A lot of you who use this forum obviously care about animals, so thought you might like to read this poem my Dad wrote many years ago.

If it should be that I grow frail & 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 & friendship stand the test.

We've had so many happy years,

What is to come - can have no fears,

You'd not want me to suffer so,

When the time comes, please let me go.

Take me where my needs they'll tend,

Only stay wih me until the end,

And hold me firm & speak to me,

Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time you too will see,

It is a kindness you do to me,

Although my tail its last has waved,

From pain & suffering I've been saved.

Don't grieve that it should 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.

Dear Murni,

thanks for sharing this moving poem, very sad though

Yes, very sad and touching poem. Everyone with an animal as a family member, can witness about how painful this situation is!

Thank you for that. My nephew and his wife have a dog with cancer who may only have a few months left. Rocky is a part of our family and has been for years. We all pray that he will get better but it seems that it is a losing battle. And we do not want him to suffer.

I posted this a few years ago & thought I would revive it as there has been a recent thread on

beloved pets dying