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How do I register my funeral home for the Preferred Provider Program?

Enrolling in the program is easy. Just fill out the Registration Form on this page and we’ll take it from there.

How will Funeralwise bring new business to my firm?

The Funeralwise Preferred Provider Program is designed to generate referrals. We attract people who are comfortable using the Internet and shopping online. They use the web for research before making a purchase and they look for resources to help them manage their affairs.  Our users want objective information and rely on the convenience and privacy that working online offers.

We are similar to the sites that serve the travel industry, such as, Travelocity, Expedia and Orbitz. Those sites sit between the consumer and the travel industry. People use them for research and to make reservations. Funeralwise serves a similar role for the funeral industry.

As a Preferred Provider, what do I need to do?

You will have 24/7 secure access to your listing in our directories. You can make the most of your listing by keeping your business profile up-to-date and responding quickly when we send you requests for price quotations and information. Putting your business in the best light will help you close new business, raise your reputation, and build your presence on the web.

What makes Funeralwise different?

Many internet-based businesses serve the funeral industry today. Some have similarities to Funeralwise, but we offer a combination of features that sets us apart from the competition.
1. Funeralwise is a popular consumer resource on the web that draws millions of visitors each year and it continues to grow. The funeral industry can access these consumers through the Funeralwise Preferred Provider program. No other online resource has this robust business-to-consumer and business-to-business synergy.
2. The extensive funeral information and resources on Funeralwise provides users everything they need to know about funerals. The Wise Planning System is a state-of-the-art online funeral planner. It’s all free to consumers.
3. For funeral businesses, there is no fee to join the Funeralwise Preferred Provider Network. However, there is a Pro Plan with optional enhanced features.
4. Funeralwise does not assign exclusive territories to service providers.

Is Funeralwise.com trying to replace the services of funeral directors?

Absolutely not. Funeralwise does not sell funeral services. We are an online marketing resource for funeral directors. Our goal is to help you reach more customers and generate more business. We are a resource for people who don’t know where to start when looking for a funeral service provider, or they prefer to do some research and planning on their own. When people know what they want before meeting with a funeral director, it makes your job easier.
 
The role of the funeral director doesn’t change when a person has pre-planned through Funeralwise. You still guide the deceased’s loved ones through the process of arranging the funeral and provide the support they need in a time of loss.

Why should I upgrade my Preferred Provider listing to include funeral packages?

We talk to users every day who have not yet selected a Funeral Home. Many of these people want to make a purchase that includes everything they need. That doesn’t mean you can’t still offer your products and services ala carte, but including packages in your Preferred Provider listing enables our visitors to make a purchase decision and enables us to refer them to you. That means you incur a minimal cost for these prospective new customers.

How can I take full advantage of The Wise Planning System for the families we serve?

Users of our Wise Planning System can search for funeral providers and select them for their funeral plan. They can also add funeral packages to their plan. We believe the best thing you can do is to include funeral packages in your Preferred Provider listing.

What’s the catch?

There is no catch. To receive a complimentary listing, all you have to do is complete a simple registration. There is a modest set-up fee to upgrade to the Pro Plan to receive an enhanced listing and get business referrals. If we refer a Preplanning Specialist to you and you accept our preneed insurance, then we will be compensated by the insurance company. If you receive an at-need referral, we will charge a 3.5% success fee when you close a sale on that referral.

Our mission has always been to be the best funeral resource available. We need a strong network of funeral service providers to do that. That’s why we make it easy to join our network. As our network grows, so will our value to online consumers, bringing increasingly more visitors to our site. The more visitors we have, the greater the opportunities for you as a Preferred Provider. Everyone wins.

Does Funeralwise require a membership?

Funeralwise is free for all consumers. Our provider directory is available to all visitors at no charge. For service providers, a basic listing in the directory is free. Being a member of another web portal’s network does not preclude you from benefiting from our service. To take full advantage of our services, we recommend that you consider our Pro Plan. To sign up for our Preferred Provider Program, just fill out the Registration Form on this page.

What if my firm is not listed in the Funeralwise directory or if my listing is incorrect?

To sign up for our Preferred Provider Program, just fill out the Registration Form on this page. We also have generic, “non-preferred” listings in our directories. If you are not a Preferred Provider and there is an error in your generic listing, go to Contact Us to notify us of the error.

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Coping With the Loss of a Pet

The post Pet Loss appeared first on Funeralwise.

Working through grief from your pet’s loss will take time, and each person must handle it in their own way. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help you work your way through the process of grieving and cope with the pain you are feeling.

10 Tips for Coping with Pet Loss

The important thing is that you don’t minimize your grief and if you feel like it is too much to manage you reach out for help. There are many places to turn for pet loss support. So take your time and go easy on yourself. With time, things will get easier.

>>For more information on dealing with the loss of a pet, visit our Coping with the Loss of a Pet page.

Don’t like slideshows? Here’s the full list.

1. Accept that what you are feeling is normal.
   Science has proven that there is a special bond between humans and their pets. As a result, when you lose your furry friend, you will experience a sense of loss and grief. What you are feeling is very real and very normal.  Remember, everyone experiences grief differently and the same is true for the loss of a pet. There is no right way. In other words, it is more than ok to feel what you are feeling.
2. Understand feelings of guilt.
   Unfortunately, we don’t always get to define the terms of our pet’s death. We may be required to make difficult decisions and hard choices. For example, many people experience feelings of guilt when forced to choose euthanasia for their pet. It can help to remind yourself that you have prevented your companion from pain and suffering by making that hard choice.
3. Take your time and allow yourself to grieve.
   Everyone grieves in their unique way and on their own personal timetable. No clock counts down and magically removes the pain and sadness at a particular time. Take the time you need to process your grief over pet loss on your terms.
4. Talk About it.
   Talking about the special times, you shared with your pet can help. Friends and family members who were acquainted with your pet and who, perhaps, share their memories can help you reminisce and remember the good times. If you don’t have someone close to whom you can talk, reach out to one of the many available hotlines.
5. Say Goodbye.
   Holding a special ceremony or ritual can go a long way in offering comfort. You can create a celebration that is as large or as small as you like. Invite friends and family to contribute and participate. You’ll get a chance to say a formal goodbye and celebrate the pet’s life.
   >>See Making Pet Funeral Arrangements
6. Memorialize your pet.
   There are many ways you can create a special memorial to your pet. From buying a unique personalized urn for display or having a garden stone made, you are sure to find a way to create a loving way to remember your pet.
   >>Visit our Pet Memorial Store
7. Find healthy ways to handle the pain.
   One good way to navigate the difficult journey through grief is to find productive and healthy ways to occupy your mind and body. Activities such as walking and yoga are good examples. Creative activities can also offer a rewarding way to spend time. Visiting with friends and family, reading books you have meant to get to, and offering your time to volunteer are other good alternatives. The point is, do something that makes you happy. Doing these things doesn’t mean you forget your pet; instead, you are honoring their memory by improving your state of mind.
8. Give yourself a break.
   Remember that you are going through a difficult time. You may have been caregiving a pet suffering a prolonged illness or have experienced the shock of sudden death. You may also have had to make difficult decisions. Allow yourself to rest, and don’t be critical of the way you may have handled things. You are human and deserve a break. Give yourself the gift of understanding just as you would for someone else who is navigating the difficult journey through grief.
9. Help others deal with their grief.
   Helping others in your family who are experiencing the grief of pet loss can help you as well. Children, in particular, will need understanding and guidance in dealing with their sadness. Find activities for them to do that allow them to express what they are feeling. If you are holding a ceremony or funeral for your pet, be sure to give them a role in designing the activities.
10. Get help if you need it.
    If you are feeling overwhelmed and having thoughts that may be destructive, reach out for professional help. There are many support groups and help agencies available that offer resources for those experiencing grief over the loss of a pet. Please take advantage of the services they offer. You don’t have to go through this difficult journey alone.

The post Pet Loss: 10 Tips for Coping With the Grief appeared first on Funeralwise.

Most of us look forward to the sights, sounds, and celebrations of the holiday season. For those who have suffered a loss, however, this time of year presents many challenges, not the least of which is how to make the difficult journey through grief when it seems all those around us are filled with joy.

Our recent article, Managing Grief During the Holidays, offers helpful advice on what you can do to navigate the pitfalls that come with mourning during a festive time. Our website also offers valuable information to help you understand grief and what you can expect when faced with the loss of a loved one.

>>Read Managing Grief During the Holidays
>>Go to the Grief section of Funeralwise.com
>>Go to the Pet Loss section of Funeralwise.com

DEATH POSITIVE QUIZ

If you haven’t heard of the Death Positive Movement you will. The Movement is part of a growing trend that advocates for a more open attitude about the subject of death. 

While the Death Positive approach may not be for everyone, it’s something we think you should know about so that you can make up your own mind about where death fits in with the journey through life. Heck, you might already be Death Positive and not even know it. To help you decide we’ve created a little quiz. Why not take it and find out if you are Death Positive?

>>TAKE THE QUIZ

TRY OUR NEW INSURANCE FINDER

It’s hard in today’s world to set aside money for something that may not happen for a long time. We know, however, that having resources available for end-of-life expenses can help give you peace of mind.

To help you determine if funeral insurance is right for you, we’ve enhanced our funeral insurance resources. We have an all new insurance finder tool with a state of the art quote wizard. Our website is chock full of information on funeral insurance and how to pay for funerals. We hope you’ll take a fresh look.

>>TRY THE INSURANCE FINDER

OUR GUIDE SERIES

One of the most popular features on our site is our series of FREE Word to the Wise Guides. If you aren’t familiar with the Guides, they cover a variety of funeral-related topics including cremation, etiquette, and how to protect your digital legacy.

We’ve recently added two new Guides to the series: 

• Working with a Funeral Celebrant.
• Making Funeral Arrangements.

If you are signed up for our Guide Series you’ll receive the new Guides automatically. If you’d like to request copies now, click on the links above.

>>SIGN UP FOR THE GUIDES

SURVEY SAYS…

If you participated in our recent survey, thank you! If you didn’t have time or didn’t receive the message, that’s OK. We’ll get to you next time.

Your feedback gave us great insight that we’ll be using to improve our content and enhance our services.

One thing we learned is that many of you would like more information on how to effectively participate in funeral planning. You also told us that you’d like to be reminded from time-to-time to update your funeral plan (if you have one). So you’ll be seeing more about those topics in 2019.

Once again, thank you! We are glad to have you as a member of the Funeralwise community!

Have you tried our online planner yet? Why not take a few minutes to do that today. Remember… the best time to plan a funeral is BEFORE you need it.

>>TRY THE PLANNER

Funeralwise.com is the place to go on the web for everything you need to know about funerals. Whether you are planning a funeral or attending one, we will provide you with straight-forward answers to your questions and step-by-step instructions to guide you on your way.

The post Grief And The Holidays appeared first on Funeralwise.

Using A Funeral Celebrant: A Growing Movement That’s Catching Hold

If you aren’t familiar with the concept of using a professional celebrant to preside at funerals and memorial services, then you aren’t alone. The idea of using a secular professional trained to lead funeral ceremonies isn’t new, but it is a relatively recent phenomenon in North America.

The profession of funeral celebrant developed in Australia in the 1970s when the government identified the need for specialists trained to officiate at wedding ceremonies. With success conducting weddings, the celebrants began applying their skills to funerals as well. The concept quickly spread throughout Australia and the UK. During the late 1990s, the movement began to take hold in North America.

The use of funeral celebrants in this country is still in its early stages, but there is already a vibrant and growing population of professional funeral celebrants in the United States. We think the use of funeral celebrants is a trend that will continue to take hold.

To help the Funeralwise community learn more about using celebrants, we have added new content to our site and now feature celebrants in our Preferred Provider Directory. If you are a Funeral Celebrant and would like to be added to our directory, click here.

>>Read Funeral Celebrants: Creating Personalized Ceremonies
>>Download our Guide to Using a Funeral Celebrant

WHEN SOMEONE LOSES A PET

If you’ve ever lost a treasured family pet then you know how hard it is. You may also know how difficult it can be to know what to say to someone who is struggling with the grief of saying goodbye to a pet. To help, we’ve complied a list of things you can say to show your support and understanding. View the list or click on the link below.

We understand how intense pet loss grief can be, so we’ve developed a number of resources to address the topic. To learn more about dealing with the loss of a pet and see our tips for dealing with the grief, visit our section on Coping with the Loss of a Pet.

>>SAY THIS, NOT THAT

TRAVEL PROTECTION PLANS

You’ve probably haven’t thought much about what will happen if you die while you are away from home. Unfortunately, this may be something you should consider since we Americans do love to travel.

Dying away from home can be an expensive proposition. Depending on where you are, you will need the services of two funeral directors and a carrier to get your remains from where to you passed away to your home town.

Luckily, there are now plans that can protect you should this happen. Click on the button below to learn more.

>>LEARN MORE ABOUT TRAVEL PROTECTION

PLANNING VS PREPAYING

Do you assume that funeral planning means you have to pay up front? Of course, there’s nothing wrong with paying in advance but you don’t have to. Even if you don’t want to pay for your funeral expenses up front, you can still pre-plan because the best time to plan your funeral is BEFORE you need it. Check out our article on preplanning without prepaying.

Our online funeral planner allows you to record your wishes in as much or as little detail as you want without spending a penny. See how you can do your planning for free with our Wise Planning System. Or read more about preplanning by clicking the button below. Already have a Funeralwise plan? Login here.

>>LEARN MORE

DIGITAL DYING

Have you visited our Digital Dying blog recently? It’s got an all new look and a fresh focus.

Digital Dying presents our unique perspective on funeral customs past and present, We also take a vibrant look forward by covering topics relating to Funerals of the Future, news relating to funerals and funeral customs,and the people that are shaping the industry.

Funeralwise continues to find new ways to help people make the difficult decisions that come with end-of-life. Our goal is to help you prepare for the inevitable, celebrate life, and remember those who have gone before us.

VISIT DIGITAL DYING

We’re Now on Trustpilot

We have partnered with the independent online review service, Trustpilot, to collect reviews. If you’ve reviewed us, thank you. To see more reviews, click on the stars below. If you haven’t gotten an invitation and you’d like to share your opinion, email us at support@funeralwise.com and we’ll send you an invitation. You can also offer a review through the Trustpilot.com website.

Have you tried our online planner yet? Why not take a few minutes to do that today. Remember… the best time to plan a funeral is BEFORE you need it.

Try the Planner

Funeralwise.com is the place to go on the web for everything you need to know about funerals. Whether you are planning a funeral or attending one, we will provide you with straight-forward answers to your questions and step-by-step instructions to guide you on your way.

The post Using A Funeral Celebrant: A Growing Movement appeared first on Funeralwise.

From time-to-time, we like to step back and take stock of where we came from, where we are, and where we’re headed. Little did we know when we started back in 2000 as a simple website, that today we’d be the leader in providing funeral-related information. Our website has served over 17 million users and more than 8,000 active funeral planners.

As thrilled as we are with how far we’ve come, we don’t plan to stop here. In the coming months, we’ll be letting you know about exciting enhancements to our planner and a more mature slate of product offerings.

As we work to make Funeralwise even more responsive to your needs, we want to take a moment to say something. Thank you! Thank you for taking advantage of our free resources, shopping in our memorial store, and asking questions.

So keep your eyes open over the next few months as we begin to roll out awesome new features and products. We look forward to continuing to work with you to help you navigate the often tricky world of funerals and funeral planning.

OUR MEMORIAL STORE

If you haven’t seen our online memorial products store recently, it’s time to take a fresh look.

We’ve added new lines of urns for both people and pets and we continue to add unique jewelry and keepsake items monthly.

Besides urns, our store carries a variety of keepsakes that are perfect as gifts for yourself or a loved one. And don’t forget to use our special THANKS10 discount code.

>>VISIT THE STORE

CALCULATING FUNERAL COSTS

We recently released a brand new version of our Final Expense Calculator for people who don’t yet use our Wise Planning System.

This important tool allows you to get a real-time estimate of how much money you will need at end-of-life. Give the calculator a try and feel free to share it.

If you already use our planner you have access to the calculator from within your plan.

>>TRY THE CALCULATOR

FUNERAL FOOD

Whether it’s a sympathy meal or a dish for a funeral reception potluck, a home-cooked meal lets others know we’re thinking of them and we want to help.

There are hundreds of delicious funeral recipes appropriate for sharing, but without a doubt, Funeral Potatoes is the rock star of the funeral food world. That’s why we’re showing a little love to this all-time favorite.

>>10 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT FUNERAL POTATOES

PET LOSS: WHAT NOT TO SAY

Comforting a friend or loved one who has lost a beloved pet can be tricky. It’s hard to know what to say, and the last thing you want to do is say or something that will add to the pain.

To help you offer words of comfort, we’ve gathered some great tips for things you can say that will show your support and understanding. Take a look and share with others who might need advice on the topic.

>>WHAT NOT TO SAY WHEN SOMEONE LOSES A PET

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT US

If you haven’t gotten an invitation and you’d like to share your opinion, email us at support@funeralwise.com. To see more reviews, click on the stars below.

DON’T HAVE A PLAN YET? Why not take a few minutes to get started today. (Click Here)

ALREADY HAVE A PLAN? Take a few minutes to make sure it’s up-to-date. (Click Here)

Funeralwise.com is the place to go on the web for everything you need to know about funerals. Whether you are planning a funeral or attending one, we will provide you with straight-forward answers to your questions and step-by-step instructions to guide you on your way.

The post The Best is Yet to Come appeared first on Funeralwise.

As November comes to a close, we’d like to express our heartfelt thanks to the members of the Funeralwise community for their support and continuing interest. We wish you all the best for the upcoming holiday season and send our heartfelt best wishes for the coming new year. 

SYMPATHY GIFTS

When someone experiences a loss we often turn to gift giving to let them know we are thinking about them, and we understand their grief. The trouble is, it’s not always easy to choose the right gift. To help, we’ve compiled a list of our top 10 favorite sympathy gifts. These are selected because they are each a unique and thoughtful way to offer our sentiments.

We hope you don’t need the list right now, but in case you do, take a look to see what you think.

>> 10 Unique & Thoughtful Sympathy Gifts

TRAVEL PROTECTION PLAN

If you are one of the millions of people that head south for the winter, you should consider purchasing an affordable Travel Protection Plan.

Travel plans cover the costs of getting you home should the unthinkable happen. While it’s hard to imagine needing such a plan, it can make good financial sense. Take a few minutes to learn more about why purchasing a travel plan is a smart move if you are a frequent traveler or you spend winter away from home.

>>Heading South for the Winter?

HANDLING GRIEF OVER THE HOLIDAYS

For most people, the holiday season is a time of family, friends, and joy. For those who are grieving, however, the traditions and celebrations that we usually look forward to can be stark reminders of someone who is no longer with us. The grief can be more intense, and the pain sharper. Even if you thought you had turned a corner on grief, you might be taken by surprise when sadness bubbles up at unexpected times.

To help you navigate the difficulties of grief over the holidays, we’ve compiled a list of six things you can do to help yourself or others to not just make it through the season, but perhaps get stronger. To view the list, click on the button below.

>>Learn More About Handling Grief Over the Holidays

TRENDS: FUNERAL CELEBRANTS

It’s not easy to plan a funeral that is personal and reflects the life of the deceased. That’s where funeral celebrants come in. Celebrants are professionals who are trained in designing custom funerals.

A professional celebrant will work with you to create a ceremony that takes into account the personality of the person being honored as well as the customs and traditions that were important to them.

Visit our site to learn more about funeral celebrants and how you might work with one.

>>Learn More About Using a Funeral Celebrant

HAVING A FUNERAL FOR A PET

Losing a beloved pet can cause intense grief. Not surprising since our pets are part of the family. Holding a memorial ceremony to commemorate the life and memories you shared can help build a bridge to help pass through the grief.

A pet funeral does not have to be elaborate or formal. In fact, you can design the ceremony any way you like. We can help with ideas for the types of things you can include in a meaningful ceremony.

For information on how to hold a pet funeral, see our Pet Loss pages.

>>Learn More About Having a Funeral For Your Pet

SEE WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT US

If you haven’t gotten an invitation and you’d like to share your opinion, email us at support@funeralwise.com. To see more reviews, click on the stars below.

DON’T HAVE A PLAN YET? Why not take a few minutes to get started today. (Click Here)

ALREADY HAVE A PLAN? Take a few minutes to make sure it’s up-to-date. (Click Here)

Funeralwise.com is the place to go on the web for everything you need to know about funerals. Whether you are planning a funeral or attending one, we will provide you with straight-forward answers to your questions and step-by-step instructions to guide you on your way.

The post We are Thankful for You appeared first on Funeralwise.

As long as there has been recorded writing, there has been poetry. The best and most popular poets have a gift for putting what we are feeling to words. the appeal of poetry is universal and has long been used as a way to express our feelings and offer comfort in difficult times.

When we are experiencing loss of a pet, poetry can offer solace and help us articulate the feelings we have for the furry friend that is no longer with us. We have compiled a variety of poems for the loss of a pet that we hope will offer comfort. They can be shared with others who are also experiencing grief from pet loss. If you are crafting a memorial to honor your pet, the poem can create the perfect centerpiece for your ceremony.

A Bridge Called Love

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 part.

There is a bridge of memories
from Earth to Heaven above…
It keeps our dear ones near us
It’s the bridge that we call love.

— Unknown

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies who 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

Don’t Cry for Me When I Am Gone

So, though I give you all my heart,
the time will come when we must part.
But all around you, you will see,
creatures that speak to you of me;
a tired horse, a hunted thing,
a sparrow with a broken wing.
Pity – and help (I know you will)
and somehow, I will be with you still;
and I shall know, although I’m gone,
the love I gave you lingers on.

— Author Unknown

Come With Me

God saw he was getting tired
And a cure was not to be.
So he put his arms around him
And whispered, “Come with me.”

With tearful eyes we watched him suffer
And saw him fade away.
Although we loved him dearly,
We could not make him stay.

A golden heart stopped beating,
Hard working hands to rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us
He only takes the best.  

— Author Unknown

Time to Say Goodbye

As we lay our hands upon you,
Before your final rest,
Our hearts surround to love you,
And thank you for your best.
Our home you watched and treasured,
Our lives you truly blessed.

Lessening now your burdens,
We tend your tired bones.
Let us be your pillow,
Then wings to take you home.
Listen for God’s calling,
Sweet promises of peace.
Old friend, leap to Heaven,
Suffering released!

As we lay our hands upon you,
before your final rest,
our hearts surround to love you,
and thank you for your best.
Our home you watched and treasured,
Our lives you truly blessed.
Loosening now your burdens,
we tend your tired bones.
Let us be your pillow,
then wings to take you home.
Listen for God’s calling,
sweet promises of peace.
Old friend, leap to Heaven,
suffering released!

— Annie Dougherty

May I Go?

May I go now?
Do you think the time is right?
May I say good-bye to pain-filled days
and endless lonely nights?
I’ve lived my life and done my best,
an example tried to be.
So can I take that step beyond
and set my spirit free?
I didn’t want to go at first,
I fought with all my might.
But something seems to draw me now
to a warm and loving light.
I want to go.
I really do.
It’s difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can
to live just one more day,
To give you time to care for me
and share your love and fears.
I know you’re sad and so afraid,
because I see your tears.
I’ll not be far,
I promise that, and hope you’ll always know
that my spirit will be close to you,
wherever you may go.
Thank you so for loving me.
You know I love you too.
That’s why it’s hard to say good-bye
and end this life with you.
So hold me now, just one more time
and let me hear you say,
because you care so much for me,
you’ll let me go today. 

— Susan A. Jackson

Let Me Go

When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me,
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room.
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little —  but not too long
And not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared.
Miss me — but let me go.
For this is a journey that we all must take
And each must go alone.
It’s all a part of the Master plan,
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick of heart,
Go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.
Miss me — but let me go

— Susan A. Jackson

A Dog for Jesus

(Where dogs go when they die)

I wish someone had given Jesus a dog.
As loyal and loving as mine.
To sleep by His manger and gaze in His eyes
And adore Him for being divine.

As our Lord grew to manhood His faithful dog,
Would have followed Him all through the day.
While He preached to the crowds and made the sick well
And knelt in the garden to pray.
It is sad to remember that Christ went away.
To face death alone and apart.
With no tender dog following close behind,
To comfort its Master’s Heart.
And when Jesus rose on that Easter morn,
How happy He would have been,
As His dog kissed His hand and barked it’s delight,
For The One who died for all men.

Well, the Lord has a dog now, I just sent Him mine,
The old pal so dear to me.
And I smile through my tears on this first day alone,
Knowing they’re in eternity.
Day after day, the whole day through,
Wherever my road inclined,
Four feet said, “Wait, I’m coming with you!”
And trotted along behind.

— Rudyard Kipling

Forever Free

You’ll Meet Me in the LightI know that you can’t see me,
But trust me I’m right here.
Although I’m up in heaven,
My love for you stays near.

So often I see you crying,
Many times you call my name,
I want so much to lick your face
And ease some of your pain.

I wish that I could make you see
That Heaven indeed is real.
If you could see me run and play
How much better you would feel.

But our loving God has promised me
That when the time is right,
You’ll step out of the darkness and
Meet me in the light.

— Author Unknown

If I Should Grow Frail

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain does 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 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 now 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.

— Author Unknown

Tribute to a Best Friend

Sunlight streams through the windowpane
unto a spot on the floor….
then I remember,
it’s where you used to lie,
but now you are no more.
Our feet walk down a hall of carpet,
and muted echoes sound….
then I remember,
It’s where your paws would joyously abound.
A voice is heard along the road,
and up beyond the hill,
then I remember it can’t be yours….
your golden voice is still.
But I’ll take that vacant spot of floor
and empty muted hall
and lay them with the absent voice
and unused dish along the wall.
I’ll wrap these treasured memorials
in a blanket of my love
and keep them for my best friend
until we meet above.

— Author Unknown

Four Feet in Heaven

Your favorite chair is vacant now…
No eager purrs to greet me.
No softly padded paws to run
Ecstatically to meet me.

No coaxing rubs, no plaintive cry
Will say it’s time for feeding.
I’ve put away your bowl, and all
The things you won’t be needing;

But I will miss you little friend,
For I could never measure
The happiness you brought me,
The comfort and the pleasure.

And since God put you here to share
In earthly joy and sorrow;
I’m sure there’ll be a place for you
In Heaven’s bright tomorrow…

— Alice E. Chase

The Cremation

When God had made the earth and sky
the flowers and the trees,
He then made all the animals
the fish, the birds and bees.

And when at last He’d finished
not one was quite the same.
He said, “I’ll walk this world of mine
and give each one a name.”

And so He traveled far and wide
and everywhere He went,
a little creature followed Him
until its strength was spent.

When all were named upon the earth
and in the sky and sea,
the little creature said, “Dear Lord,
there’s not one left for me.”

Kindly the Father said to him,
“I’ve left you to the end.
I’ve turned my own name back to front
and called you dog, My friend.”

— Author Unknown

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