Dear God,
You know my inner turmoil……I awaken each morning and am relieved to feel my precious dog still breathing and that you have chosen once more to “give us just one more day”. I would never have him suffer one moment just to live for me. How many times have I asked you to let him go peacefully in his sleep; and then the next day I am so glad you have not answered that prayer! But, I know that I must learn to let go………I want him to be free of any pain, discomfort, or even depression he suffers.
So, when his time comes, welcome our Chisai as he crosses over the great divide between life and afterlife. He comes to You with eyes pale with suffering, and a body that is frail and weak. Bless his passing as he walks over the bridge of freedom to be made whole and well again. Hold him in Your arms and let him feel Your love. His heart is large and his courage is amazing. He has brought great love and compassion into our lives and he has left footprints of devotion in our hearts.
Set him free to run with the other animals who’ve passed before him. Pet him softly between his ears, and rub the long fur on his chest as I have done. Keep him safe, warm, and comforted until we can be together again. Amen.

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To my family ~
May I say good-bye to pain-filled days and endless painful nights? I no longer enjoy good health, hearing, sight and movement. I am having many more bad days than good, and many more bad hours than good hours. May I go now? Do you think the time is right?
So hold me now just one more time and let me know you’ll say that because you care so much for me you'll let me go today.
Until we meet again in a heavenly place mourn not for what has come to be, but celebrate my life. I leave this earth knowing…..with the last breath I draw…..that my fate was always safest in your hands.

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Dearest Chisai ~
The first day I met your gaze you were forever in my heart. 14 years together, but I wish it were more.
Although it helps to know you aren't in pain anymore, it does not heal the space in my heart from having to say goodbye to such a human-like dog. You were a ‘person’ with paws and a tail! You knew each of us by our emotions and habits. How perceptive! You were the sweetest dog and there will never be another like you.….ever. You were the perfect example of the unconditional love that the Creator gives all His creatures.
As you got old you became more trusting and I found more than ever that your eyes looked for hope and sympathy from my eyes. You were my brave boy, a tender heart, a sweet spirit. I could not watch your life be taken from you by disease any longer…….your suffering has now ended.
Your paws have left an imprint, everlasting in my heart, leaving treasured memories that will never fade. I loved to see you bound across the yard toward me when I called you in.….ears flapping, a ‘smile’ on your face and a sparkle in your eyes. I loved to see the movement of your fur in the breeze. I still remember the feel of your soft fur, and the look of your eyes, as clear as day. You had the most trusting, expressive brown eyes that could tug at our heart strings. Your eyes always consoled my worries and fears, too. Thank you for your gift.
You will never leave my mind and heart until I rush to hold you again when I get to where you are. I’m so glad that God let you cross my life’s path. But still, the house in so empty without the sound of your paws on the floor and your funny little snore. My heart has a hole in it where you once were…..I miss having you near.

“…..His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, ‘flying’ over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.....”
Taken From: Rainbow Bridge

I thought that I would miss you so
and never find my way
and then I heard the Angels say,
“He’s with you every day”.

In my heart forever, never more than a thought away…..
Love ~ Elayne (‘Mom’)