Memorials, Rainbow Bridge, Poems, Personal Thoughts, and Dedications

[nineten]

I often find poems and memorials which are very touching. Thought I'd start this thread and please contribute if you have a reading you'd like to share.

Thanks to dgman for the link she gave and I found this in the memorials.

FOR EVERY DOG AN ANGEL

Whenever a puppy is born on earth, a guardian angel waits nearby to welcome the puppy into the world and take it under her heavenly wings. The guardian angel makes herself very small and snuggles in close to the soft, warm fur, telling her puppy how much it is loved and that it has come into the world for a special purpose. Even though the puppy’s eyes are closed, it feels the fluttering wings by its heart and knows its guardian angel is there.

All puppies come into the world with unique gifts. As time passes and the puppy grows, the guardian angel helps her puppy to understand what makes it so very special. Whether they are destined to become fast runners, soulful singers or peaceful sleepers, each puppy is perfect and the angel loves it just the way it is.

The day comes when the puppy must go into the world and start traveling down its own special path. Sometimes, the path leads to a loving home, where a family is waiting to take their new four-legged friend into their hearts.

And the guardian angel is happy, knowing her dog will always have friends to play with, bones to chew on and someone to cuddle up next to at night.

Angels like to visit when their dogs are dreaming. You may have seen a dog’s paw moving while it is asleep. Perhaps it is on a high hill in a faraway place, dancing with its guardian angel. All dogs bring the gift of love to the world. In that way they are very much like angels. Dogs will share their love with anyone. They don’t ask for anything in return. But if someone takes a moment to scratch a dog under its chin or tell a dog how special it is, you can be sure its guardian angel is smiling.

From time to time, when a certain person and a certain dog meet, something happens that is just like magic! It is as if they have known each other before. Each knows what the other is thinking and feeling. They will be together always. And the guardian angel watches over the two with love, knowing their dog has found its forever person and the person has found its forever dog.

A forever person and their forever dog will share many experiences over a lifetime, like listening to favorite stories and taking vacations together.

They will watch hundreds of sunsets from up on the hill. But the greatest gift these friends will share is knowing what is in the other’s heart. Side by side, looking up at the sky on a starry night, a forever person and their forever dog will share all the secret hopes and dreams that are only told to a very best friend.

A dog can never really be separated from its forever person.

Neither time nor space can ever come between them. So when the dog comes to the end of its earthly life, and must go on ahead without its person beside them, the guardian angel becomes a rainbow bridge that connects the two friends for as long as the person remains on earth.

Sometimes dogs will cross the rainbow bridge and visit the earth while they are waiting for their forever person to join them. You can never be certain where they might turn up. You may feel four paws padding along next to you when you are in the park. Listen carefully, and you might hear a familiar voice joining in when you go holiday caroling. So if you see the blanket rumple softly after you’ve curled up for an afternoon nap, it’s very possible your forever dog has come back to visit and is napping beside you.

Nothing brings your forever dog more joy than knowing you are happy, even if that means bringing a new dog companion into your life. Your forever dog lovingly remembers the special place it had in your life on earth, and is delighted to know another dog will get to share all the love you have to offer. Your forever dog may even come back and help your new dog discover the best spots for burying bones and show them where to watch for your return at the end of the day. So don’t be surprised to see your new dog racing through the house as if it’s playing with an invisible friend......it probably is.

As the years go by, you and your dog may find yourselves going more slowly as you take your daily walks. The time may come when your dog leaves your side and crosses the bridge to be with your forever dog. In fact, there may be many animals who will share your life during the time you are here on earth.

One day, the rainbow bridge that your forever dog crossed so many years earlier will appear to you. And with the happy heart of a person who is going home, you will cross the bridge and find yourself welcomed by all the animal friends you made when you were on earth. In the middle of all that love, your forever dog will be waiting for you.

It will be like the day you found each other on earth. You will know you have been together before, and nothing will ever separate you again. And the angels will be happy, knowing a forever person and their forever dog have found each other once more.

http://www.belgians.com/rolinridge/r...h/memories.htm

[ratito921]

this breaks my heart every time I hear or see the story, but the song says it all

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSoAODcMBao[/youtube]

[nineten]

BECAUSE THEIR SPIRITS AREN'T BROKEN

Disabled Pets

Most pets have the use of two eyes,
Some have one or none.

Most pets can hear through both ears,
Some hear a little, some hear nothing at all.

Most pets can eat anything and visit the vet but once a year,
Some need special food, shots or medicine.

Most pets go potty on a walk or in the yard,
Some wear ‘hot pants’ or go on a special matt inside.

Most pets walk in normal stride,
Some hop along or roll in wheelchairs.

Differences exist between most and some, but does it really mean that much?
All pets have such great big hearts and yearn to feel love’s touch.

Opening your mind, home and heart to a disabled pet will prove one thing for sure,
The love and thanks you'll receive in return will touch your life like never before.

-Lynne Przychodzki, 2004

http://www.petswithdisabilities.org/poem.html

[nineten]

Below link for full memorial, photos, etc.

http://diogi.critters.com/


DiOGi

September 28 2006

A Beautiful Dog with a Beautiful Name

In loving memory of Polk County Deputy Matt Williams and His K-9 Partner DiOGi.

DiOGi along with Polk County Florida K-9 Officer Deputy Matt Williams were gunned down in an Ambush in Lakeland Florida on September 28th, 2006.

Matt Williams joined the sheriff's office in 1994 and the K-9 unit in 2000. Neighbors said Williams was never far from Diogi.

"He was an excellent dog handler; he just loved Rocky and Diogi

Diogi was cremated, and his remains were Interred with Deputy Williams.

Walking up the front pathway to Polk City Elementary Sshool in Polk City Florida

A monument to slain Deputy Matt Williams and his K-9 partner DiOGi. Williams attended Polk City elementary school and lived in Polk City. He was killed on September 28th, 2006 in the Line of Duty.

The monument has the words "In loving memory of our Hometown Heroes" surrounding the picture on the top with Williams' name and the words "His Faithful Partner DiOGi" and the date they died, Sept. 28, 2006.

On the front, a quote from the Bible: "Greater Love hath no man than this that a Man lay down His Life for His Friends."


DiOGi means Dog

To view a video of the remarkable service held in honor of Matt and Diogi click Video

Deputy Sheriff Vernon Matthew (Matt) Williams Polk County Sheriff's Office Florida

End of Watch: Thursday, September 28, 2006

Biographical Info Age: 39 Tour of Duty: 12 years Badge Number: 3655K

Incident Details Cause of Death: Gunfire Date of Incident: Thursday, September 28, 2006 Weapon Used: Handgun; 9 mm Suspect Info: Shot and killed

Deputy Matt Williams and his K9 partner, Diogi, were shot and killed while pursuing a suspect who had fled on foot during a traffic stop.

Another deputy had stopped the vehicle for a traffic violation and the suspect fled on foot into an adjoining wooded area.

Deputy Williams and K9 Diogi arrived moments later and began searching for the suspect with the other deputy. The suspect opened fire on the deputies as they tracked him, shooting Deputy Williams eight times, killing him. K9 Diogi was also shot and killed. The other deputy was shot once in the leg and wounded. Deputy Williams was not wearing a vest.

Later in the day the killer emerged from the woods and fired at a Lakeland Police Department officer who was alerting residents to stay away from the area. The officer returned fire as the killer fled back into the woods.

The killer was located by SWAT team members the following day hiding underneath a fallen tree that had been covered by underbrush. The man was shot and killed by the officers when he failed to obey their commands and displayed a firearm.

Deputy Williams had served with the Polk County Sheriff's Office for 12 years and was assigned to the Northwest District K-9 Unit. He is survived by his wife, daughter, and two sons.

I did not know Matt or DiOGi personally..I only feel like I have...

Matt and DiOGi, I can still remember it all just like it was yesterday..I was at work and I could look down on I-4 and see all the Police Cars and hear all the Sirens..I heard what happened from my Boss and I felt such a Sadness and shed tears for You, DiOGi and your Family..Its something I will never Forget or anybody in Lakeland Fl ever will..I use to watch K-9 Officers with their K-9 Dogs pull up across the Street from Pepperidge Farm, and watch the Dogs exercise and run and later after all that happened, I thought that you and DiOGi were probably over there.. I heard you gave your Life to Christ and that made me feel so happy because I know for sure that you're in Heaven with DiOGi and someday I will Meet you and will be able to tell you and DiOGi how Grateful I am and How Lakeland lost two Heroes that Day..Joe is right when he said that you and DiOGi stood for everything that was right..Mike was right when he said " A Man Remembered never dies "

Thats how this Tragedy affected alot of People in Polk and surrounding Counties in Florida..An estimated 3000 Mourners showed up at his Funeral. I am so proud of both of You, Matt and DiOGi..You will Always be Lakeland Florida's {\Heroes Forever/}



A POLICE DOGS PRAYER..

Author - Unknown

Oh almighty God,
whose great power and eternal
wisdom embraces the universe,
watch over my handler while I sleep.

Protect my handler from harm
while I am unable to do so.

I pray, help keep our streets and homes
safe while my handler and I rest.

I ask for your loving care because
my handler's duty is dangerous.

Grant my handler your unending strength
and courage in our daily assignments.

Dear God,
protect my brave handler,
grant your almighty protection,
unite my handler safely with the family
after the tour of duty has ended.
I ask nothing for myself.
Amen.


Always a Silent Hurt, Many a Silent Tear. But always a Beautiful Memory of One we Loved so Dear.

God gave Us strength to bear it. and Courage to take the Blow. But what it meant to loose you ....No One will ever know....

Please sign the guestbook for DiOGi by clicking here

This page has been visited 6916 times

Honor, cherish and share your loved one's story.

click to create a memorial

[nineten]

Dedicated to everyone who has ever had to put down a beloved dog.

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.

Dedicated to everyone who has ever had to put down a beloved dog.

Author: Susan A. Jackson

[nineten]

BEAUTIFUL SWAN OUTSIDE AN SPCA SHELTER REPRESENTING *ALL* ANIMALS!!!

[teajay]

Oh Mercy.......probablly shouldn't have watched it here at work. I hope the phone doesn't ring cause I can't talk right now.

[nineten]

RIP Doglover Patrick Swayze

A few months ago I poseted this photo. Then Patrick Swayze, who was sick with pancreatic cancer, announced he would be writing a memoir with his dogs at his side.

The Associated Press is reporting tonight that Swayze has died at age 57.

Hopefully the dogs offered him some comfort in his final months.

He's here with his poodle, Lucas, and Kumasai, his Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy at Swayze's New Mexico ranch.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:35 PM
http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/features/mutts/blog/





May 26, 2009

Patrick Swayze Writes Memoir With Dogs At His Side

Actor Patrick Swayze, who has stage-four pancreatic cancer, is writing a memoir with his wife, Lisa Niemi.

In this photo released by the couple's publicist, Swayze and Niemi pose this month with their dogs, poodle, Lucas, left, and Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy, Kumasai, at their ranch in New Mexico.

The couple has apparently been working on the book at their ranch. The picture was taken during a writing break, Swayze's publicist tells E! News.

Hopefully the dogs are as comforting to Swayze as they look in the picture.

****The book is set to be published by Atria Books this fall, Sept 29, 2009. Pre-order.
http://www.amazon.com/Time-My-Life-P.../dp/1439158584

http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/feat..._rhodesia.html

[nineten]

MESSAGE FROM A RESCUED DOG

Now that I'm home, bathed, settled, and fed,
All nicely tucked in my warm bed.
I'd like to open my baggage, Lest I forget,
There is so much to carry, so much to regret.

Hmm...Yes, there they are, right on top
Let's unpack Loneliness, Heartache, and Loss.
And there by my leash hides the Fear and Shame.

As I look on these things I tried so hard to leave
I still have to unpack my baggage called Pain.
I loved them, the others, the ones who left me.
But I wasn't good enough,
For they didn't want me.

Will you add to my baggage?
Will you help me unpack?
Or will you just look
at my things,
And send me right back?

Do you have time to help me unpack?
To put away my baggage, to never repack?
I pray that you do - I'm so tired you see.

But I do come with baggage. Will you still want me?








FORGOTTEN DOG'S CHRISTMAS

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there

The children were nestled all snug in their beds
With no thought of the dog filling their head

And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap
Knew he was cold, but didn't care about that

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter

Away to the window I flew like a flash
Figuring the dog was free of his chain and into the trash

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the luster of mid-day to objects below

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear
But Santa Claus - with eyes full of tears

He un-chained the dog, once so lively and quick
Last year's Christmas present, now painfully thin and sick

More rapid than eagles he called the dog's name
And the dog ran to him, despite all his pain

"Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN!
On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONNER and BLITZEN!

To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!
Let's find this dog a home where he'll be loved by all."

I knew in an instant there would be no gifts this year
For Santa Claus had made one thing quite clear

The gift of a dog is not just for the season
We had gotten the pup for all the wrong reasons

In our haste to think of the kids a gift
There was one important thing that we missed

A dog should be family, and cared for the same
You don't give a gift, then put it on a chain

And I heard him exclaim as he rode out of sight
"You weren't given a gift! You were given a LIFE!"

Author Unknown

[nineten]

PRAYER FROM A STRAY

Dear God,

Please send me somebody who'll care!

I'm tired of running, I'm sick with despair

My body is aching, it's so racked with pain

And dear God, I pray as I run in the rain

That someone will love me and give me a home

A warm cozy bed and a big juicy bone



My last owner tied me all day in the yard

Sometimes with no water and God, that was hard!

So I chewed my leash God and I ran away

To rummage in garbage and lie as a stray



But now God, I'm tired and hungry and cold

And I'm so afraid that I'll never grow old

They've chased me with sticks, hit me with stones

While I run the streets just looking for bones!



I'm not really bad God, please help if you can

For I have become just a "victim of man!"

I'm wormy dear God and I'm ridden with fleas

And all that I want is an owner to please!



If you find one for me God,, Ill try to be good

I won't chew their shoes and I'll do as I should.

I'll love them, protect them and try to obey

When they tell me to sit, to lie down or to stay!



I don't think I'll make it too long on my own

Cause I'm getting so weak and I'm, Oh so alone

Each night as I sleep in the bushes I cry

Cause I'm so afraid God, that I'm gonna die!



I've got so much love and devotion to give

That I should be given a new chance to live.

So dear God please, please answer my prayer

And send me somebody who will really care.

--Unknown