Introduction
Losing a pet you consider your best friend, partner, and guide can cause unimaginable sadness. You may feel at a loss for words and it may be difficult to cope with their death.
One way to help process grief is by dedicating a poem to your pet. You can borrow a poem, write your own, read it at a service, print it on a memorial card, or put it on your pet’s epitaph.
However, during times of mourning, finding the perfect poem can be difficult. To ease the process, we compiled the best pet loss poems you can use directly or take inspiration from.
These pet loss poems talk about the unique bonds that both pets and pet parents share. They also talk about the pain that pet parents experience as they navigate grief.
Lastly, we included tips for writing your own poem for your beloved pet.
Poetry Helps You Heal from Pet Loss
Pets are constant companions, and you might feel lost because of their absence. Suddenly, it is difficult to survive each passing day without their unconditional love. You cannot imagine the day you fully accept their death. You do not have to force it, because the grieving process happens gradually.
- Pet loss poems can help you heal. Expressing your feelings in poem is a heartfelt way to show how much you cared for and cherish the bond you shared with your pet.
- Poems can help you accept the death of your pet. There are many ways to cope with this kind of grief. Turning to poetry is one of them. Whether you find a poem to express your thoughts or write your own, it will help to pour your emotions out into words as you try to find peace and acceptance.
- Children who lost pets can also use poems to heal. If a child in your family is experiencing grief over a beloved pet, reading and writing poems can be a healthy outlet. They can even write their own simple poems to express their feeling over the loss of their pet.
Many people don’t realize the depth of pain over losing a pet (particularly those who have never owned a pet). Do not let this hinder you from getting the support you need. Reach out to family and friends who are willing to listen empathetically.
Short Pet Loss Poems
Pet loss poems can be short and still be deeply meaningful. A short poem is the best option if you plan to have it printed in a limited space.
There is no right and wrong. A pet loss poem can be written in any style. You may want to remember and express the love that you shared with your pet, or it may be more cathartic to convey the pain that you feel as you grieve over your pet’s loss.
You can use a short pet loss poem in a memorial keepsake, funeral card, or scrapbook. A short poem is also be suitable as an epitaph for a memorial headstone.
Not Forgotten
You are not forgotten, loved one
Nor will you ever be
As long as life and memory last
We will remember thee
Missing Your Playful Paws
Missing your unconditional love and playful paws,
We are now apart.
You’re gone from our lives,
But never from our heart.
A Silent Thought
A silent thought, a secret tear,
Keeps his memory ever dear.
Time eases the edge of grief,
Memory turns back every leaf.
I Loved You Best
So this is where we part, My Friend,
and you’ll run on, around the bend,
gone from sight, but not from mind,
new pleasures there you’ll surely find.
I will go on, I’ll find the strength,
life measures quality, not its length.
One long embrace before you leave,
share one last look, before I grieve.
There are others, that much is true,
but they be they, and they aren’t you.
And I, fair, impartial, or so I thought,
will remember well all you’ve taught.
Your place I’ll hold, you will be missed,
the fur I stroked, the nose I kissed.
And as you journey to your final rest,
take with you this…I loved you best.
Long Pet Loss Poems
At a time when you might feel like words are not enough to convey the sadness that you feel, a long pet loss poem can help express the complicated feelings while still honoring your pet in the best way possible.
Long form pet loss poems are best used to recite at a pet funeral. You can dedicate during the service or have it printed in a funeral program.
Below is a list of longer poems to choose from. These can be dedicated to any type of animal. At this difficult time, it can be overwhelming to sift through poems. The examples are express a range of different sentiments and may work well for your tribute.
Rainbow Bridge
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….
If It Should Be
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this – the last battle – can’t be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don’t let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn’t want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they’ll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don’t grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We’ve been so close – we two – these years,
Don’t let your heart hold any tears.
I Thought of You Today
I woke early this morning, lifted the shade
to a sky overcast and gray
No ray of sun to brighten my heart,
and I thought of you today.
The breezes of summer are no more
and have moved along on their way.
The crisp air of autumn has settled in,
and I thought of you today.
The crunch of the leaves under my feet,
I remembered how you loved to play,
chasing the leaves across the yard,
and I thought of you today.
As the daylight faded into dusk
and the shadows came to play,
I lit a candle and watched the flame dance,
and I thought of you today.
I crawled into bed, turned out the lamp
and glanced where you used to lay.
The tears came again, as they always do,
as I thought of you today.
When Tomorrow Starts Without Me
When tomorrow starts without me,
And I’m not there to see;
The sun will rise and find your eyes
All filled with tears for me.
I wish so much you wouldn’t cry
The way you did today,
I know how much you loved me,
As much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me
I know you’ll miss me too.
But when tomorrow starts without me,
please try to understand
That an angel came and called my name
And petted me with her hand.
She said my place was ready,
In Heaven far above,
And that I’d have to leave behind
All those I dearly love.
But,as I turned to heel away,
A tear fell from my eye,
For all my life I never thought
That I would have to die.
I had so much to live for,
So many sits and downs to do,
It seemed almost impossible,
That I was leaving you.
I thought about our lives together,
I know you must be sad,
I thought of all the love we shared,
And all the fun we had.
Remember when I’d nudge your hand,
And poke you with my nose?
The frisbee I would gladly chase,
The bad guy, I’d “bark and hold”
If I could relive yesterday,
Just even for awhile,
I’d wag my tail and kiss you,
Just so I could see you smile.
But then I fully realized,
That this could never be
For emptiness and memories
Will take the place of me.
And when I thought of treats and toys
I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you and when I did,
My dog-heart filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through Heaven’s gate;
And felt so much at home
As God looked down and smiled at me,
From His beautiful throne.
He said,”This is eternity”,
And now we welcome you,
Today your life on earth is past,
But here it starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow,
But today will always last;
For you see,each days’ the same,
There’s no longing for the past. Now you have been so
faithful
So trusting, loyal and true;
Though there were times you did things,
You knew you shouldn’t do
But good dogs are forgiven,
And now at last you’re free;
So won’t you sit here by my side,
And wait right here with me?
So when tomorrow starts without me,
Don’t think we’re far apart
For every time you think of me,
I’m right there, in your heart.
You can also use these samples for writing ideas. If you will be creating your own pet loss poem, a longer poem will let you explore more emotions and share more about your love for your lost pet.
Dog Loss Poems
Dogs are called man’s best friend for a reason, and it is because they are loyal companions. This is why it can be extremely difficult to suddenly face the reality of their absence. Your dog is a member of your family, which is why their death can bring upon great sorrow.
If you are planning a memorial service to commemorate your dog’s life, a good way to say goodbye to your pet is through a poem. You can also share the poem about your dog online, print it as a tribute, or just keep it nearby so you can read it every time you miss your pet.
A poem can help find closure by memorializing your dog. The list below conveys the joy of sharing a life with a pet dog and the pain of losing them. Many of these poems feature common scenarios that you might have shared with your dog.
I Stood by Your Bed Last Night
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 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 wish 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… 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.
A Time to Remember
They come into our lives for such a short time
a time we wouldn’t trade not even for a dime
Then before you know it the years have flown by
and then all of the sudden we’re saying good-bye
It wasn’t that long ago we said our good-byes
we held on to you tight as you closed your eyes
Your spirit has flown home on the wings of a dove
into God’s loving arm’s; in heaven above
Over the days we’ve shed many tears
but the memories we have will live on for years
We feel your presence and we know that your near
you’re keeping us safe and calming our fear
We think about memories from years past
when you were young and strong and ran so fast
we remember all the great times that we all had
how you always made us happy never made us mad
They were the best and happiest years we had
we’ll always look back on them and never be sad
We look forward to the time we’ll be together again
and we thank the Lord for such a great friend
Now you run and play up in Heaven above
cradled in God’s arms covered with his love
Playing by the Bridge waiting for the day
we come down thru the meadow to the bridge to stay
The love that you showed us we’ll never forget
because to us you’re one very special pet
You’re like a star in the dark of night
always watching over us with the Lord’s light
So now we take time to remember our best friend
who will always be with us even to the end
We’ll always remember you the way you were
one big lovable huggable pile of fur
Waiting at the Door
I was just a pup when we first met I loved you from the start.
You picked me up and took me home
and placed me in your heart.
my time has come to go.
I know your heart is sore.
I see the tears that fall when I`m not
waiting at the door.
You always did your best for me
yours love was plain to see,
for even though it broke your heart
you set my spirit free.
So please be brave without me,
one day we´ll met once more,
for when you´re called to Heaven
I´ll be waiting at the door.
Lend Me A Pup
I will lend to you for a while,
a pup, God said,
For you to love him while he lives
and mourn for him when he’s dead.
Maybe for twelve or fourteen years,
or maybe two or three
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 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 folk that crowd’s 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 Thy Will be Done,”
For all the joys this Pup will bring,
the risk of grief we’ll run.
We’ll shelter him with tenderness
we’ll love him while we may
And for the happiness we’ve known forever grateful stay
But should you call him back
much sooner than we’ve planned,
We’ll brave the bitter grief that comes,
and try to understand.
If, by our love, we’ve managed,
your wishes to achieve
In memory of him we loved,
to help us while we grieve,
When our faithful bundle departs this world of strife,
We’ll have yet another Pup and love him all his life.
Cat Loss Poems
People say the joy of being with your pet cat outweighs the pain when you lose them.
But grief is a difficult process, and honoring your pet cat with a poem can help you cope. Poems can also have a positive effect on your spiritual relationship with your pet cat as you finally accept their physical loss.
The cat loss poems below are well-suited to be recited during a memorial service. They can serve many purposes. You can recite one as a eulogy, print one a funeral program, used them in a memorial keepsake, and share them online.
Four Feet in Heaven
Your favorite chair is vacant now…
No eager purrs to greet me.
No softly padded paws to run
Ecstatically to meet me.
No coaxing rubs, no plaintive cry
Will say it’s time for feeding.
I’ve put away your bowl, and all
The things you won’t be needing;
But I will miss you little friend,
For I could never measure
The happiness you brought me,
The comfort and the pleasure.
And since God put you here to share
In earthly joy and sorrow;
I’m sure there’ll be a place for you
In Heaven’s bright tomorrow…
Alice E. Chase
Heavenly Nap
You lived your nine lives here with me
my loyal, loving friend,
Then God took you up to Paradise
to live life number ten.
I’ll bet you’re peacefully lying
upon an angel’s lap.
Purring there, without a care
having a heavenly nap.
I’ll miss you for a little while,
but our friendship will not end.
Time will pass, and then at last
you’ll be on my lap again.
Ron Tranmer
I Made It Home
I just wanted to let you know that I made it home. The journey wasn’t an easy one, but it didn’t take too long.
Everything is so pretty here, so white, so fresh and new. I wish that you could close your eyes and that you could see it too.
Please try not to be sad for me. Try to understand God is taking care of me…I’m in the shelter of His hands.
Here there is no sadness, no sorrow, and no pain. Here there is no crying and I’ll never hurt again.
Here it is so peaceful when all the angels sing. I really have to go for now… I’ve just got to try my wings.
God’s Garden
God looked around his garden,
And found an empty place.
He then looked down upon the earth,
And saw your tired face.
He put his arms around you,
And lifted you to rest.
God’s garden must be beautiful,
He always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering,
He knew you were in pain.
He knew that you would never,
Get well on this earth again.
He saw the road was getting rough,
And the hills were hard to climb.
So he closed your weary eyelids,
And whispered, “Peace be thine.”
It broke our hearts to lose you,
But you didn’t go alone.
For part of us went with you,
The day God called you home.
Poems for Other Pets
There are many other pets such as fish, birds, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, turtles, and horses that people keep.
While many of the mentioned poems explicitly talk about the loss of a cat or dog, there are also pet loss poems that can be suitable for any type of animal. These poems also help with the grieving process.
Below is a list of poems that could be appropriate for other pets. You can also browse through these poems for ideas and inspiration if you want to write your own pet loss poem.
Saying Goodbye to A Special Pet
Saying goodbye to a special pet can be the hardest thing of all.
It’s like losing a friend who has always been there for me.
A companion in times of loneliness, a comfort and moments of sadness,
and everyday joy that has touched my life.
Saying goodbye to a special pet can be the hardest thing of all.
Until I remember I’d never trade one precious memory,
or one single moment spent with my dog who brought so much joy to my life.
And left so much happiness in my heart.
Don’t Cry for the Horses
Don’t cry for the horses
That life has set free
A million white horses
Forever to be
Don’t cry for the horses
Now in God’s hands
As they dance and they prance
To a heavenly band
They were ours as a gift
But never to keep
As they close their eyes
Forever to sleep
Their spirits unbound
On silver wings they fly
A million white horses
Against the blue sky
Look up into heaven
You’ll see them above
The horses we lost
The horses we loved
Manes and tails flowing
They Gallop through time
They were never yours
They were never mine
Don’t cry for the horses
They will be back someday
When our time has come
They will show us the way
Brenda Riley-Seymore
My Forever Pet
There’s something missing in my home,
I feel it day and night,
I know it will take time and strength
before things feel quite right.
But just for now, I need to mourn,
My heart — it needs to mend.
Though some may say, “It’s just a pet,”
I know I’ve lost a friend.
You’ve brought such laughter to my home,
and richness to my days.
A constant friend through joy or loss
with gentle, loving ways.
Companion, friend, and confidante,
A friend I won’t forget.
You’ll live forever in my heart,
My sweet, forever pet.
Susanne Taylor
I Only Wanted You
They say memories are golden
well maybe that is true.
I never wanted memories,
I only wanted you.
A million times I needed you,
a million times I cried.
If love alone could have saved you
you never would have died.
In life I loved you dearly,
In death I love you still.
In my heart you hold a place
no one could ever fill.
If tears could build a stairway,
and heartache make a lane,
I’d walk the path to heaven and bring you back again.
Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same.
But as God calls us one by one,
the chain will link again.
Tribute To A Best Friend
Sunlight streams through window pane
unto 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 memorials in a blanket of my love
and keep them for my best friend until we meet above.
Further Readings and Resources
In addition to these specific pet loss poems, you may want to choose from our collection of the best funeral poems. Remember, there is no right answer. Choose the poem that resonates with your heart and expresses what you feel. For more inspiration, here is a collection of funeral readings, including specific selections from the testament.
For further reading about pet loss and dealing with the grief, consider the Center for Pet Loss Grief’s website.
How to Write a Personal Pet Loss Poem
If you have decided that you would rather write your own poem to honor your beloved pet, you are taking a positive step towards processing your grief. Writing about your feelings over the death of your pet is cathartic and healing. Here are some ideas on how to start:
- Acknowledge your emotions. Grief can be a mix of different emotions such as sadness, anxiety, confusion, shock, and even anger. One way to tackle this is to allow yourself to feel these emotions and acknowledge that grief is normal. Your journey towards acceptance will change gradually and you just have to be patient with yourself as you take time for your soul to heal.
- Write about your personal memories. After you accept that the grieving process is natural, you can then process it by writing about your life with your pet. As you reminisce about the life you shared with your pet, recount the good times that you had together and be thankful. If you have a specific fond memory of your pet, sharing it makes a personal connection.
- Try to structure your poem around a theme. As you draft your poem, it’s good to think about the overarching theme that you want to share. Determine the focus of your poem, as well as the emotion you want to elicit from the reader. For instance, you may want to write your poem as a farewell to your pet. Or you can simply express your feelings of longing and acceptance.
Mindfulness and Grief has a helpful guide providing advice about writing poetry dealing with loss.
Your Poems
Send us an email to submit your poems and see them featured here!
Farewell My Old Friend
by John McGuire
You looked me in the eye; said ” it’s all right”.
Time to send me on my way.
Don’t be sad.
I’m just glad.
This old dog has had its day.
(I sang)
Farewell my old friend.
Don’t mind if I cry.
Grieving’s just a way to say “goodbye”,
To someone that I’ve loved and lost; that’s why.
Here’s to all those good times we spent together;
Pulling on that leash and running free.
Rainy days, lonely nights,
You were always there to share with me.
Farewell my old friend.
Don’t mind if I cry.
Grieving’s just a way to say “goodbye”,
To someone that I’ve loved and lost; that’s why.
So long my old pal.
Thanks for being true.
Giving back the love I gave to you.
There’s another dog who’s waiting for some, too.
I’Il pass it on and love ’em just like you.
FAQ
It is not required, but it helps the healing process.. A ceremony for the death of your pet can help you find closure as you say your final goodbyes. It helps with the grieving process if you acknowledge their death and your emotion formally.
It is not necessary, but it would make a good keepsake. A funeral card can be a beautiful tribute to your pet. You can honor the life you shared with your pet by adding their photos and memories to the funeral card.
Yes. Dedicating a poem for your pet would make a beautiful tribute. You can add a poem written by others or create your personal poem for your pet. Aside from poems, you can also choose to add quotes, song lyrics, and prayers.
Conclusion
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