8 Heartfelt Dog Loss Poems For Grieving Pet Parents

Dog loss poems can bring solace and comfort when grieving the passing of a faithful companion.

As fellow dog lovers will know all too well, the bond we share with our pets is profound, often transcending words. It’s why coping with the death of a dog can be a uniquely painful (and sometimes isolating) experience. 

While certainly not a cure, pet loss poems can support the grieving process by expressing emotions we struggle to convey ourselves, and reminding us that we’re not alone in our sorrow. 

Uplifting and heartfelt, these pet memorial poems explore themes of pet love and loss – and how despite their absence, our beloved best friends will live on in our hearts forever.

RELATED: 54 Touching Pet Loss Quotes & Pet Memorial Sayings 

8 Heartfelt Dog Loss Poems For Grieving Pet Parents

 

Don’t Cry for Me When I Am Gone

So, though I give you all my heart,
the time will come when we must part.
But all around you, you will see,
creatures that speak to you of me;
a tired horse, a hunted thing,
a sparrow with a broken wing.
Pity – and help (I know you will) and somehow, I will be with you still;
and I shall know, although I’m gone,
the love I gave you lingers on.

– Author Unknown

 

We Have A Secret

We have a secret, you and I
that no one else shall know,
for who but I can see you lie
each night in fire glow?
And who but I can reach my hand
before we go to bed
and feel the living warmth of you
and touch your silken head?
And only I walk woodland paths
and see ahead of me,
your small form racing with the wind
so young again, and free.
And only I can see you swim
in every brook I pass
and when I call, no one but I
can see the bending grass.

– Author Unknown

 

The Loss of a Heart-Dog

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.

– Colleen Fitzsimmons

 

The Last Battle

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.

– Author Unknown

 

Let Me Go

When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me,
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room.
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little —  but not too long
And not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared.
Miss me — but let me go.
For this is a journey that we all must take
And each must go alone.
It’s all a part of the Master plan,
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick of heart,
Go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.
Miss me — but let me go

— Susan A. Jackson

 

The Original Rainbow Bridge Poem

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

 

Tribute To A Best Friend

Sunlight streams through the 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.

– Author Unknown

 

Your Canine Guardian Angel

I know that you must miss me,
By the tears rolling down your face.
But believe me when I tell you that,
I’m in a very good place.

There are meadows here to run in,
And plenty of rabbits to chase.
There are other dogs to play with,
To frolic with and race.

So please don’t worry about me,
My spirit feels light as can be.
There’s no more pain to plague me,
I’m young again and free.

And I’ll be watching over you still,
of that you can be sure.
I’m your canine guardian angel,
And my love for you remains pure.

– Kelly Roper