HOW TO HELP YOUR DOG PASS

Different links and stories to help your dog be free of pain and pass to the Rainbow Bridge.

 

Euthanasia at the Mar Vista Animal Medical Center

Pet Loss and Grief

We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own live within a fragile circle, easily and often breached. Unable to accept its awful gaps, we still would live no other way." from "The Once Again Prince", a story in the book Separate Lifetimes by Irving Townsend 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 night But something seems to draw me now to a warm and living light. I want to go -- I really do. It's difficult to say. But I will try as best I can to live just one more day. To give your 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 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.           Author Susan A. Jackson

"Our animals shepherd us through certain eras of our lives, when we are ready to turn the corner and make it on our own.....they let us go.  "Anonymous "

IF I SHOULD GROW FRAIL If it should be that I grow frail and weak and pain does 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 my needs they'll tend, only stay with me til 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 now 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.

Why Dogs don't live longer then people: Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker and they were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family there were no miracles left for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for the four-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience. The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up: "I know why." Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. He said: "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The four-year-old continued: "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long. "Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God

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 home again It broke my heart to loose you But you did not go alone For part of me went with you The day God took you home      A Dog' s Plea Author unknown

TREAT ME KINDLY, MY BELOVED FRIEND Treat me kindly, my beloved friend, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me. Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the thing you would have me learn. 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. Please take me inside when it is cold and wet, for I am a domesticated animal, no longer accustomed to bitter elements. I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for 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 at your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger. And, my friend, when I am very old, and I no longer enjoy good health, hearing and sight, do not make heroic efforts to keep me going. I am not having any fun. Please see that my trusting life is taken gently. I shall leave this earth knowing with the last breath I draw that my fate was always safest in your hands.      Author unknown

The Broken Chain We little knew that morning that God was going to call you home. In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone; for part of us went with you, the day God called you home. You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide; And though we cannot see you, you are always at our side. 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

"Some people think it's holding on that makes one strong. Sometimes it's letting go." Sylvia Robinson