Here is a beautiful poem we received in my "Our Hike Shall Go On" blog post:

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 it's 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 this with you… I loved you best.

-Jim Willis 2002

After losing Tai this week, Tai's Mom Laura posted this beautiful poem today.

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 can't 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, please let me go.

Take me to where my needs they'll tend

And please stay with me to 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 has this painful thing to do.

We've been so close we two these years,

Don't let your heart hold back its tears.

You're so welcome. This is a great place to keep posting these kinds of sentiments.

No worries on the info, whenever you can. Give Fortis a smooch from us!

We lost a beautiful Tripawd Warrior Princess today. I just wanted to re-post this here for everyone who needs comfort at this sad time.

"I'm Still Here" (author unknown)

Friend, please don't mourn for me
I'm still here, though you don't see.
I'm right by your side each night and day
and within your heart I long to stay.

My body is gone but I'm always near.
I'm everything you feel, see or hear.
My spirit is free, but I'll never depart
as long as you keep me alive in your heart.

I'll never wander out of your sight,
I'm the brightest star on a summer night.
I'll never be beyond your reach,
I'm the warm moist sand when you're at the beach.

I'm the colorful leaves when fall comes around
and the pure white snow that blankets the ground.
I'm the beautiful flowers of which you're so fond,
The clear cool water in a quiet pond.

I'm the first bright blossom you'll see in the spring,
the first warm raindrop that April will bring.
I'm the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine,
and you'll see that the face in the moon is mine.

When you start thinking there's no one to love you,
you can talk to me through the Lord above you.
I'll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees,
and you'll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze.

I'm the hot salty tears that flow when you weep
and the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep.
I'm the smile you see on a baby's face.
Just look for me, friend, I'm everyplace!