A house is certainly not a home without a dog. I know this from a very painful experience.
After my sweet Betsy passed away, it took me years to adopt another dog. It was the biggest mistake I ever made, but I only realized it when we adopted Kiki after the Captain and I got married.
He recognized my love for dogs and convinced me to just visit the Humane Society in our area and at least get the feel for another dog. It was love at first sight when I spotted Kiki in her cage being all sassy and spunky. We adopted her immediately and it was one of the best things I have done for myself ever.
Although I will never forget my sweet Betsy and hold her in my heart forever, I feel so blessed to have found this sweet little bundle of joy I now have in my life. Losing Betsy makes me cherish every minute I have with Kiki even more than I would have before.
I found this awesome poem and it brought on all these thoughts about losing a pet and it touched me so much. Maybe it will be a comfort to anyone else who has lost a precious pet and feels that big hole in their heart.
Loss of a Pet
IF IT SHOULD BE
If it should be that I grow weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle cannot be won.
You will be sad, I understand,
Don't let your grief then stay your hand,
For this day, more than all the rest,
Your love for me must stand the test.
We've had so many happy years,
What is to come can hold no fears,
You'd not want me to suffer so,
The time has come - please let me go.
Take me where my need they'll tend,
And please stay with me till the end,
Hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time that you will see,
The kindness that you did for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
from pain and suffering I've been saved,
Please do not grieve - it must be you,
Who had this painful thing to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years;
Don't let your heart hold back its tears.
-- Anonymous--
If it should be that I grow weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle cannot be won.
You will be sad, I understand,
Don't let your grief then stay your hand,
For this day, more than all the rest,
Your love for me must stand the test.
We've had so many happy years,
What is to come can hold no fears,
You'd not want me to suffer so,
The time has come - please let me go.
Take me where my need they'll tend,
And please stay with me till the end,
Hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time that you will see,
The kindness that you did for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
from pain and suffering I've been saved,
Please do not grieve - it must be you,
Who had this painful thing to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years;
Don't let your heart hold back its tears.
-- Anonymous--