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…

by Alice E. Chase

Lend Me A Pet

I will lend to you for awhile a pet, God said,
For you to love him while he lives
and mourn for him when he is gone.

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 that he will stay, since all from earth return.
But there are lessons taught below I want this pet to learn.

I’ve looked the whole world over in search of teachers true.
And from the folk 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 pet back again?

I fancied that I heard them say, “Dear Lord Thy Will Be Done,”
For all the joys this pet 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 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.

~author unknown~