Gone but not forgotten

[Pine]

Oh, little friend, do you recall,
When you made this house your home?
You were just a ball of fluff,
Not even halfway grown.

You stumbled when you learned to walk,
It was hard to steer four legs;
You learned to sit, and stay, and come,
And, of course, you learned to beg.

You loved those walks we used to take,
You never left my side;
And if I got my car keys out,
You were ready for a ride.

You sensed when I was happy,
Or was feeling kind of low;
You'd rub up against my knee,
You always seemed to know.

You'd fetch a ball or get a toy,
Without even being told;
But, was your face crestfallen,
If I felt the need to scold.

You found the outside world exciting,
Do you remember your first snow?
You'd not come back inside the house,
Because you loved it so.

Going to the vets for shots,
I guess was your greatest fear;
You seemed to know each scheduled date,
Though you went but once a year.

You were afraid of lightening, too,
And of booming thunderstorms;
You'd run and jump upon my bed,
Where it was safe and warm.

I never once felt lonely,
As long as you were here;
You were at my feet or on my lap,
You constantly were near.

Oh, I am going to miss you,
No question about that;
But, little one, for your pain to go,
I had to send you back.

You're going back to heaven now,
Who knows your doggy-name.

I think there's Frisbees up in heaven,
And rubber, squeaky toys;
And angels who will play with you,
And little girls and boys.

But, there won't be any thunderstorms,
And no vets with shots up there;
You won't even need a leash,
You'll run freely in God's air.

And when my time on earth is done,
And at heaven's gate I'm near,
I don't want any harps or horns,
Just ... happy barks to hear.

So, see you later, little friend,
I'm glad you're now pain-free;
And I'm glad you're sitting next to Jesus,
Now ... you wait right there for me.From whence long ago you came;
You'll be welcomed back by God, Himself,

[rastaman]

Awesome tribute to our 4 legged friends.  It brought tears to my eyes remembering a couple of mine that were my best friends for several years. Good job!

[Pat B]

I think there is something wrong with folks that don't feel just the way you do, Pine. Sorry for your loss but the memories will carry you through. 

[RAU]

Sorry for your loss they really are parts of the family

[Sam McMichael]

I don't know of any more loyal friends than a loving dog. Those of us who have been lucky enough to have such a friend are truly blessed. This is a beautiful tribute to your buddy.

[Roy from Pa]

So sorry for your loss, Dale.

That really hits home to me as we have lost a few...

[1/4 away]

Sorry for your loss, Pine. I know the loss you're feeling as my wife and I lost our 8 year old lab 7 weeks ago.

[gifford, MO]

Pine, a heartfelt tribute to your canine companion. Typing this though the screen is a bit blurry. We're truly blessed to have our canine best buddies. We've had several exemplary dogs over the years, their passing brings sadness and longing until we are blessed with a new dog that needed a home and care. We don't forget those that passed but love the new ones as well. As long as we're able we'll give those abandoned and lost dogs a loving home.

[Lowrider]

So sorry for your loss.  Sadly I know your pain. A wonderful tribute to your fluffy friend.

[supernaut]

I'm very sorry for you loss. Your tribute was wonderful and choked me up as well. Prayers sent for your comfort