[Heinton]

I found this poem many years ago. It has comforted me when I've faced that hardest decision that dog owners face. May it bring you peace.

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

[ilovemychihuahua]

(crying) It was beautiful..................... .............."BRAVO!!!"

[nicole84]

What a beautiful poem and i couldn't have found it at a better time,we are having to put our 14 year old great dane down due to cancer and this poem will hopefully make the decision somewhat easier. thank you for posting it.

[Heinton]

I'm sorry to hear about your Dane, here's a virtual {{{{HUG}}}}.

[sheltieluver]

Thanks for sharing. There's a poem called The Journey. This got me through when I lost my beloved shelties. While it is very lengthy I thought I'd share a small part of it:

When you bring a pet into your life, you begin a journey - a journey that will bring you more love and devotion than you have ever known, yet also tests your strength and courage. I must caution you that this journey is not without pain. Like all paths of true love, the pain is part of loving. For surely as the sun sets, one day your dear animal companion will follow a trail you cannot yet go down. And you will have to find the strength and love to let them go. A pets time on earth is far too short - especially for those that love them. We borrow them really, just for awhile, and during these brief years they are generous enough to give us all their love, every inch their spirit and heart, until one day there is nothing left. Deep down we somehow always knew that this journey would end. We knew that if we gave our hearts they would be broken. But give them we must for it is all they ask in return. When the time comes, and the road curves ahead to a place we cannot see, we give one final gift and let them run on ahead - young and whole once more. "Godspeed, good friend" we say, until our journey comes full circle and our paths cross again.

[nicole84]

Originally Posted by Heinton

I'm sorry to hear about your Dane, here's a virtual {{{{HUG}}}}.

Thank you, she is truely going to be missed.

[babyelmo15]

oh my gosh. that poem was beautiful. I wish I would of heard of it earlier. I lost my 10 yrs old rotty Elmo on March 9 2007 because he ate the dog food that was recalled on March 16 2007. This poem is really sweet if you find any more on the internet or anything please post them!!

[Inga]

Thank you so much for the poem. I made a copy of it. I know of several people that will appreciate it.
Nicole84 I am sorry about your Great Dane. What a wonderful long life you gave her. You must have shared so much Love with her. Loss is hard at any age. I too am facing the loss of my 12 year old Rottweiler soon I am afraid.

babyelmo15 I am sorry for your loss as well. That is so unfair to lose a dog to something so unexpected. I love that you named your Rottweiler Elmo. I bet people gave him a chance just because he had a sweet funny name. Did his personality match? I bet it did Rottweilers are wonderful dogs.

[dog_trainer]

Originally Posted by Heinton

I found this poem many years ago. It has comforted me when I've faced that hardest decision that dog owners face. May it bring you peace.

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

Thanks for sharing...
.

[PhoenixLover]

Omg that poem almost made me cry infront of my family.
My puppy is only 6 months old but I know she will pass away some day and Im going to write down that poem to use at her burieng

[Kiira]

That's such a sad poem. My cousin's dog passed away quite recently. He was about 13 years old, I think, and he had cancer. I sat next to him with my cousin and aunt for hours waiting for him to get better, but eventually they realized that they had to take him to the vet to be put down. So we said our good-byes and he was put down May 15th, 2007.

[MayaTheLab]

Here is one that a friend sent to me when we had to put Dimples to sleep in May.

A Dogs Plea

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 although I should lick your hand between blows, your patience and understanding will quickly teach me the things you would have me learn.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the worlds sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps 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 by 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

[Regi]

Oh my god I cried thanks for the poem

Rest in Peace Piton (Petesy) Renman I love you still

Hope you are in Heaven