I had posted here after Christmas that my brother gave me a beautiful watercolor portrait of an older black lab, like my Rachael. He took the time to put her name on it with "In Memoriam" I said I would post a picture one day. This morning, while cleaning, I stopped to read the poem he wrote around the matte of the picture again. It still makes me cry! The poem has probably been posted in here before, and I think the author is unknown. It meant SO much that my brother went to the trouble to put this together for my husband and myself. It's on the wall in the living room near the fireplace (her favorite place to lay) Also hanging there with it is the Rainbow Bridge picture with Rachael's face, her full name and dates. There is also her collar and tags and a door plaque with her name on it. On our bedroom door, we have all our names hanging on the door on cute little ornaments/plaques. This was was Rachael's door plaque.

The poem he wrote is:
(He changed a few words to match with Rachael)

I lost a treasured friend one day,
The loving lab who used to lay
Her gentle head upon my knee.
And share her silent thoughts with me.

She'll come no longer to my call,
Retrieve no more her favorite ball.
A voice far greater than my own,
Has called her to His Golden throne.

Although my eyes are filled with tears,
I thank him for the happy years,
He let her spend down here with me,
And for her love and loyalty.

When it is time for me to go,
And join her there, this much I know,
I shall not fear the transient dark,
For she will greet me with her bark.

Cheri-
Absoultley BEAUTIFUL!!!!!
The poem brough tears to my eyes...
The painting is awesome.
What a beautiful memorial to dear Rachael.
Love & Hugs,
Fran

Oh Cheri,
Thank you, I think it is bueatiful, I had never heard that poem, I made a copy and changed the she to he.
Rachel is a lab? With the angle of the pic on the avatar I thought she was a smaller pooch. Labs personality's are so bueatiful arent they?
I also love the way you have honored her, it is obvious she meant so much to you. Your brother is very thoughtful and loving, unlike mine, he has said some cruel things to me about getting over Moose...My bro has some mental problems from sniffing to much glue in the 60's but even though..some of the uncaring things he said hurt, but not for long......I forgive him for being an idiot.
I am moving finially from this rental next Thur. I have been wanting to leave since Moose was killed, but the lord has made me go through it instead of running from it, the timing has been his I am sure of that, to help me grow where I am weak.
Anyway...there I go again....talking about myself... Thank you for sharing more of Rachel with us. Love, Pamela

Hi Cheri,

That poem and your memorial to your precious Rachael are absolutely beautiful. I cried as I read that poem. What a thoughtful brother you have.

Pamela - your posts always make me laugh (and cry) sometimes. You have the best outlook on life . Glad you're strong enough now to make the move this Thursday. You'll always have your memories of your buddy wherever you go.

Love,
Lynn

Dear Cheri,
It is all so very beautiful, I'm sure Rachael Ann would love it. It was so sweet of your brother to have done that for you and your husband. I have read the poem before and it is beautiful too. I'm so glad you showed us how everything looks.
Love, Ann

Hi Cheri,
I wanted to find this post I had remembered your tribute. I am getting ready to make something for my Moose and was thinking of something like you have.
I was thinking I could get one of his pic's blown up and have some of his ash embeded or somewhere on it. But that poem just breaks my heart. Thanks for the idea. Love Pamela

Dear Cheri,

The poem brought tears to my eyes. What a wonderful brother you have! Your Rachael memorial is beautiful...what a wonderful way to honor and remember your dear friend.

Love,
Kathleen

Thank you Pamela and Kathleen!
No matter how many times I stop and read that poem, it just brings uncontrollable tears for me. I am even crying now, reading all the replies again. It just means SO much that you all acknowledge my beautiful Rachael. She really was special and I miss her so, so much!!! I think the hardest thing to accept and deal with, is knowing that all the special furbabies from here on out, will NEVER EVER be like my Rachael was. Oh, I don't mean to say that I don't love my current furbabies. I'm also NOT looking for them to be like Rachael. I mean that I DO know that there will never be another Rachael... that is until I can join her someday.

Pamela, I am so glad that I have helped to give you inspiration/ideas for your darling Moose. I think the picture with some of his ashes is just wonderful!! Such a sweet boy, he would approve of anything that you decide to do in his memory.

God Bless you all!
Cheri