MY SWEET FOREVER PET

There's something missing in my home,
I feel it every 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, pal, and confidant,
A friend I won't forget...
You'll live for always in my heart,
My Sweet Forever Pet.
~ author...krazykitty2001~

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~

DARKEST BEFORE THE LIGHT

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~

HOW I AM RIGHT NOW

I know that you miss me, at times you are sad.

You think you should have done more as a Mom or a Dad.

But I've something to tell you, so you won't feel so bad.

You gave me the best life I could ever have had.

Now that I'm in heaven, I don't feel the pain.

It's always warm and sunny here, never any rain.
I just have to thank you, that the memories are glad.

For you gave me the best life I could ever have had.

The times that were painful are just lessons learned.

I've forgotten the sad times, with the freedom I've earned.

Just know in your heart, with faith iron-clad...

That you gave me the best life I could ever have had.
~unknown~

GRIEVE AWHILE

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 love, you can only guess how much you gave me in happiness
I thank you for the love you have shown
But now it is time I travelled 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 those 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 cannot see or touch me, I will be near -
And if you listen with your heart, you will hear -
All of my love around you, soft and clear.-
Then when you must come this way alone,
I will greet you with a Purr and a "Welcome Home"

~author unknown~

AN INSEPERABLE PAIR

I miss you so much, my four-legged friend

I ask myself each day, if the pain will ever end

Your loss is so hard, for one person to bear

Because we were a team, an inseparable pair

You were by my side, when I got up each day

Waiting so patiently, to go out to play

You were there each night, when I got home

Waiting to go to the park, where you could roam

You always knew, if I was having a bad day

So you'd snuggle up close, and try to get me to play

If that didn't work, you'd put your head in my lap

Then make yourself comfortable, and take a nap

One way or another, you would brighten my day

Like only you could, you had a special way

You gave me a lifetime, of memories to hold

Through all the years ahead, till I am gray and old

I promise I'll see you, again one day

When we'll be together again, to go run and play

Your loss is a cross, I will just have to bear

Because you and I know, we were an inseparable pair

~unknown~

IF IT SHOULD BE

Before I grow too frail and weak,
And all that's left is peace in sleep,
I know you'll do what must be done,
To end this fight that can't be won.

I don't fear death as humans do,
So let me try to comfort you,
Come: let us take a quiet stroll,
And share some quietness soul to soul.

No need for words 'twixt you and I,
No need to say a last good-bye,
We've grown so close in mind and heart,
It seems so cruel that we must part.

Be sure I sense the pain you'll feel,
Without me walking at your heel,
The days will feel full of despair,
Your Puppy simply won't be there.

In time the pain will slowly wane,
You'll think of me and smile again,
You'll speak with love and pride of me,
Your extra special much loved puppy.

Now take me where my needs they'll tend,
And stay there with me till the end,
Hold me close with soft good-byes,
'Till life's bright light has left my eyes.

The final sound I need to hear,
Is your soft voice upon my ear.
Your loving face will fade and dim,
As the rush of heaven closes in.
~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~

MY SWEET FOREVER PET

HEAVEN'S DOGGIE 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 thats 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~

ANGEL IN THE SKY

There is a star in Heaven
and on it is a place,
that's been reserved for you since birth
a place meant for your name.

This star has watched you through the years
but it could not stand alone,
it rested high on angel wings
awaiting your trip home.

You slipped away, I held you close,
your soul flowed through my heart,
I felt your last breath through my tears
I felt your pain depart.

Tonight I looked up to the sky
and there for me to view
was one lone star shining bright
your name was shining too.

You were my angel on this earth,
you're my angel in the sky.

Wait for me, someday you'll see
our names shine side by side

~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.
~Anonymous~

TOO SOON

Eyes that used to sparkle, pupils wide, excited,
Are now half-masked by a lazy membrane.

I feel each bone of your spine
As I gently groom your fur.
Each day, the comb fills faster, and still you purr.

I wrap my arms around you, like armor,
And choke on my helplessness.
I hide a terrible secret from you now.

I wonder if you recall your first days
When you galloped from room to room
And we laughed at your over-sized feet?

Do you remember basking in your sun room,
Hoping for a bird to come to the feeder,
And how you loved to chase me through the house,
And climb the Christmas tree, and steal from my plate

While I pretended not to see?

Today, my world is reduced to whether you will eat.
I see you slowing down,
I worry when you sleep too long.

I know your coming days will not be lived in grace,
And know what I will have to do for you.
I tell myself you would be grateful.

But tonight, as you curl beside me on the bed,
I wonder – will it have to be tomorrow?

~Maureen Simmons~
*Group Member*

DON'T GRIEVE TOO LONG

Don't grieve too long for now I'm free
I've followed the path God set for me
I ran to Him when I heard His call
I swished my tail and left it all.

I could not stay another day
To meow, 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
Please feel it with remembered joy
A friendship shared, your laugh, a kiss
Oh yes, these things I too shall miss
Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow
My life's been full, you've given so much
Your time, your love and gentle touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief
Lift up your head and share with me
God wanted me; He set me free!!
~author unknown~

CAT BED IN THE SKY

I thought that you might like to know
I got here safe and sound

Though you must feel rather strange not having me around;
Of course, I am not really gone, I've just moved out of sight,
And I don't need that old body, things had stopped working right.

Sometimes I'm sorely tempted, to pop back down and see,
Just how you are managing, without any help from me,

But I'm sure that you will understand I can't come back to stay,
Though I have it on good authority that we'll meet again some day.

The chow up here's delicious - Ambrosia brand, it's named,
Once you've tasted this stuff, Friskies won't taste the same,
And where do they get this nectar, which thick and creamy comes, It's not like other dairy products 'cause it don't give me the runs.

I haven't found the litter tray, and THIS perplexes me,
That however much I wolf down, I never have to pee.

But there are other plus points, which cannot be ignored,
My claws have all come back again and there are drapes here to be clawed.

Oh yes - I've got a comfy bed, just like mine down there at home,
So things here are quite adequate, I cannot gripe or groan;

But while I'm up here waiting, in my cat bed in the sky,I'll regularly look in on you, and keep a watchful eye.

Monday, August 9, 2010

ANTONIO