Memorials
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 dogs.
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
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....
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....
Izzy (16 September 2013 - 16 November 2013)
Izzy (Midget Gem),
Just six days you were with us little one. Six days to love you and lose you. The sweetest of things, you touched our hearts and souls deeply. Still can't believe you have gone.
Rob & Kerry x
Just six days you were with us little one. Six days to love you and lose you. The sweetest of things, you touched our hearts and souls deeply. Still can't believe you have gone.
Rob & Kerry x
Wicket (29 January 2010 - 30 July 2013)
|
You were my first dog, you taught me so much, together we made lots of friends and you touched so many hearts, you were our little boy so cute and fluffy, in our hearts you'll stay forever.
Love you to the stars and moon and back. "Bubba Woosie" |
I ONLY WANTED YOU
They say memories are golden well that maybe true. I never wanted memories, I only wanted you, A million times I cried. If love alone could have saved you you never would have died. In life I loved you dearly, In death I love you still. In my heart you hold a place no one could ever fill. If tear could build a stairway and heartache make a lane, I'd walk the path to heaven and bring you back agian. Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same. But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again. Author- Vicky Holder |
Dougal (June 2004 - 1 November 2012)
Our darling Dougal, the Dougster, our little Dougie-Bear, our precious boy. We shared our lives with you for less than five years but we will remember you forever.
You came to us from the RSPCA dogs home in January 2008 - a scruffy unwanted stray, with a shut-down expression and blank little scared eyes.
Gradually you came out of your shell, your face relaxed and your deep brown eyes softened and widened... they were eyes that looked directly into one's heart and soul. You made us laugh and smile so much.
You made us proud when you excelled at obedience and agility. You made our hearts burst with pride when you conquered your fears of other dogs. You frustrated the hell out of us when you refused to co-operate with even the simplest command! But even then we had no choice but to laugh.
You were the little dog who everybody loved. You melted even the hardest of hearts and turned non-dog people instantly into dog people, or at least Doug people. You were taken from us suddenly and unexpectedly. Your little heart gave out and our hearts were broken.
Thank you for being such a special dog, and leaving us with such wonderful happy memories.
Sally & Martin
xxx
You came to us from the RSPCA dogs home in January 2008 - a scruffy unwanted stray, with a shut-down expression and blank little scared eyes.
Gradually you came out of your shell, your face relaxed and your deep brown eyes softened and widened... they were eyes that looked directly into one's heart and soul. You made us laugh and smile so much.
You made us proud when you excelled at obedience and agility. You made our hearts burst with pride when you conquered your fears of other dogs. You frustrated the hell out of us when you refused to co-operate with even the simplest command! But even then we had no choice but to laugh.
You were the little dog who everybody loved. You melted even the hardest of hearts and turned non-dog people instantly into dog people, or at least Doug people. You were taken from us suddenly and unexpectedly. Your little heart gave out and our hearts were broken.
Thank you for being such a special dog, and leaving us with such wonderful happy memories.
Sally & Martin
xxx
Billy (2000 – 12 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
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 (21 June 2002 – 6 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
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
Max (2 February 2003 - 17 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
Laura & Stuart xxx
Archie (21 June 2007 – 2 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
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 (21 February 1999 - 11 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 (15 December 2006 - 7 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.
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 (23 December 1998 - 19 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
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 (November 1991 - 7 June 2002)
We sadly had to say goodbye to our darling collie cross, Sophie. 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
Moira and Patrick
MY DOGS LAST WISH
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
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