For Those We Have Lost

Know that the greatest gifts cannot be diminished
when we have them but for the shortest amount of time.
These are the gifts of the heart, and they are forever.

Know that now each dog waits,
with those you’ve loved that have gone before them. 
And when the clouds turn dark and thunder rolls across the sky,
Know that it is them, romping in heaven’s living room. 
But now it is the creator who yells “outside, outside, everybody outside”,
And that he too stops for a moment to watch them play, and smiles.

Know that every dog in heaven is young, and healthy, and happy.
There are endless fields, muddy creeks, and human beds to sleep on.
Yet amid the joys, they bide their time. 
They wait for the day when the heaven’s front door opens,
And you come home to be with them again… forever.