The Senior Dogs Project

The Senior Dogs Project
..........."Looking Out for Older Dogs" ...........

"Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog."
- Sydney Jeanne Seward

The Road Ahead.....Poems and Commentary

In Loving Memory of Tammi
12/92 - 1/16/07
Loving and Faithful Companion and Guardian Angel for 13 1/2 years -- to Nadine Killion, a staunch supporter of The Senior Dogs Project

Nadine wrote: "Tammi always watched over me....always the serious, concerned little girl, making sure I was okay."

Grieve not.....

Grieve not,
nor speak of me with tears,
but laugh and talk of me
as if I were beside you.....
I loved you so --
'twas Heaven here with you."

--by Ilsa Paschal Richardson

We have a secret....

We have a secret, you and I,
That no one else shall know,
For who, but I can see you lie,
Each night, in fireglow?
And who but I can reach my hand
Before we go to bed,
And feel the living warmth of you
And touch your silken head?
And only I walk woodland paths,
And see, ahead of me,
Your small form racing with the wind,
So young again, and free.
And only I can see you swim
In every brook I pass...
And, when I call, no one but I
Can see the bending grass.

-- by Beulah Fenderson Smith

Turn Again to Life

If I should die and leave you here awhile,
be not like others, sore undone,
who keep long vigils by the silent dust, and weep.
For my sake -- turn again to life and smile,
nerving thy heart and trembling hand
to do something to comfort other hearts than thine.
Complete those dear unfinished tasks of mine
and I, perchance, may therein comfort you.

-- by A Price Hughes

An Athem for Sable.....

When Sable died, a cloud turned into an angel and flew up to tell God to put another flower on a pillow. A bird carried the message back to the world and sang a silent prayer that made the rain cry.

Doggies disappear, but they never really go away. As spirits, they put the sun to bed, wake up the grass, and spin the earth in dizzy circles.

Sometimes you can see them dancing in a cloud during the daytime when they are supposed to be napping. These spirits paint the rainbows and the sunsets and make waves splash and tug at the tide. They toss shooting stars and listen to wishes.

And when they sing windsongs, they whisper to us, "Don't miss me too much, the view is nice and I'm doing just fine."

And quietly, privately, deep in my heart, I am content to know that God has given her a heaven full of cloud pillows to rest on.

Contributed by Deana Brody, Sedona, AZ. April 2004.

Words of Eugene O'Neill .....

.....on visiting an old friend's final resting place:

'....no matter how deep my sleep, I shall hear you, and not all the power of death can keep me from wagging a grateful tail.' Contributed by Lee Wheeler, Boston, MA

Excerpt from an adaptation of Eugene O'Neill's "The Last Will and Testament of Silverdane Emblem O'Neill" .......

"...I ask my Mistress to remember me, always, but not to grieve for me too long. In my life I have tried to be a comfort to her in time of sorrow and an added joy in her life's happiness. It is painful for me to think that even in death I shall cause her pain. Let her remember that, while no dog ever had a happier life, I have now grown ill and pained. I should not want my pride to sink to bewildered humiliation. It is time for me to say 'Good-bye.' It will be a sorrow to leave her, but not a sorrow to die. Dogs do not fear death, as men do. We accept it as a part of life, not as something alien and terrible that destroys life. What will become of me after death? I would like to believe I will be in a place where one is always young. Where I will someday be joined by companions I've known in life. Where I will romp in lovely fields with those who have gone before me. Where every hour is mealtime. Where in long evenings there are fireplaces with logs forever burning and one curls oneself up and remembers the brave old days on earth and the love of one's Mistress. This is much to expect, but peace, at least, is certain...and a long rest for these weakened limbs...and eternal sleep which is, perhaps, the best......"Contributed by Carol Marsh, in memory of Casey

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 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 or 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 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 to each other 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

Beyond the Rainbow

As much as I loved the life we had and all the times we played,
I was so very tired and knew my time on earth would fade.
I saw a wonderous image then of a place that's trouble free
Where all of us can meet again to spend eternity.

I saw the most beautiful Rainbow, and on the other side
Were meadows rich and beautiful -- lush and green and wide!
And running through the meadows as far as the eye could see
Were animals of every sort, as healthy as could be!
My own tired, failing body was fresh and healed and new
And I wanted to go run with them, but I had something left to do.

I needed to reach out to you, to tell you I'm all right
That this place is truly wonderful, then a bright Glow pierced the night.
'Twas the Glow of many Candles shining bright and strong and bold
And I knew then that it held your love in its brilliant shades of gold.

For although we may not be together in the way we used to be,
We are still connected by a cord no eye can see.
So whenever you need to find me, we're never far apart,
If you look beyond the Rainbow and listen with your heart.

......by Cathy Guyan
1995

If It Should Be.....

If it should be I grow frail and weak
And pain prevents my peaceful sleep,
Then you must do what must be done
When this last battle can't be won.

You will be sad, I understand.
Selfishness might stay your hand.
But on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship take the test.

We've had so many happy years
That what's to come can hold no fears.
You'd not want me to suffer. So,
When the time comes, please let me go.

Take me where my needs they'll tend.
Only -- stay with me until the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me.
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know, in time, you, too, will see
It is a kindness that you do for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.

Do not grieve it should be you
Who must decide this thing to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years......
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

Author Unknown

Heaven's Doggy 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 thought 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 that's 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!

by Jan Cooper

From a Grateful Dog

You're giving me a special gift,
So sorrowfully endowed,
And through these last few cherished days,
Your courage makes me proud.
But really, love is knowing
When your best friend is in pain,
And understanding earthly acts
Will only be in vain.
So looking deep into your eyes,
Beyond, into your soul,
I see in you the magic that will
Once more make me whole.
The strength that you possess,
Is why I look to you today,
To do this thing that must be done,
For it's the only way.
That strength is why I've followed you,
And chose you as my friend,
And why I've loved you all these years...
My partner till the end.
Please, understand just what this gift
You're giving, means to me,
It gives me back the strength I've lost,
And all my dignity.
You take a stand on my behalf,
For that is what friends do.
And know that what you do is right,
For I believe it, too.
So one last time, I breathe your scent,
And through your hand I feel,
The courage that's within you,
To grant me this appeal.
Cut the leash that holds me here,
Dear friend, and let me run,
Once more a strong and steady dog,
My pain and struggle done.
And don't despair my passing,
For I won't be far away,
Forever here, within your heart,
And memory I'll stay.
I'll be there watching over you,
Your ever-faithful friend,
And in your memories I'll run,
... a young dog once again.