//Before I start, I will tell you that this is a work of love for all our canine companions who have passed on. As many of you know, I just lost a little buddy due to a carless and irresponsible driver who was not only speeding but was passing the stopped school bus as my nieces were preparing to get off. I still don't know if the police ever caught up to this creep, but it was a horrible experience for all the youngsters on the bus to see him die like that. I have been trying to write a poem for him, which I was going to post in Off Topics, when they return. I wish to thank Barb for giving this space to write a tribute to him and all our other fine friends. I hope you enjoy it.//

It's wonderful, Rockmower, that you will write a fitting tribute to all of the cherished companions that have been loved and lost by our forum community. Mysti's passing nearly a year ago is only one of many "lost loves" here, and I'm sure that your poem will be a fitting tribute to them all. Thank you from all of us!

My Friend

I once had a friend
so young and so bold.
My friend and I frolicked
in sunshine of gold.

My friend liked to play
in fields and near streams.
My friend would not stray
too far in my dreams.

My friend liked the children
both those young and old.
My friend would watch o'er them
when out they would roam.

My friend was so special
to more than just me.
My friend was much more
than a mere dog could be.

My friend was a hunter
of all hidden things.
My friend would find treasures
and then home them bring.

Oh maybe not a treasure
to you or to me.
But, to my friend it was special
to give them to me.

My friend has gone on now
to a place I can't yet go.
But I know in my heart
that it's where good doggies go.

Up there in the heavens
where Jesus does live.
My friend is now waiting
and again, plays with kids.

aw, rock you made me cry
i am sorry about your dog !
i know that you love them like they are family .
there loss can be devastating.
and if i get to heaven and there aren't dog and cats
i'll leave and go where they are

r.i.p. my gypsy, my best friend for 10 years
i always told her i loved her too much
she was the best cat in the world.

As a supposedly gruff old man, I have to confess that you're not the only one I made cry. (I'm still wiping my own eyes) I'm sorry I didn't do it for cats too, but I think it's fitting enough for all our late animal companions.

i am so sorry lady. and no worries. your friend will soon meet my doggy for shes leaving us in a few weeks

rock, that was beautiful

I... Im not ready to loose her

That's such a touching tribute to those animal friends we've lost over the years.

My thoughts are with you as you deal with the loss of your friend, with AR as she deals with the imminent loss of her dog, and with all of those who have lost any of their animals friends.

Sorry to all forum members who lost their beloved pets..especially LadyCFII. Repeating what Houjun just said: "What a touching tribute!"

I Lost Miles My 17 year old cat. he was blind AND Deaf and my mom loved him. Now he's with Mysti And Bugsy (Another dog) And many other animals too. Including a goldfish...Anyway there all up there waiting for us. I'm sorry for EVERYONE here!

P.S I know i used the wrong "there" But this comes from my heart