A tribute to the dogs we've lost

happyhack

happyhack

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The Last Battle
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
and pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this--the last battle--can't be won.

You will be sad I understand,
Don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,
What is to come can hold no fears
You'd not want me to suffer, so.
When the time comes, please let me go.

Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me til the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time you will agree
it is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.

Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close--we two--these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

Sleep Well Bates

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So true, must have been a real dog lover to have been able to write that.

I know it sounds morbid and hopefully very premature but I am going to print that out and give to each of the puppy owners in with their file. Hopefully they will heed it although I hope it won't have to be 'used' for years of course.

But, yes, RIP to all lost dogs.

(has you other one settled down now?)
 
yes, we have slowly removed everything that was Bates's and Buddy is fine, a little fatter as we've been mollycoddling him a bit, mum collected ashes last week and he had a sniff and licked the box. He's got a new cuddly toy dog that he carries around with him everywhere!!

This poem came on a scroll from the crematorium when we lost our english setter, George, 15 years ago.
It makes me cry every time i read it, because it is written with such compassion and when i remember the final look Bates gave me, it said all of it.
 
Sitting here with tears streaming down my face! So, so true. Everyone who ever takes on a dog as a pet should be made to read a copy of that, so when the time comes they know they have to make the decision to do the kindest thing. All a bit too recent for me I'm afraid!
 
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