Poems on loss of a dog have long been used as a form of comfort and reassurance for doggie owners who have had to say goodbye to their canine companions. Losing a dog can be an absolutely shattering process to go through and I can absolutely relate, my family had to say goodbye to one of my childhood dogs not long ago. 

Poems can stir emotion, offer solace, and evoke strong memories of our time with our dogs, all of which can be useful for overcoming grief and finding ways to honour your beloved dog.

Here are 20 beautiful poems on loss of a dog for you to read through during this difficult time.

20 Loss of a Dog Poems

The Loss of a Heart-Dog 

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 so 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 wished I could do more.

I was with you at my grave today, you tend it with such care.
I want to reassure you that I’m not lying there.

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 now … I smile and watch you yawning,
And say, “Goodnight, 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.

— Colleen Fitzsimmons

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

Your Canine Guardian Angel 

I know that you must miss me,
By the tears rolling down your face.
But believe me when I tell you that,
I’m in a very good place.

There are meadows here to run in,
And plenty of rabbits to chase.
There are other dogs to play with,
To frolic with and race.

So please don’t worry about me,
My spirit feels light as can be.
There’s no more pain to plague me,
I’m young again and free.

And I’ll be watching over you still,
of that you can be sure.
I’m your canine guardian angel,
And my love for you remains pure.

— Kelly Roper

A Little Dog Angel 

By Noah M. Holland

High up in the courts of heaven today
a little dog angel waits;
with the other angels he will not play,
but he sits alone at the gates.
“For I know my master will come” says he,
“and when he comes he will call for me.”

The other angels pass him by
As they hurry toward the throne,
And he watches them with a wistful eye
as he sits at the gates alone.
“But I know if I just wait patiently
that someday my master will call for me.”

And his master, down on earth below,
as he sits in his easy chair,
forgets sometimes, and whispers low
to the dog who is not there.
And the little dog angel cocks his ears
and dreams that his master’s voice he hears.

And when at last his master waits
outside in the dark and cold,
for the hand of death to open the door,
that leads to those courts of gold,
he will hear a sound through the gathering dark,
a little dog angel’s bark.

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

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

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 Best Dog of All 

By Kelly Roper

Loving and loyal,
A friend through and through,
How in the world can I
live life without you?

I've known you since you
Were just a scrappy little pup.
Fighting to survive,
And you never gave up.

I watched you grow into a
beautiful canine friend.
Back in those days,
I could not imagine this end.

But now it is all over,
And you're truly gone.
Somehow I'll find a way
To try to carry on.

Perhaps one day I'll find
A new puppy who,
Will become my dear friend,
But she'll never replace you.

I'll keep your little photo
hung up on my wall,
And I'll always remember you
As the very best dog of all.

The Watch Dog's Watch Ends

By Tamsen Butler

It's time to rest, my pup.
Your watch has come to an end.
Make your journey on up
And wait for me, my friend.

Rest well, my hound.
No need to stay alert.
You needn't make a sound
Don't fret about my hurt.

You were a vigilant friend
And a loyal, happy dog.
I'll stay with you until the end
And leave in an emotional fog.

My Forever Pet

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.

— Susanne Taylor

The House Dog’s Grave 

(by Robinson Jeffers)

(For Haig, An English Bulldog)

I’ve changed my ways a little: I cannot now
Run with you in the evenings along the shore,
Except in a kind of dream: and you, if you dream a moment,
You see me there.

So leave awhile the paw-marks on the front door
Where I used to scratch to go out or in,
And you’d soon open; leave on the kitchen floor
The marks of my drinking-pan.

I cannot lie by your fire as I used to do
On the warm stone,
Nor at the foot of your bed; no, all the night through
I lie alone.

But your kind thought has laid me less than six feet
Outside your window where firelight so often plays,
And where you sit to read – and I fear often grieving for me –
Every night your lamplight lies on my place.

You, man and woman, live so long, it is hard
To think of you ever dying
A little dog would get tired, living so long.
I hope then when you are lying.

Under the ground like me your lives will appear
As good and joyful as mine.
No, dear, that’s too much hope: you are not so well cared for
As I have been.

And never have known the passionate undivided
Fidelities that I knew.
Your minds are perhaps too active, too many-sided…
But to me you were true.

You were never masters, but friends.
I was your friend.I loved you well, and was loved. Deep love endures
To the end and far past the end. If this is my end,
I am not lonely, I am not afraid, I am still yours.

Four-Feet Poem 

By Rudyard Kipling

I have done mostly what most men do,
And pushed it out of my mind;
But I can’t forget, if I wanted to,
Four-Feet trotting behind.

Day after day, the whole day through —
Wherever my road inclined —
Four-feet said, “I am coming with you!”
And trotted along behind.

Now I must go by some other round, —
Which I shall never find —
Somewhere that does not carry the sound
Of Four-Feet trotting behind.

Memories

By Virginia Ellis

Oh, little friend, do you recall,
When you made this house your home?
You were just a ball of fluff,
Not even halfway grown.

You stumbled when you learned to walk,
It was hard to steer four legs;
You learned to sit, and stay, and come,
And, of course, you learned to beg.

You loved those walks we used to take,
You never left my side;
And if I got my car keys out,
You were ready for a ride.

You sensed when I was happy,
Or was feeling kind of low;
You’d rub up against my knee,
You always seemed to know.

You’d fetch a ball or get a toy,
Without even being told;
But, was your face crestfallen,
If I felt the need to scold.

You found the outside world exciting,
Do you remember your first snow?
You’d not come back inside the house,
Because you loved it so.

Going to the vets for shots,
I guess was your greatest fear;
You seemed to know each scheduled date,
Though you went but once a year.

You were afraid of lightening, too,
And of booming thunderstorms;
You’d run and jump upon my bed,
Where it was safe and warm.

I never once felt lonely,
As long as you were here;
You were at my feet or on my lap,
You constantly were near.

Oh, I am going to miss you,
No question about that;
But, little one, for your pain to go,
I had to send you back.

You’re going back to heaven now,
From whence long ago you came;
You’ll be welcomed back by God, Himself,
Who knows your doggy-name.

I think there’s Frisbees up in heaven,
And rubber, squeaky toys;
And angels who will play with you,
And little girls and boys.

But, there won’t be any thunderstorms,
And no vets with shots up there;
You won’t even need a leash,
You’ll run freely in God’s air.

And when my time on earth is done,
And at heaven’s gate I’m near,
I don’t want any harps or horns,
Just … happy barks to hear.

So, see you later, little friend,
I’m glad you’re now pain-free;
And I’m glad you’re sitting next to Jesus,
Now … you wait right there for me.

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 vigour; 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

No More Tears

By John Quealy

The time has come for the tears to end
for you to be happy and cheerful again.
I am safe in God’s home above
cradled in His arms; covered with His love.

We run and play by the Bridge all day
waiting for the day when you’ll be here to stay.
You’ve been crying so much I feel bad
I want you to be happy and not so sad.

Remember the time when I was so small
I couldn’t even pickup the rubber ball.
I fought that ball from morning to night
it made you laugh, I was quite a sight.

Remember teaching me sit and stay
we had such fun since I didn’t really obey.
but you kept at it with test after test
so when I entered my first show I was the best.

Remember the great times we had in the past
like when we walked to the park we had a blast.
We’d run and play all through the park
until the sun went down and it got dark.

Remember the times we went for a ride
I was so excited I’d jump right inside.
Away we went to who knows where
but you and I we didn’t really care.

I’ll always love you, you’re my best friend
I’ll be right with you even to the end.
Always remember the great times we had
and there will be no reason to ever be sad.

The Last Battle

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 agreeIt 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.

I Only Wanted You  

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.

– Vicky Holder

One Small Furry Friend  

by, Merrill O. Fisher

There was in our home, this small furry friend,
Who didn’t ask to come into our lives,
Who didn’t require much help or care.
Who didn’t cost us anything, but a little food,
Who only asked for some of our love and attention.

This friend of ours didn’t hurt anyone,
By thought or deed – they only tried to please.
All of our friend’s life was spent
Trying to make us happy.
They asked so little, but gave so much.
Never were they too tired, too hungry,
Never too sick to show us love.
In every way possible, they demonstrated their love –
With the tilt of their head, the sparkle in their eye,
The wag of their tail,
How they waited for us to show them some attention,
So they could show us their love.
How they lived the Golden Rule!

This friend was one of our family,
A most important part of our lives.
They are sadly missed, but we are so much better
For having shared their life with us.
We can think of nothing, and perhaps
No one that has better taught us
To give and receive love openly,
Unselfishly and unashamedly,
As the One Small Furry Friend.

Your Pets in Heaven 

To have loved and then said farewell, is better than to have never loved at all.
For all the times that you have stopped and touched my head, fed me my favorite treat and returned the love that I so unconditionally gave to you.
For the care that you gave to me so unselfishly, for all of these things I am grateful and thankful.

I ask that you not grieve for the loss, but rejoice in the fact that we lived, loved and touched each others lives. My life was fuller because you were there, not as a master or owner, but as my FRIEND.

Today I am as I was in my youth. The grass is always green, butterflies flit among the flowers and the sun shines gently down upon all of God’s creatures. I can run, jump, play and do all of the things that I did in my youth. There is no sickness, no aching joints, no regrets and no aging.

We await the arrival of our lifelong companions and know that togetherness is forever.
You live in our hearts as we do in yours. Companions such as you are so rare and unique.
Don’t hold the love that you have within yourself. Give it to another like me and then I will live forever.
For love really never dies and you are loved and missed as surely as we are.

Your Pets in Heaven

– Ken D. Conover

Lend Me a Pup

I will lend to you for awhile, a puppy, God said.
For you to love him while he lives and to mourn for him when he's dead.
Maybe for twelve or fourteen years, or maybe two or three
But will you, 'till I call him back, take care of him for me?

He'll bring his charms to gladden you and, should his stay be brief,
You'll always have his memories as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise that he will stay, since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught below I want this pup to learn.

I've looked the whole world over in search of teachers true,
And from the folk that crowd life's land I have chosen you.
Now will you give him all your love, not think the labor vain,
Nor hate me when I come to take my pup back again?

I fancied that I heard them say, 'Dear Lord, Thy Will Be Done,'
For all the joys this pup will bring, the risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter him with tenderness, we'll love him while we may,

And for the happiness we've known, forever grateful stay.
But should you call him back much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand.

Offer Healing: Poems on Loss of a Dog

Whether for you, a loved one or a dear friend, we hope some of the poems on loss of a dog above have helped guide you and settle some of those intense emotions we go through when pets cross over the rainbow bridge. 

If one of the poems on loss of a dog spoke to you and your relationship with your canine companion, you can always consider using it as part of a memorial plaque or picture to honour your beloved doggie. We wish you all the very best.