Losing a pet is a situation that no one deals with well (no one that I know anyhow). Oftentimes it helps to read soothing pet loss poetry to help you through your grief. It helps to know that someone else has been down the pet loss road before and thought enough about it to leave some comforting words for someone else.

Here are a few pet loss poems (some dog loss poems) that might help someone you know through this most rough of times:

Lend Me a Pup

I will lend to you for awhile
a puppy, God said,
For you to love him while he lives
and to mourn for him when he is gone.
Maybe for 12 or 14 years,
or maybe for 2 or 3
But will you, till I call him back
take care of him for me?

He’ll bring his charms to gladden you
and (should his stay be brief)
you’ll always have his memories
as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise that he will stay
since all from Earth return,
But there are lessons taught below
I want this pup to learn.

I’ve looked the whole world over
in seach of teachers true
And from the fold that crowd life’s land
I have chosen you.
Now will you give him all your love
Nor think the labor vain,
nor hate me when I come to take my pup back again?

I fancied that I heard them say,
“Dear Lord, They Will Be Done,”
For all the joys this pup will bring
the risk of grief you’ll run.
Will you shelter him with tenderness,
Will you love him while you may?
And for the happiness you’ll know forever grateful stay.

But should I call him back
much sooner than you’ve planned,
please brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand.
If, by your love, you’ve managed
my wishes to achieve,
In memory of him that you’ve loved,
cherish every moment with your faithful bundle, and know he loved you too.

- Author Unknown

A Bridge Called Love

It takes us back to brighter years,
to happier sunlit days
and to precious moments
that will be with us always.
And these fond recollections
are treasured in the heart
to bring us always close to those
from whom we had to part.

There is a bridge of memories
from Earth to Heaven above…
It keeps our dear ones near us

It’s the bridge that we call love.

- Author Unknown

I’m Still Here

Friend, please don’t mourn for me
I’m still here, though you don’t see.
I’m right by your side each night and day
and within your heart I long to stay.

My body is gone but I’m always near.
I’m everything you feel, see or hear.
My spirit is free, but I’ll never depart
as long as you keep me alive in your heart.

I’ll never wander out of your sight-
I’m the brightest star on a summer’s night.
I’ll never be beyond your reach-
I’m the warm moist sand when you’re at the beach.

I’m the colorful leaves when fall comes around
and the pure white snow that blankets the ground.
I’m the beautiful flowers of which you’re so fond,
The clear cool water in a quiet pond.

I’m the first bright blossom you’ll see in the spring,
The first warn raindrop that April will bring.
I’m the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine,
and you’ll see that the face in the moon shine is mine.

When you start thinking there’s no one to love you,
you can talk to through the Lord up above you.
I’ll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees,
and you’ll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze.

I’m the hot salty tears that flow when you weep
and the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep.
I’m the smile you see on a baby’s face.
Just look for me friend, I’m every place!

- Author Unknown

This is dedicated to the most gentle and loving Golden Retriever, Marvin White and his human, Gary.

Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water, sunshine so our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill or old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy except for one small thing…they miss someone very special to them who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. 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.”

-Author Unknown

We love you Marvin. You are a special dog who taught us about love, life, laughter and patience. And its because of God’s gracious creatures like you, as this blog’s sub-head says, that All Pets Go to Heaven.

Love, Jaime.

Coping with the grief after losing a pet can be a difficult thing to do. Those experiencing pet loss need to arm themselves with their toughest defenses because outliving a pet is a heartbreaking situation. The loss of any type of pet – guide animal, police animal, companion animal or other, is a devastating loss of a best friend.

The deep emotional bond one shares with an animal is hard to put in words. Whether you are grieving, or sympathizing with someone who is, take a soul-soothing journey through the pet loss poetry on this page. Pet loss poetry serves a dual purpose: it’s healing and supportive at the same time.

Feel free to comment and share with others experiencing pet loss.

The Power of the Dog

Excerpt:  
When the body that lived at your single will
When the whimper of welcome is stilled (how still!)
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone wherever it goes–for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart to a dog to tear

A  Poem for the Grieving…

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn’s rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die…
-Anonymous

The words inspired by Misty Blue, a retired racing greyhound may also be comforting.

Other good resources:
• Four Paws in Heaven
• http://www.pet-loss.net/
• My Pet Loss

If you happen to be comforting someone else through their tough time, try sending a little pet loss gift to show your support. Framed pictures are always a nice gesture. Surprise them with a note in their inbox to cheer them up; there is a wide variety of pet loss cards available online. A loss of a pet eCard might brighten their day a bit and let them know you are sympathizing with them.

Other uplifting gifts for pet loss include donations to an animal welfare groups like the Fund for Animals (which allows you to “adopt” a specific animal with your donation), In Defense of Animals, or a shelter in your area.