For as long as I can…

No one wanted the older dog

But you brought me home

Thankful for the time we’ll share

And I will be grateful to you for as long as I can.

My face is whiter now and I’m not so limber

But you are patient

Taking it easy and slow

And I will walk with you for as long as I can.

You’ll never know about my world “before”

But that’s okay, because the rest of my life

Will be spent at your side

And I will stay with you for as long as I can.

My eyes tell the story

Of love lost and found

Safe at last, I lay happily at your feet

And I will be your friend for as long as I can.

Time knows no reason

But hearts know no bounds

We were meant to be together

And I will love you for as long as I can.

(Judy Smith 2010)

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 moment that you left me, my heart was split in two
One side was filled with memories
The other side died with you.
I often lay awake at night when the world is fast asleep
And take a walk down memory lane with tears upon my cheek.
Remembering you is easy, I do it everyday
But missing you is a heartache that never goes away.
I hold you tightly within my heart and there you will remain,
You see life has gone on without you, but will never be the same.

- Author unknown