Dogster

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Lydia Rose 1999-2006

Prayer

Lord God,
to those who have never had a pet
this prayer will sound strange,
but to You, Lord of all life and Creator of all creatures,
it will be understandable.
My heart is heavy
as I face the loss in death of my beloved_________
who was such a part of my life.

This pet made my life more enjoyable
and gave me cause to laugh
and to find joy in his/her company.
I remember the fidelity and loyalty of this pet
and will miss her/his being with me.
From His/her I learned many lessons
such as the quality of naturalness
and the unembarrassed request for affection.
In caring for her/his daily needs,
I was taken out of my own self needs
and thus learned to service another.

May the death of this creature of Yours
remind me that death comes to all of us,
animal and human,
and that it is the natural passage for all life.
May _______sleep on
in an eternal slumber in Your godly care
as all creation awaits the fullness of liberation.
Amen

by Edward Hayes

Eptiaph

An Epitaph by Lord Byron (1788-1824)

Near this spot are the remains of one
Who possessed beauty without vanity,
Strength without insolence
Courage without ferocity
And all the virtues of man without his vices

This praise, which would be unmeaning flattery
If inscribed over human ashes,
Is but a tribute to the memory of
Boatswain, a dog.

prayer

God of power and mercy, you hold the universe in your hands
and all that breathes has life from you.
We commend to you this (dog) *
whose faith is known to you
and whose heart's prayers you have heard in life.
We give honor to her body
which was marvelously made,
to all the relationships that held her,
and to those who will mourn her.
We trust that all those whom you have created
will never be lost to you.
God whose names are many,
whose mystery is vast,
and whose love endures for ever. Amen.