We traveled up and down the road,

more times than I remember.

I didn't care where we went,

as long as we went together.

*

I was your companion and confidante,

I listened to your dreams.

My presence gave you comfort,

we made such a wonderful team.

*

Joy and sadness, graduations and deaths,

we survived it all,

Changing jobs and homes and pets,

I learned to like them big and small.

*

Time takes it toll, the body fails,

the mind, it starts to wander.

Every journey must have an end,

so too, our time together.

*

I thank you for your loving care,

I couldn't have asked for more

You tried so hard to keep me here,

but now it's my time to soar.

*

Remember me for all the times,

we shared with one another.

Thanks, Mom & Dad, for all the love,

it couldn't have been better.

*

Love, Jen – June 11, 2013

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 he'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.

And when at last He'd finished
not one was quite the same.
He said, "I'll walk this world of mine
and give each one a name."

And so He traveled far and wide
and everywhere He went,
a little creature followed Him
until it's strength was spent.

When all were named upon the earth
and in the sky and sea,
the little creature said, "Dear Lord,
there's not one left for me."

Kindly the Father said to him,
"I've left you to the end.
I've turned my own name back to front
and called you dog, My friend."

Author Unknown

We met him in a parking lot.
He boldly walked right up.
He seemed homeless and on his own.
He jumped right in the truck.

Though he enjoyed his new found home,
the thing he loved the most,
was riding in a car or truck,
though he would never boast.

His friends preferred to stay at home,
but he just loved to wander.
If someone headed for the door,
he jumped to be their partner.

And so, he came to work each day,
devoted through and through.
Whether sick or well, he would ride,
he knew just what to do.

His friends would stop upstairs to see
him working every day.
Sometimes they brought a treat or two,
to get him through the day.

Though he grew old, he didn’t stop,
He knew that he was needed.
A hug or pat upon his head,
Made his friends less heated.

But now, he’ll make the trip no more.
He’s gone on his last ride.
Aspen, we love and miss you, boy,
Thanks for the daily ride.

Reggie and two other kittens started out at Rutherford County Animal Control. Two of the kittens got adopted but Reggie did not. He was sickly and one Saturday afternoon while working on a grant at our office, I brought him in to care for him. We had another cat named Lacy-not too fond of other pets! However, they soon became fast friends and Reggie was now a part of our “feline office staff!” and over the years, Reggie also wormed his way into everyone’s hearts.

As time passes, we somehow have this notion that our pets should live forever! Not very realistic-we know this-but pets are magic! They bring us so much joy-their love is unconditional. Sadly on Saturday, it was clear that Reggie was suffering and in extreme pain. And early Saturday evening, Reggie crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. Now his pain is gone and we have to know that he is continuing his “job” of supervising the other cats and dogs and probably us as well.

Our hearts are broken and we will miss Reggie terribly.
A special thank you to Dr. Gretchen Kelly at Foothills Animal Clinic and Brenda for being there as I held Reggie one last time to say goodbye.

Lynne (Community Pet Center)