Ben Bateson

BEN

Last Night

I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying, you found it hard to sleep.

I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,
"It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."

I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea,
You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me.

I was with you at the shops today, Your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.

I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.
I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said " it's me."

You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.

It's possible for me, to be so near you everyday.
To say to you with certainty, "I never went away."

You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew...
In the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.

The day is over... I smile and watch you yawning
and say "good-night, God bless, I'll see you in the morning."

And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side.

I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out...then come home to be with me.

Author Unknown

Janette Brennan August 23, 2009

"Just A Dog"


From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's
just a dog," or "that's a lot of money for just a
dog." They don't understand the distance traveled, the
time spent, or the costs involved for "just a
dog." Some of my proudest moments have come about
with "just a dog."

Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a
dog," but I did not once feel slighted. ………….

And in those days of darkness, the gentle touch
of "just a dog" gave me comfort and reason to overcome
the day. …………………………………………………

"Just a dog" brings
into my life the very essence of
friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. "Just a
dog" brings out the compassion and patience that make
me a better person. Because of "just a dog" I will
rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the
future.

So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but
an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the
future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure
joy of the moment. "Just a dog" brings out what's
good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself
and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday they will understand that it's
not "just a dog" but the thing that gives me humanity
and keeps me from being "just a man." So the next time
you hear the phrase "just a dog." just smile, because
they "just don't understand."

(unknown author at this stage)

Donna (Owner) March 8, 2009

this was left for me today & i wanted to share it with you xxxxx

DO DOGS GO TO HEAVEN?
(Opus 4)

My little bully passed away, no more to breathe a sound.
I held him for the last time, then entombed him in the ground.
Day and night I wept so much, in tears I thought I'd drown.
I searched my soul for comfort, but no peace therein was found.

In great despair, I hit my knees and then began to pray.
"Father will I ever see, my dog again someday?"
I raised my eyes and saw an angel standing near a gate.
I sensed an inner peace I'd never felt before that day.

The angel smiled and said to me, "Oh man of little faith!
God sees every bird that falls; He knows your bully's fate.
I have met your little dog, I saw him pass my way.
Your precious dog is still alive; he just walked through this gate.

Paradise is lovelier than you can comprehend.
No pain or grief, no tears or fears, and life will have no end.
God gave to man His only Son, to cover all his sins.
So why would God withhold from you, your pure and loving friend?”

The angel took me by the hand and said, "Now come with me.
A glimpse of paradise I'll give, to you so you can see."
Through the gate and o'er the Rainbow Bridge we did proceed.
Through green valleys filled with flowers, rolling hills and trees.

“Wow, so this is paradise!” The place was filled with joy.
I saw my bully playing there, with dogs and cats and toys.
He also had some doggie treats, and food that he enjoyed.
He'd made a lot of new friends there, including girls and boys.

Then I saw a child come near, and hug my little mate.
She said to him, "I love you so," and kissed him on the face.
The angel said, "The child just crossed the Rainbow Bridge today.
Now she needs a little friend, to love and help her play.

God’s love for her would be enough, in that make no mistake.
But in His love, He knew full well, the child would want a mate.
This is why God called your dog unto this splendid place.
God’s entrusted her with him, ‘til you pass through the gate."

I pleaded, “May I hug them both?!” The angel answered, “No!
You’d violate a sacred site, and now it’s time to go.”
He led me back across the Bridge and through the gate to home.
He left me there with new-found hope and peace within my soul.

If someone ever asks what happens to a dog that dies,
Just give a gentle smile of joy and look them in the eye.
Take their hand and comfort them and tell them not to cry.
For dogs don’t die, they simply cross a bridge to paradise.

By Dan Atcheson (5/2/00)

Tina Griffin February 24, 2009

Symphony

There is no music so gentle,
No sound so sweet,
No praise so pleasant

As the praise, sound, and music
Of that simple word "Love".

The word itself is like a song,
It conjures images of all that is good.

On the lips it's like a soothing drink.

Let's dance, sing, and play
The symphony of love.

Donna (Owner) February 19, 2009

19th FEBRUARY

From tomorrow I will be unable to lit candles for a few days as my computer is going to the workshop to have upgrades, sending lots of love and caring thoughts to you your family and your angels

"Just A Dog"


From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's
just a dog," or "that's a lot of money for just a
dog." They don't understand the distance traveled, the
time spent, or the costs involved for "just a
dog." Some of my proudest moments have come about
with "just a dog."

Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a
dog," but I did not once feel slighted. ………….

And in those days of darkness, the gentle touch
of "just a dog" gave me comfort and reason to overcome
the day. …………………………………………………

"Just a dog" brings
into my life the very essence of
friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. "Just a
dog" brings out the compassion and patience that make
me a better person. Because of "just a dog" I will
rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the
future.

So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but
an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the
future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure
joy of the moment. "Just a dog" brings out what's
good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself
and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday they will understand that it's
not "just a dog" but the thing that gives me humanity
and keeps me from being "just a man." So the next time
you hear the phrase "just a dog." just smile, because
they "just don't understand."

(unknown author at this stage)

Geraldine Snell February 19, 2009

By Thomas Dekker;

Golden slumbers kisses your eyes,
Smiles awake you when you rise:
Sleepe pretty wantons doe not cry,
And I will sing a lullabie,
Rocke them rocke them lullabie.

Care is heavy therefore sleepe you,
You are care and care must keep you:
Sleepe pretty wanton's doe not cry,
And I will sing a lullabie,
Rocke them rocke them lullabie.

Donna (Owner) February 13, 2009

Heaven Now, Taken from the Celtic book of preyers

If I were in heaven,
I would play my harp,
and sing songs of praise with the angels.

If I were in heaven,
I woulddance with joy,
and fill the air with laughter.

Let earth be like heaven,
and people like angels;
Let all sing songs of praise.

Donna (Owner) February 13, 2009

LIVING LOVE


Exerpt from the book "Maya's first Rose

(Passages from "A living love" )

If you are wise, you will let the tears flow as freely and as often as they must. And if you are typical, you will find that not many in your circle of family or friends will be able to understand your grief, or comfort you.

But if you are true to the love of the pet you cherished through the many joy-filled years, you may find that a soul -- a bit smaller in size than your own -- seems to walk with you, at times, during the lonely days to come.

And at moments when you least expect anything out of the ordinary to happen, you may feel something brush against your leg -- very very lightly.

And looking down at the place where your dear, perhaps dearest, friend used to lie -- . The memory will most likely to be painful, and leave an ache in your heart--

As time passes the ache will come and go as if it has a life of its own. You will both reject it and embrace it, and it may confuse you. If you reject it, it will depress you. If you embrace it, it will deepen you. Either way, it will still be an ache.

But there will be, I assure you, a day when -- along with the memory of your pet -- and piercing through the heaviness in your heart -- there will come a realization that belongs only to you. It will be as unique and strong as our relationship with each animal we have loved, and lost. This realization takes the form of a Living Love -- like the heavenly scent of a rose that remains after the petals have wilted, this Love will remain and grow -- and be there for us to remember. It is a love we have earned. It is the legacy our pets leave us when they go. And it is a gift we may keep with us as long as we live. It is a Love which is ours alone. And until we ourselves leave, perhaps to join our Beloved Pets -- it is a Love we will always possess.

Geraldine Snell February 7, 2009

Ben was my true and loyal friend he never left me evan when I was in a wheel chair he stayed close Inursed him through his op he suffered a lot of pain but he pulled through with such bravery, he was one in a million and can never be replaced I hope he wll wait untill God calls me home and then we will walk together as always him nibling my neck and talking to me in the old missed way miss you Ben so very very much untill we meet again little mate xxxx

Colleen Kinsey February 7, 2009

Ben

I know it's been awhile but we all still miss you loads but I guess you already know.

I have been sitting here thinking about you when the story of the frogs came into my mind.
Matthew went over to Gails and Kelly gave you several frogs to bring back.

You were at the time was unable to walk, you had a few weeks earlier just had sergery on your back. Everyone at the vets didn't think you would make it but Ben your love for life wouldn't let you give up.
Matthew put those frogs down in front of you and they hopped away with you trying to follow them.

That was the day you began to get better and started walking again although from that day on you hated frogs and if they were mentioned you were off down the garden.

Before you came to us your life was a sad one, people were cruel but with us your life was filled with love.

Miss you Ben miss you lots.

Donna (Owner) January 22, 2009