We’ve assembled the ultimate list of the 10 best loss of a dog poems to help you celebrate the life of a furry friend.
Whether you’re looking for a poem to use in a condolence message or sympathy card for a friend who is grieving the loss of a dog, or you’re looking for a poem to include on a memorial for your own dog that has passed away, you’ve come to the right place.
At the end of our post, we have links to our Pinterest board and Facebook page where you can find more images with your favourite quotes about loss of a dog created to help you celebrate the life of your special canine companion.
Loss of Dog Poems #10
Lend Me A Pup
By Unknown Author
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 search 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.
~
Loss of Dog Poems #9
She Was Just My Dog
By Unknown Author
She was my other eyes that could see above the clouds;
my other ears that heard above the winds.
She was the part of me that could reach out into the sea.
She had told me a thousand times over that I was her reason for being;
by the way she rested against my leg;
by the way she wagged her tail at my smallest smile;
by the way she showed her hurt when I left without taking her along
(I think it made her sick with worry because she was not along to care for me).
When I was wrong, she was delighted to forgive.
When I was angry, she clowned to make me smile.
When I was happy, she was joy unbounded.
When I was a fool, she ignored it.
When I succeeded, she bragged.
Without her, I am only another person.
With her, I was all powerful.
She was loyalty itself.
She had taught me the meaning of devotion.
With her, I knew a secret comfort and a private peace.
She had brought me understanding where before I was ignorant.
Her head on my knee could heal my human hurts.
Her kisses on my tears washed away my bad feelings.
Her presence by my side was protection against my fears of dark and unknown things.
She had promised to wait for me…whenever…wherever…in case I need her.
And I expect I will — as I always have — she was just my dog.
~
Loss of Dog Poems #8
A Little Dog Angel
By Noah M. Holland
High up in the courts of heaven today
a little dog angel waits;
with the other angels he will not play,
but he sits alone at the gates.
“For I know my master will come” says he,
“and when he comes he will call for me.”
The other angels pass him by
As they hurry toward the throne,
And he watches them with a wistful eye
as he sits at the gates alone.
“But I know if I just wait patiently
that someday my master will call for me.”
And his master, down on earth below,
as he sits in his easy chair,
forgets sometimes, and whispers low
to the dog who is not there.
And the little dog angel cocks his ears
and dreams that his master’s voice he hears.
And when at last his master waits
outside in the dark and cold,
for the hand of death to open the door,
that leads to those courts of gold,
he will hear a sound through the gathering dark,
a little dog angel’s bark.
~
Loss of Dog Poems #7
Solace
By Lisa Carmel Singer
From the Silence of your pain, I heard my name
and on the wings of light I have come
to see the sadness in your eyes
that cry without tears
Can you see me, I am here
I will always be near you,
to calm your shattered heart
and to make you smile at the memories
Do you feel me, perhaps a soft brush of fur
You ache to believe it’s real
but you are afraid to hope
you brush away a strand of hair
But it was I, whispering
I am only here for a moment
The silver thread gently quivers
I will leave behind my love in a dream
When you awaken and without really knowing why
Your heart will know at last
That it is all right for now
to say goodbye.
~
Loss of Dog Poems #6
Tribute to a Best Friend
By Unknown Author
Sunlight streams through window pane onto a spot on the floor…
then I remember,
it’s where you used to lie, but now you are no more.
Our feet walk down a hall of carpet, and muted echoes sound…
then I remember,
it’s where your paws would joyously abound.
A voice is heard along the road, and up beyond the hill,
then I remember,
it can’t be yours — your golden voice is still.
But I’ll take that vacant spot of floor and empty muted hall,
and lay them with the absent voice and unused dish along the wall.
I’ll wrap these treasured memories in a blanket of my love,
and keep them for my best friend until we meet above.
~
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Loss of Dog Poems #5
The Loss of a Heart-Dog
By Colleen Fitzsimmons
I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying, you found it hard to sleep.
I whined to you so softly as you brushed away a tear,
“It’s me, I haven’t left you, I’m well, I’m fine, I’m here.”
I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea.
You were thinking of the many times your hands reached down to me.
I was with you at the shops today, your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels, I wished I could do more.
I was with you at my grave today, you tend it with such care.
I want to reassure you that I’m not lying there.
I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.
I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said, “It’s me.”
You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.
It’s possible for me to be so near you everyday.
To say to you with certainty, “I never went away.”
You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew…
In the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.
The day is over now … I smile and watch you yawning,
And say, “Goodnight, God bless, I’ll see you in the morning.”
And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I’ll rush across to greet you and we’ll stand, side by side.
I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out — then come home to be with me.
~
Loss of Dog Poems #4
No More Tears
By John Quealy
The time has come for the tears to end
for you to be happy and cheerful again.
I am safe in God’s home above
cradled in His arms; covered with His love.
We run and play by the Bridge all day
waiting for the day when you’ll be here to stay.
You’ve been crying so much I feel bad
I want you to be happy and not so sad.
Remember the time when I was so small
I couldn’t even pickup the rubber ball.
I fought that ball from morning to night
it made you laugh, I was quite a sight.
Remember teaching me sit and stay
we had such fun since I didn’t really obey.
but you kept at it with test after test
so when I entered my first show I was the best.
Remember the great times we had in the past
like when we walked to the park we had a blast.
We’d run and play all through the park
until the sun went down and it got dark.
Remember the times we went for a ride
I was so excited I’d jump right inside.
Away we went to who knows where
but you and I we didn’t really care.
I’ll always love you, you’re my best friend
I’ll be right with you even to the end.
Always remember the great times we had
and there will be no reason to ever be sad.
~
Loss of Dog Poems #3
The Best Dog of All
By Unknown Author
Loving and loyal,
A friend through and through,
How in the world can I
live life without you?
I’ve known you since you
Were just a scrappy little pup.
Fighting to survive,
And you never gave up.
I watched you grow into a
beautiful canine friend.
Back in those days,
I could not imagine this end.
But now it is all over,
And you’re truly gone.
Somehow I’ll find a way
To try to carry on.
Perhaps one day I’ll find
A new puppy who,
Will become my dear friend,
But she’ll never replace you.
I’ll keep your little photo
hung up on my wall,
And I’ll always remember you
As the very best dog of all.
~
Loss of Dog Poems #2
Memories
By Virginia Ellis
Oh, little friend, do you recall,
When you made this house your home?
You were just a ball of fluff,
Not even halfway grown.
You stumbled when you learned to walk,
It was hard to steer four legs;
You learned to sit, and stay, and come,
And, of course, you learned to beg.
You loved those walks we used to take,
You never left my side;
And if I got my car keys out,
You were ready for a ride.
You sensed when I was happy,
Or was feeling kind of low;
You’d rub up against my knee,
You always seemed to know.
You’d fetch a ball or get a toy,
Without even being told;
But, was your face crestfallen,
If I felt the need to scold.
You found the outside world exciting,
Do you remember your first snow?
You’d not come back inside the house,
Because you loved it so.
Going to the vets for shots,
I guess was your greatest fear;
You seemed to know each scheduled date,
Though you went but once a year.
You were afraid of lightening, too,
And of booming thunderstorms;
You’d run and jump upon my bed,
Where it was safe and warm.
I never once felt lonely,
As long as you were here;
You were at my feet or on my lap,
You constantly were near.
Oh, I am going to miss you,
No question about that;
But, little one, for your pain to go,
I had to send you back.
You’re going back to heaven now,
From whence long ago you came;
You’ll be welcomed back by God, Himself,
Who knows your doggy-name.
I think there’s Frisbees up in heaven,
And rubber, squeaky toys;
And angels who will play with you,
And little girls and boys.
But, there won’t be any thunderstorms,
And no vets with shots up there;
You won’t even need a leash,
You’ll run freely in God’s air.
And when my time on earth is done,
And at heaven’s gate I’m near,
I don’t want any harps or horns,
Just … happy barks to hear.
So, see you later, little friend,
I’m glad you’re now pain-free;
And I’m glad you’re sitting next to Jesus,
Now … you wait right there for me.
~
Loss of Dog Poems #1
I’m Still Here
By Unknown Author
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 warm 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!
~
Additional Resources
Did you know that Love Lives On has a comprehensive library of articles on grief? Here are some other popular posts on our website:
- Learn about the 5 stages of grief and how to cope
- Ultimate collection of sad songs for when you need a good cry
- More touching quotes about the loss of a dog
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