Kathryn R. Blake Welcomes You

Muffy

A toy poodle mix

Born December 1987

Died June 27, 2004

This page is dedicated to an indomitable little dog who came into my life on February 10, 1988 as a small, shivering, abandoned puppy who slowly set out to take over our home and the neighborhood.  She will always be her mommy's precious girl.

This page is also dedicated to my friends and husband who put up with her antics because they realized just how much she meant to me, my coworkers who laughed at my stories and shared my concerns, and to the many people who have reached across this vast worldwide web in an effort to ease my pain.

Thank you!

The following poems were sent to me by Jennifer Medlock.  I believe the authors are unknown, but if anyone has different informaton, please let me know so I can give the authors proper credit.

It gives me solace to believe my doggy might have wished the same.  In my heart, I believe she did, and though my heart grieves for her loss, I know she is in a better place now.

If It Should Be

If it should be that I grow weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle cannot be won.

You will be sad, I understand;
Don't let your grief then stay your hand.
For this day more than all the rest,
Your love for me must stand the test.

We've had so many happy years -
What is to come can hold no fears.
You'd not want me to suffer so;
The time has come, so let me go.

Take me where my needs they'll tend
And please stay with me until the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time that you will see
The kindness that you did for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.

Please do not grieve - it must be you
Who had this painful thing to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years -
Don't let your heart hold back its tears.

Lend Me a Pup
Adapted from "I'll Lend You a Child" by Edgar Guest

I will lend to you for awhile,
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 labour 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.

Patrice Michelle sent me the following poem by Rudyard Kipling

The Power of the Dog
by Rudyard Kipling

There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
And when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.

Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie--
Perfect passion and worship fed
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless it is hardly fair
To risk your heart for a dog to tear.

When the fourteen years which Nature permits
Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,
And the vet's unspoken prescription runs
To lethal chambers or loaded guns,
Then you will find--it's your own affair--
But...you've given your heart for a dog to tear.

When the body that lived at your single will,
With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!);
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone--wherever it goes--for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart for the dog to tear.

We've sorrow enough in the natural way,
When it comes to burying Christian clay.
Our loves are not given, but only lent,
At compound interest of cent per cent.
Though it is not always the case, I believe,
That the longer we've kept 'em, the more do we grieve:
For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short-time loan is as bad as a long--
So why in Heaven (before we are there)
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?

I received the following poem in a note from the American Veterinary Medical Foundation advising me that my vet made a donation in Muffy's name.

AVMF provides states with the tools, training, and resources they need for their disaster preparedness and response efforts.

There Must be a Heaven

There must be a heaven for the animal friends we love.
They are not human, yet they bring out our own humanity. . .
sometimes in ways that other people cannot.
They do not worry about fame or fortune. . .
instead, they bring our hearts nearer to the joy of simple things.
Each day they teach us little lessons in trust and steadfast affection.
Whatever heaven may be, there's surely a place in it for friends as good as these.
Anyone who has loved a pet can understand your loss.
May it help to know how much others care
-Author Unknown.

Lisa M. Johnson sent me the following

...and now a special place in your memories.

Compliments of AOL E-Cards

Please click the link on the right to help feed homeless animals.  There is no cost to you, just a click.

The Rainbow Bridge

Several individuals wrote to me about this wonderful poem.  I had no idea there was a site dedicated to help people grieving over the loss of a pet.

If you click the image on the left, it will take you to the site and the poem.

Because I received so much solace from the messages I received, I've set up a guestbook for pet lovers to share their experiences.  Please click the icon below and share your stories with others.