"BUM"
The Wolfhound had called for a meeting
All the dogs in Heaven were there
He wanted to announce a newcomer
And to tell everyone to prepare.
"Gather 'round," he said to the crowd.
"I have something important to say."
"A long time ago, when I first arrived,
I was told I should wait for this day."
Legend has it there'd be a great dog
that he'd come from earth down below.
He'd stay with us on to eternity
And the leadership crown we'd bestow
All the dogs sat and listened in silence
hearts raced with exciting suspense
Then the Wolfhound related this story
while speaking with true reverence
I had a dream about twelve years ago
That this dog was now on his way
He'd be our leader this side of the bridge
And he'd cross on a crisp Spring day.
Each Spring I'd sit by the Bridge
Not knowing which day he would come
Get out his crown and a cloud for his nap
For You'll soon meet the dog they called BUM
As the dogs sat 'round listening in awe
A sound from below reached their ears
Each knew the sound they had all heard before
It was that of a family in tears
As they waited in sombering silence
The Wolfhound whispered "He's here"
The puppies all ran to the edge of the Bridge
To see the one they had learned to revere.
Then a spot in the distance got larger
The Great dog was gaiting with ease
Bum crossed the Bridge with his head held high
And all the dogs just fell to their knees
Bjorn now waits at the Bridge
Where the dogs have set up his throne
When all his friends go to Heaven some day
He'll be there to welcome them home
-jan cooper 1994
IN MEMORY OF OSSO
I'm very lonely and frightened inside
as my best friend just died as I sat by his side.
I cradle him and cried you see,
as he was very dear to me.
He knew my very soul as no other.
Ow how I feel like I'm going to smother.
I held you close as my tears soaked your fur.
Not able to take a breath.
Knowing I was going to fight hard to keep strength in this test
that was just presented to me.
I feel my heart is broken,
Ow what will I do.
He was with me through it all,
and never left me wondering if he loved me.
I told him all my secrets. Ow please God don't take him from me.
I held him as he took his last
breath. Osso you will always
be part of me, my life, my family.
I'll miss you like no other.
Ow, how will I tell my sons? How
can it be, they won't understand.
All our hearts are broken, how
long will it take them to mend?
I will read them Rainbow bridge
today and give them each a hug
and say, he'll be there watching
over you from the clouds above.
-Mary Hernandez
God saw you getting tired
When a cure was not to be
So He closed His arms around you
And whispered, "Come to Me."
You didn't deserve what you went through
and so He gave you rest,
God's garden must be beautiful
He only takes the best.
And when we saw you sleeping
So peaceful and free from pain,
We could not wish you back
To suffer that again.
In memory of Rocky, one darn good dog.
-Author unknown
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