Opetuary
Opetuary:
In Loving Memory of My Nephew’s Dog, Gunny (2003-2013)
by Alice Jane-Marie Massa
Why does a pet leave us too soon?
If I knew, I’d write the answer on the Moon.
Then, you could read those words to ease your pain each night,
hold onto the happy years and moments with all your might.
Swirling through this time of sadness and grief,
You imagine a glowing star and a golden leaf,
Made by the Angel who now takes your dog past the sky.
Paws run, but he turns and tells you not to cry.
Around you will always be a bit of my aura and space:
Traces of me, in time, will bring smiles to your face.
How does a dog leave such pawprints on the heart?
You know, those prints mirror the love you gave him from the start.
With sympathy and love,
(Aunt) Alice and Zoe
March 15, 2013, Friday
Post-script: In the comments section, you are welcome to leave a note about a special pet whom you have lost. Blessings for all those dogs who have touched our lives!
alice13wordwalk 
One thing I have learned over the years of trying to clean the dog hair from our home, and that’s all dogs go to heaven. Thanks for a wonderful post. I breathed in deep several times while reading it.
Deon
Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.
Vivian Green
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Deon–I have a throw pillow on my sofa; the saying on the pillow is “No outfit is complete without dog hairs.” I take this adage very seriously. Thanks for sharing your comment about this Opetuary. AJM
Alice, what a lovely tribute to Gunny, whose spirit will live on for those who knew him and for those who loved him. I will never forget his majestic presence, especially as he ran freely in his domain.
As our beloved Meme passed last October, the “Rainbow Bridge” poem below seemed to lessen the pain. Gunny is no longer suffering and has joined his family and friends in peace.
Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to those who will sorely miss him.
Love,
Tim and Carole
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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 and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each 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…
I remember when one of our Irish setters passed away. I was in college and home for an unusually hot summer. Dad let the dog out at two o’clock one morning when it was still very warm. When the dog didn’t return, Dad went looking for him and eventually found him lying near a creek, dead from possible dehydration. He was eleven years old.
Abbie–Thank you for adding a comment about your family’s Irish Setter. AJM
As you know, our little Basky is now an Angel in doggy heaven. His story, before he came to us, is so remarkable. It shows his courage and strength to hang on so that he could find us and enrich our lives. We’ll never know exactly how old he was, but he enriched our lives for seven Christmases. There will NEVER be another Basky. He was such a special little guy.
Thank you for writing a wonderful poem, Alice.