Sunday, September 14, 2014

Pet Memorial Day: Hearts Full of Memories

Today is National Pet Memorial Day - a day to honor all pets, both past and present. 

As you know, this past week we lost a dear friend, Greta, from Idaho Pug Ranch.  So many of us are using today as our day to celebrate the life of Greta and how she brought joy to so many.  It is Thankful to Know Greta Day!

                    
With the help of several friends, I wrote this poem in memory of Greta.  It is filled with fond memories of how she shared her love with all of us.

Hearts Full of Memories of Greta

Hearts full of memories
around the world and back
of a wee little Pug
who had a special knack
for making us smile
and laugh with great joy
by just ruling the Ranch
or playing with her toy.

Yes, these are our memories
and we hold them quite dear
but we are willing to share them
so that everyone may hear
how one little doggie
made the world a better place
with a run and a smile
and a lick on the face.

Sarge's favorite memory
is when he went out on a date
and took Greta swimming
after which, sundaes they ate.
For Ranger, his Barkday party
in pink she was dressed
she drove the Dogtona
and came out as the best!

And Easy remembers
when he was a dieting Weim
how she sent him some lamb lungs
in just the nick of time.
It's because of that kindness
and her ability to cater
that there's a brave mini-pug
riding in his Elephant Skater.

Frankie and Ernie never forget
how much Greta could drink
and how she pushed those Weim Brothers
right over the brink.
Thank dog they passed out
before they got sicker
with Maggie Mae, those girls
proved they could hold their own licker.

Sasha recalls
our sweet little jewel
was always well behaved
in obedience school
until that one time
some grass she did eat
and proceeded to puke it
at the poor judge's feet.

Madi thinks back
of the devotion so true
that Greta had for her family
as well as me and you.
With Tweedles, they both
fondly remember the Spring
when Greta and her family
had a great time camping.

Tweedles also remembers
that walk at Toponce Creek
when Greta and her dad
let the waters swirl at their feet.
There was fish in the water
that nipped at their toe
but Greta was brave
and just went with the flow.

Ruby's fond memory
is of Greta in the yard
flyin' like the wind
dog, she could play hard.
There was also the time
under the box she was hiding
while her mom and dad worked
to put up the siding.

And for Murphy and Stanley
it's when they met in the fur
oh, they ran and they played
and had great fun for sure.
It seems that our Greta
loved a good game of fetch
even if fitting the ball in her mouth
was a bit of a stretch.

Oh, Hearts full of memories
of a dear, departed friend
they could wrap the whole world
if laid end to end.
Though these hearts may feel broken
they will heal up quite soon
because we know Greta waits
over the rainbow - beyond the moon.


36 comments:

  1. Oz, I'm speechless and my tears are running. You wrote the most touching poem ever. I will always remember this wonderful girl and Greta and your poem are in my memory now furever. Many thanks that you found the best words for Greta.

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  2. We didn't have the pleasure of knowing little Greta but wanted to visit at Easy's suggestion to read the poem. What a totally amazing tribute from Greta's good friends - she was indeed most special and I wish I'd known her. Of course one day I will meet her over the Bridge where dogs, cats and all manner of animals run free from pain and old age and look out for our beloved "forever human families" here. Bravo on the poem......it's so very sweet.

    Sammy and Mom Pam

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  3. Beautifully written Oz - every line so full of love and meaning to all those that knew Greta.

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  4. Oz that is so beautiful and special. Bravo to you my fine friend for a fantastic tribute to a truly special soul. We salute your worthy effort. Nice one. We know Greta's family will be touched. Have serene and easy Sunday.
    Best wishes Molly

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  5. Oz and Mom...we are nearly speechless after reading this beautiful tribute to a Greta a little Pug with a heart the size of Alaska! Your gift of putting together single words into such a precious memory for all of Greta's family will be a treasure for then forever. Thank you
    Many hugs
    Madi and mom

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  6. What a wonderful and thoughtful poem. Greta will be missed.

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  7. What a beautiful tribute and wonderful poem.
    High paws Oz.

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  8. What a beautiful and heartfelt poem. What a great way to honor a special pup.

    Wags (and purrs) from Life with Dogs and Cats.

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  9. Oz what a wonderful tribute poem for Greta! We loved stopping by her blog to see what she was up to and are really going to miss her.
    Marty

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  10. What a beautiful tribute Oz. I know Greta's family will cherish it.

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  11. What a Wonderful job you did with these memories of our dear furend.
    Proof that she left us with memories to help our broken hearts mend.

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  12. Nice job! You've painted a true to life picture of Greta with your words :)

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  13. Beautiful poem tribute to Greta. You and your mom Oz did a lovely job. Greta will be remembered forever. Golden LOVE

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  14. Beautiful!! That is so beautiful!! I am sure Greta's family will have that printed and framed! Thank you for writing it!

    Your Pals,

    Murphy & Stanley

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  15. That was a wonderful tribute to dear sweet Greta.

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  16. Wow, Oz, that was a great poetic tribute! Sadly we didn't know Greta, but heard about what happened, so very tragic!

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  17. So sweet, thanks for sharing. We are sorry for your loss. We didnt know Greta but it sounds like she was a fantastic friend! Lots of love <3

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  18. What a beautiful poem for your friend, Oz. We only knew Greta a little bit but we were so sad, especially for her family and good friends.
    Jan, Wag 'n Woof Pets

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  19. Wow, Oz, you did a magnificent job with your poem! What a super way to remember our sweet Greta. I'm really wagging that you packed in all of these great memories and helped us celebrate her life. Thanks so much for doing this and I think it will make everyone smile and feel better today. Your poem has healing qualities, my furiend. Thank you.
    Grr and Woof,
    Sarge, Furiend

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  20. Oz, that was a great poem. I know Greta is smiling above.

    Aroo to you,
    Sully

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  21. This is a beautiful poem for one little lady-pug who touched so many with love and friendship. Sadly I didn't know her, and this makes me sadder still to think that I never will. Beautifully done!

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  22. What great memories and what a great memorial to a special girl Pug. Love Dolly

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  23. I didn't know in advance that everyone in Blogville was pawticipating in Thankful to Know Greta Day, or we surely would have done a post for her. I love your poem. It's the pawfect tribute to Greta.

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  24. Oz, that is a beautiful poem and tribute to Angel Greta. She will forever live in my heart. Thank you for doing this.


    Loveys Sasha

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  25. Thank you so much for taking the time to put this beautiful tribute together,,, What you have done will help heal our hearts. Thank you for inviting us to contribute,,
    This is just heart wrenching beautfiul.
    love
    tweedles

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  26. Dearest OZ, We have visited many times today to read this so very special poem for our Greta. Words cannot express what it means to have friends come together like this for our girl. thank you so much for putting the poem together. I would very much like to print it, it that is ok with you. It will go in Greta's scrapbook.
    love
    Linda
    Bailey & Hazel

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  27. Oh my. That was so very beautiful, sad, and hugely beautiful.
    ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!

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  28. Rest in peace to all the critters. Special hugs for Greta.

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  29. With tears in our eyes this morning, we say that was truly magnificent! Beautiful memories for a beautiful girl.

    Hugs,
    Lily Belle & Muffin

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  30. Oh my what a beautiful tribute poem you wrote. Tears :(

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  31. Beautiful tribute, Oz! Thanks for sharing xo, Miss Destiny

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  32. That was a beautiful tribute.

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Thank you for stopping by and leaving a pawprint. I enjoy reading each and every one!
Cairn cuddles,
Oz the Terrier