Andrew -

This poem wonderfully captures the sad world of, when the time comes, saying that final goodbye to a pet we have kept and loved.

I suspect that almost all of us had had that mournful experience at some point, and you have done a fine job of capturing the tragic aura that goes with it.

In particular, the stanza

A door opens.
A boy walks out hugging a half empty bag of dog food.
A women follows, wiping tears.
Last out, a man holding a leash and empty collar.

is especially poignant, because of the painful emptiness that it conveys, conveyed through the image of now purposeless things, the half-empty food bag, the empty collar, indicators of the hole that now resides in the hearts of those people.

And then

Silence falls as he solemn procession
walks through the door.

Not only silence on the part of the others in the waiting room, bit also silence in us, the readers, as we reflect upon the family's grief.

A poem can dwell in sadness, but still touch the heart, as this one does very well.

Oomph!! Right in my heart!

Having had probably 20 or so pets over the last 25 years, this really hits the mark!!
All have aged out but the last two.

I now have a 6 year old Chi mix who is my world, beyond anything the others ever affected me like before.
I'm sure that has to do with my dealing with my own mortality.

Thanks for the poem!!!

My best friend just had to put his 14 1/4 year old puppy down. I don't know who cried more........him or me.

May all beings and I mean ALL BEINGS be well.

Roger

Thank you In The Shop

This is something I find to be especially poignant. Especially when dealing with Gleason 9.

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...

Thanks for all the kind words on the poem.

It was just one of those that just needed to be written.

Peace,
Andrew

Very nicely put. Especially reliant, as I have an appointment for Saturday to put our 16 year old dog down. Doing it Saturday so the family can be there. Still having second thoughts. She is not suffering as long as we use the pain meds, but I took her to the beach yesterday and although she was not sad, I was, as I watched her limp along and try to eat whatever she could find. Sad to remember her running after balls and having fun. She still likes to be petted and eat, but not much else good in her life. Lately she is losing control of her bodily functions. Just so hard to go through with the decision to end another's life.