WARNING:  TISSUE ALERT!!
Dedicated to everyone who has
 ever had to put down a beloved dog.
MAY I GO?
by Susan A. Jackson
May I go now?
Do you think the time is right?
May I say goodbye to pain filled days
and endless lonely nights?
I've lived my life and done my best,
 an example tried to be.
So can I take that step beyond
and set my spirit free?
I didn't want to go at first,
I fought with all my might.
But something seems to draw me now
 to a warm and loving light.
I want to go. I really do.
It's difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can
to live just one more day.
To give you time to care for me
 and share your love and fears.
I know you're sad and afraid,
because I see your tears.
I'll not be far, I promise that,
 and hope you'll always know
that my spirit will be close to you
wherever you may go.
Thank you so for loving me.
You know I love you, too.
That's why it's hard to say goodbye
 and end this life with you.
So hold me now just one more time
and let me hear you say,
because you care so much for me,
you'll let me go today.

A Prayer for Animals
by Albert Schweitzer

Hear our humble prayer, O God, for our friends the animals, especially for animals who are suffering; for any that are hunted or lost or deserted or frightened or hungry; for all that must be put to death. We entreat for them all Thy mercy and pity, and for those who deal with them we ask a heart of compassion and gentle hands and kindly words. Make us, ourselves, to be true friends to animals and so to share the blessings of the merciful.
MEMBER OF THE FAMILY
What would I do without you,
My precious, furry friend?..
Part mischief, but all blessing,
and faithful to the end!
You look at me with eyes of love,
You never hold a grudge...
You think I’m far too wonderful
to criticize or judge.
It seems your greatest joy in life
is being close to me...
I think God knew how comforting
your warm, soft fur would be.
I know you think you’re human,
but I’m glad it isn’t true...
The world would be a nicer place
if folks were more like you!
A few short years are all we have,
one day we’ll have to part...
But you, my pet, will always have a
place within my heart.

Hope Harrington Kolb