This page is for Topdog Training clients to place a picture, details and any words/short poems that they would like to publish on the site, in honour of their loved and lost dog(s). 
 
The following poem, Rainbow Bridge is a well-known poem and for us, it says it all.  We choose to believe that it is the way the poem tells it.  That way we know that we will see all of our much, much loved dogs again one day.
 
Kerry & Rob
* Rainbow Bridge *
 

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again.

The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... 

Author unknown...
* Billy *

2000 – 12th October, 2009

To Billy – My Greatest Flat Coat friend

 

Dear, dear Billy,

You are so much missed by all of us. There is not a day goes past without you being in my thoughts. I miss your happy waggy-tail greeting every morning at the foot of the stairs and your kisses when we used to greet each other each new day; I miss your teasing games, when you used to pinch stuff out of the laundry basket or pull a slipper off my foot and make off with it; I miss the way you used to come and cuddle up to me and put your head in my lap when I sat down, showing your affection in those big brown eyes; I miss our wonderful walks together in the fields around here, the crispy mornings when there was frost on the ground and a fresh sting in the air; I miss the joy of watching you running just for the pleasure of it. Yes, I know there were times when you were running in the wrong direction, your attention taken by a new scent or a sudden sighting of a rabbit, when you became selectively-deaf, but it wouldn’t have been you without those times……….and you always came back, looking for me, sometimes with mud all over your nose and front paws and shoulders to give away what you had been up to!

I give thanks for the good times we had together and the memories of them: hide-and-seek games, how you enjoyed swimming in the River Stour, sometimes in the sea, or in the pond up on Hall Farm, endlessly retrieving a toy from the water (I don’t suppose Rob or Kerry would ever believe that you were so good at retrieving from water, while you cared nothing for it on dry land!) We had some great walks, didn’t we, and such a good time at agility and obedience classes.

How I wish Joe could have helped you more at the very end; he loved you too and did all he could, but nothing could have made you better. Enjoy Rainbow Bridge with your friends   -  some day I will come.

Wendy
* Oscar *

21st June 2002 – 6th May 2009

 

 Our tribute to Oscar

Things we miss about Oscar

Firstly your Loyalty to us
Your Presence and Character
Your cuddles and that lovely smile
Greeting us with such excitement as we came in the door
Our long walks
To run, run, run wind in your face
Water, muddy puddles, loved snow
Days out and holidays
Trying to fly with the pheasants because you couldn’t catch them
Classes with Rob & Kerry. Agility, oh didn’t we did do well together, you were GREAT!
Playing hide and seek, cops and robbers with Joe and Ellis
Letting four year old twins wash you
Patience and fun 
Toys - Teddy, Owl
Our talks at night on the couch, you just listened
You loved to take the tea towels/dusters miss that help
Everything about you was special, you were special x
We miss you so very much Oscar Chops.
Thank you for 7 full years of Oscar time
To the bestest Flatcoated Retriever ever. Our best friend
There are so many memories we haven’t put in on your tribute as it would take up pages - these memories of you are stored in our hearts.  

God bless you x x

* Petra *

1st July 1994 – 25th May 2009

 

 

 

A great ambassador for the breed

and missed by Elspeth and Bob Kelly

* Max *

2nd Feb 2003 - 17th September 2008

 

My darling Max, I miss you so very much.  You were my world, my best friend and such a huge part of our lives, a true gentle giant who was loved by all our family and friends, even those who weren't really dog people adored you.  We lost you when you were in your prime but it comforts me to know you were at your favourite place, Hylands Park, having fun chasing squirrels and rabbits through the woods just minutes before you went.  I know you didn't suffer as you passed away in my arms but the sadness and grief is still so raw and not a day goes by without you in my thoughts. I know I always wanted more from our training sessions but looking back now I can see how fantastic you were, even when my patience was tested when you so desperately wanted to get to the turkeys.  Maxey Moo, you may be gone now but you will never, ever be forgotten.

 Laura & Stuart xxx
* Archie *

21st June 2007 – 2nd August 2008

 

I loved him so much, it’s unbelievable.
Me and him were like best friends.
My heart’s broken without him in my life.
You were only young when you passed away and you had to go so early. When you went my heart was broken and it still is now. I will never forget you, you will always be in my heart. You were my first dog of my own and you meant so much to me! Even though you were a monster at times I still love you so much. Why did you have to leave me so young.


I love you so much and I will never forget you!

Chloe

XXX
* Cassie *

21st February 1999 - 11th July 2008

I tried to think up a beautiful poem that would sum up our time together, something that others could look at and be touched by, but I couldn’t. In all honesty that’s not really how it was anyway, so here it is Cass, my dedication to you.

Of all the names I gave to you old girl, one stands high above the rest, one that I am sure will transcend time itself.

Cossie

You went on to become ‘The Coss’, one of the chosen dogs, with your own cave and brand of coffee! You were a giant among dogs, or at the very least ‘really big!’.

I made up songs about you too, nothing special, more the bizarre rantings of a loony, some would say.
But they feel so heavy now you are gone, burnt into my heart and soul, like legends.

You have left us stranded for, without you, it’s so quiet……….I am so quiet, how do we begin to fill the void you have left behind!
No more songs, no more blubs, no more ‘peeping’ and ‘falling over’, no more ‘brand new type of pig’.

I thank you being a part of my world and making it a better place to be. I am sorry too, sorry for all the times I got cross and shouted at you and I am sorry that in the end we couldn’t make you better.

But most of all I am sorry that you are not here, because I miss you every day and my heart is broken.

My beautiful Cossie……….my Cossie girl.

Rob xxx

 

The time is over
My girl is gone
Now just memories take me on
A pragmatic shrug
A shake of my head
”These things happen” I have said
But those who know me
and know me well
They know I’m shaken – they can tell
I feel sick
broken….torn
Loss of my friend – time to mourn
My girl, my pal, my heart, my lass
Simply said
I miss you Cass

All my love girly whirl

Kerry xxx
* Snoopy *

15th December 2006 - 7th March 2008

My Best Friend

My little darling Snoops, I’m so sorry that you were taken from me so cruelly and tragically and at such a young age.  Even though our time was short I give thanks for the joy that you brought me and I will hold on to my memories of our time together. I especially loved our early morning walks when it was cold and crisp outside, when there was just you and me walking the fields, and our evening routine of playing with your favourite fluffy ball, and then having a little huggle on my bed before you went down stairs to your own bed (without any fuss). I will cherish these memories forever, until we meet again my friend, I will miss you everyday.

Love Donna

I would also like to thank Rob and Kerry for helping get the best out of Snoops in the classes that we attended, and for allowing me to post this message to Snoops on your website, so thank you  very much from both myself and Snoopy, my best friend.
* Peg *

23rd December 1998 - 19th June 2006

 

Peg, you were my best friend
It broke my heart when it had to end
I think of you each day
At home, walks and training days
Peg, you were the best
Peg, God bless

Toddy Reeve

 
* Sophie *
We sadly had to say goodbye to our darling collie cross, Sophie 5 years ago - she broke our hearts, everyone loved Sophie - we should have called her shadow because she followed you wherever you went.  To make this final decision we had the most caring vet whom did everything to extend her life in comfort.  This poem was sent to us by our vet, Peter Wheeler.  In his note he said “No words can give such comfort at this sad time accept the knowledge that you took the right action at the right time”  Bless you Peter x
Moira and Patrick
MY DOGS LAST WISH

November 1991 - 7th June 2002

If it should be that I grow frail and 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 stay your hand
For this day, more than all the rest
Your love and 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 with me until the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Although my tail its last has waved
From pain and suffering have been saved

Don’t grieve that it should be you
Who has to decide this thing you do
We’ve been close as a family these years
Don’t let your heart hold any tears

XXxxxXX
 
* Bella *
A Parting Prayer

6th October 1997 - 6th August 2007
Dear Lord, please open your gates and call St. Francis
to come escort this beloved companion
across the Rainbow Bridge.

Assign her to a place of honor,
for she has been a faithful servant
and has always done her best to please me.

Bless the hands that send her to you,
for they are doing so in love and compassion,
freeing her from pain and suffering.

Grant me the strength not to dwell on my loss.
Help me remember the details of her life
with the love she has shown me.
And grant me the courage to honor her
by sharing those memories with others.

Let her remember me as well
and let her know that I will always love her.
And when it's my time to pass over into your paradise,
please allow her to accompany those who will bring me home.

Thank you, Lord,
for the gift of her companionship
and for the time we've had together.

And thank you, Lord,
for granting me the strength
to give her to you now.

Amen.
 
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