This post is all about dog grief poems.
When words fail, dog grief poems can offer the comfort and understanding we crave. Whether you’re grieving a dog yourself or supporting someone who is, these heartfelt dog loss poems can help express the inexpressible.
I’ll be thinking of you if you are missing your best friend today. ❤️
This post is all about dog grief poems.
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14 dog grief poems about healing
Short Poems for Loss of a Dog
“A Void Left Behind”
A house feeling empty
Now that you’re gone
No more barks filling up the room
Or watching you being cute as you yawn
It was a delight to have you in our lives
And in our memories, you will live on.
“My Forever Pet” – Susanne Taylor
There’s something missing in my home,
I feel it day and night,
I know it will take time and strength
before things feel quite right.
But just for now, I need to mourn,
My heart — it needs to mend.
Though some may say, “It’s just a pet,”
I know I’ve lost a friend.
You’ve brought such laughter to my home,
and richness to my days.
A constant friend through joy or loss
with gentle, loving ways.
Companion, friend, and confidante,
A friend I won’t forget.
You’ll live forever in my heart,
My sweet, forever pet.
“Do Not Stand By My Grave And Weep”
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.
Heartfelt Dog Death Poems
“Pawprints Left by You” – Teri Harrison
You no longer greet me,
As I walk through the door.
You’re not there to make me smile,
To make me laugh anymore.Life seems quiet without you,
You were far more than a pet.
You were a family member, a friend,
…a loving soul I’ll never forget.It will take time to heal—
For the silence to go away.
I still listen for you,
And miss you every day.You were such a great companion,
Constant, loyal and true.
My heart will always wear,
The pawprints left by you.
“Missing You” – Colleen Fitzsimmons
I stood by your bed last night …I came to have a peep.
I could see that you’d been crying, and 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 your tea.
You were thinking of the many times your hands reached down to touch me.
I was with you at my grave today… you tend to it with such care.
I want to reassure you. That I’m not lying there.
I walked you towards the house as you fumbled for the key.
I gently put my paw on you…I smiled and said, “it’s me”.
You looked so tired as you sank into your chair.
I tried so hard to let you know that I was sitting there.
It’s wonderful for me to be so near you everyday,
To say to you with certainty, “I never went away”.
You sat there quietly, then smiled… I think you knew
That in the stillness of the evening I was very close to you.
And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I’ll rush across to meet you and we’ll stand there side by side.
I have so many things to show you ! There’s so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out, then come home to be with me.
Written from the perspective of a departed dog, this poem offers comfort by suggesting our pets remain close, watching over us.
“I Only Wanted You” – Vicky Holder
They say memories are golden
well maybe that is true.
I never wanted memories,
I only wanted you.A million times I needed 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 tears could build a stairway
and heartache make a lane,
I’d walk the path to heaven
and bring you back again.Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same.
But as God calls us one by one,
the chain will link again.
This poem is a poignant reminder that no amount of memories can replace the presence of a beloved dog. It resonates deeply with those feeling an irreplaceable void. Its heartfelt lines capture the depth of longing and love that persists even after a pet’s passing.
“I’ll Always Love a Dog Named Beau” – Jimmy Stewart
He never came to me when I would call
Unless I had a tennis ball,
Or he felt like it,
But mostly he didn’t come at all.When he was young
He never learned to heel
Or sit or stay,
He did things his way.
Discipline was not his bagBut when you were with him things sure didn’t drag.
He’d dig up a rosebush just to spite me,
And then I’d grab him, he’d turn and bite me.
He bit lots of folks from day to day,
The delivery boy was his favorite prey.
The gas man wouldn’t read our meter,
He said we owned a real man-eater.He set the house on fire
But the story’s long to tell.
Suffice it to say that he survived
And the house survived as well.On the evening walks, and Gloria took him,
He was always first out the door.
The Old One and I brought up the rear
Because our bones were sore.He would charge up the street with Mom hanging on,
What a beautiful pair they were!
And if it was still light and the tourists were out,
They created a bit of a stir.But every once in a while, he would stop in his tracks
And with a frown on his face look around.
It was just to make sure that the Old One was there
And would follow him where he was bound.We are early-to-bedders at our house – I guess I’m the first to retire.
And as I’d leave the room he’d look at me
And get up from his place by the fire.
He knew where the tennis balls were upstairs,
And I’d give him one for a while.
He would push it under the bed with his nose
And I’d fish it out with a smile.
And before very long He’d tire of the ball
And be asleep in his corner In no time at all.And there were nights when I’d feel him climb upon our bed
And lie between us,
And I’d pat his head.
And there were nights when I’d feel this stare
And I’d wake up and he’d be sitting there
And I reach out my hand and stroke his hair.
And sometimes I’d feel him sigh and I think I know the reason why.He would wake up at night
And he would have this fear
Of the dark, of life, of lots of things,
And he’d be glad to have me near.And now he’s dead.
And there are nights when I think I feel him
Climb upon our bed and lie between us,
And I pat his head.
And there are nights when I think I feel that stareAnd I reach out my hand to stroke his hair,
But he’s not there.
Oh, how I wish that wasn’t so,
I’ll always love a dog named Beau.
“The 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….
“The Chaos of Stars”– Kiersten White
“I didn’t fall in love with you. I walked into love with you, with my eyes wide open, choosing to take every step along the way.
I do believe in fate and destiny, but I also believe we are only fated to do the things that we’d choose anyway.
And I’d choose you; in a hundred lifetimes, in a hundred worlds, in any version of reality, I’d find you and I’d choose you.”
While this poem beautifully captures the essence of intentional and enduring love, it is not specifically about pet loss or the love between a human and a dog. It’s an universal message of choosing love repeatedly across lifetimes resonates with many, and some may find it comforting in various contexts, including the loss of a beloved pet.
Dog Poem to Owner After Death
“I’m Still Here”– Author Unknown
Friend, please don’t mourn for me
I’m still here, though you don’t see.
I’m right by your side each night and day
and within your heart I long to stay.My body is gone but I’m always near.
I’m everything you feel, see or hear.
My spirit is free, but I’ll never depart
as long as you keep me alive in your heart.I’ll never wander out of your sight-
I’m the brightest star on a summer’s night.
I’ll never be beyond your reach-
I’m the warm moist sand when you’re at the beach.I’m the colorful leaves when fall comes around
and the pure white snow that blankets the ground.
I’m the beautiful flowers of which you’re so fond,
The clear cool water in a quiet pond.I’m the first bright blossom you’ll see in the spring,
The first warm raindrop that April will bring.
I’m the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine,
and you’ll see that the face in the moon shine is mine.When you start thinking there’s no one to love you,
you can talk to through the Lord up above you.
I’ll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees,
and you’ll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze.I’m the hot salty tears that flow when you weep
and the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep.
I’m the smile you see on a baby’s face.
Just look for me friend, I’m every place!
“The Last Battle”– Author Unknown
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this — the last battle — can’t be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don’t let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn’t want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they’ll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don’t grieve that it must 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.
Comforting Dog Sympathy Poems
“Her Grave”– Mary Oliver
She would come back, dripping thick water, from the green bog.
She would fall at my feet, she would draw the black skin from her gums, in a hideous and wonderful smile—–
and I would rub my hands over her pricked ears and her cunning elbows,
and I would hug the barrel of her body, amazed at the unassuming perfect arch of her neck.It took four of us to carry her into the woods.
We did not think of music,
but, anyway, it began to rain
slowly.Her wolfish, invitational, half-pounce.
Her great and lordly satisfaction at having chased something.
My great and lordly satisfaction at her splash
of happiness as she barged
through the pitch pines swiping my face with her
wild, slightly mossy tongue.Does the hummingbird think he himself invented his crimson throat?
He is wiser than that, I think.A dog lives fifteen years, if you’re lucky.
Do the cranes crying out in the high clouds
think it is all their own music?A dog comes to you and lives with you in your own house, but you
do not therefore own her, as you do not own the rain, or the
trees, or the laws which pertain to them.Does the bear wandering in the autumn up the side of the hill
think all by herself she has imagined the refuge and the refreshment of her long slumber?A dog can never tell you what she knows from the
smells of the world, but you know, watching her, that you know almost nothing.Does the water snake with his backbone of diamonds think
the black tunnel on the bank of the pond is a palace
of his own making?She roved ahead of me through the fields, yet would come back, or
wait for me, or be somewhere.Now she is buried under the pines.
Nor will I argue it, or pray for anything but modesty, and not to be angry.
Through the trees is the sound of the wind, palavering
The smell of the pine needles, what is it but a taste
of the infallible energies?How strong was her dark body!
How apt is her grave place.
How beautiful is her unshakable sleep.
Finally,
the slick mountains of love break
over us.
Mary Oliver’s “Her Grave” serves as a testament to the enduring impact of our relationships with animals and offers solace to those navigating the complexities of grief. This poem, among others in the Dog Songs book, offer us a heartfelt exploration of the joys and sorrows that come with loving a dog.
“A Bridge Called Love”– Author Unknown
It takes us back to brighter years,
To happier sunlit days,
And to precious moments
That will be with us always.And these fond recollections
Are treasured in the heart
To bring us always close to those
From whom we had to partThere is a bridge of memories
From earth to heaven above
It keeps our dear ones close to us
It’s the bridge we call love.
Dog Memorial Poem
“Waiting At The Door”– Author Unknown
I was just a pup when we first met, I loved you from the start.
You picked me up and took me home, and placed me in your heart.
Good times we had together, we shared all life could throw.
But years passed all too quickly, my time has come to go.
I know how much you miss me, I know your heart is sore.
I see the tears that fall, when I’m not waiting at the door.
You always did your best for me, Your love was plain to see.
For even though it broke your heart, You set my spirit free.
So please be brave without me, one day we’ll meet once more.
For when you’re called to heaven, I’ll be waiting at the door.
Losing a dog feels impossible—like a piece of your heart is gone. These dog grief poems won’t erase your pain, but hopefully, they’ll ease it just a bit and remind you you’re never alone in this journey. Hold tight to the sweet memories; your dog’s love will always remain.
Hug your pups tight (or raise a glass to their memory). And remember, they’d want you to smile through the tears.
