16 Heartfelt Dog Loss Poems For Comfort & Healing

Shell & Katy Pretty Fluffy Editors

Shell & Katy are two style-savvy dog mums celebrating the best in pet-friendly living. A pet photographer and dog lifestyle writer, together they share trending pet products, recipes, inspiration and expert tips with discerning dog lovers around the world.

Dog loss poems can bring solace and comfort when grieving the passing of a faithful companion.

As fellow dog lovers will know all too well, the bond we share with our pets is profound – often transcending words.

It’s why coping with the death of a dog can be a uniquely painful (and sometimes isolating) experience. Not to mention the added heartbreak when you have to make the difficult decision to put your dog to sleep.

While certainly not a cure, pet loss poems can support the grieving process by expressing emotions we struggle to convey ourselves, and reminding us that we’re not alone in our sorrow. 

Uplifting and heartfelt, these pet memorial poems explore themes of pet love and loss – and how despite their absence, our beloved best friends will live on in our hearts forever.

RELATED: 54 Touching Pet Loss Quotes & Pet Memorial Sayings 

16 Heartfelt Dog Loss Poems For Grieving Pet Parents

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

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

We Have A Secret

We have a secret, you and I
that no one else shall know,
for who but I can see you lie
each night in fire glow?
And who but I can reach my hand
before we go to bed
and feel the living warmth of you
and touch your silken head?
And only I walk woodland paths
and see ahead of me,
your small form racing with the wind
so young again, and free.
And only I can see you swim
in every brook I pass
and when I call, no one but I
can see the bending grass.

– Author Unknown

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

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 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.

– Author Unknown

Pawprints Left By You

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.

– Teri Harrison

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

— Christina Georgina Rossetti

The Original Rainbow Bridge Poem

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….

– Author Unknown

A Note From Jacobi

I know that it must be different,
now that I am no longer there.
I realize how much I was loved
and how much you really did care.

I know it will be hard at first
when you look around for me.
Expecting to find me in my bed
or playing with my bear instead.

Someday you will begin to see,
although it will take some time,
the happy times you shared with me,
the memories are yours and mine.

I will remember you my friend,
and how much you meant to me.
So please don’t grieve and don’t be
sad, it was just MY time to leave.

– Written by ‘Kim’ (from Jacobi to Denise)

The Best Dog of All

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.

– Kelly Roper

Tribute To A Best Friend

Sunlight streams through the window pane
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

Friendship

Friendship is a silver ring.
Friendship is a lovely thing.
Just begins and has no end
Doesn’t even need to send
Messages on paper white.
Knows that all is well and right.
Lives on thoughts and true affection.
Now and then has this objection:
Time is short and meetings few.
So this brings my love to you.

– Marguerite de Angeli

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

Until We Meet in Heaven

All good things
Must come to an end,
And today I said goodbye
To my very best friend.

The house will seem so still,
Now that he’s gone.
There’ll be no one to wake me up
To go outside at dawn.

His bowls will sit there empty,
But I’ll leave them in their place.
No more will water drip down
From his thirsty, furry face.

There’ll be no one to bark
When the paper boy comes by.
It’s going to be one of those moments
When I’m sure I’ll want to cry.

But I know the day will come,
When my tears will finally fade,
And I’ll focus on the good times,
and all the fetch we played.

So until the day that we
Can be together once again,
I’ll keep your memory alive
‘Til we meet in Heaven, my friend.

– Kelly Roper

Severing the Tie

It hurts to be the one
That had to make the choice
Your life rested in my hands
I had to be your voice

I hope you will forgive me
I had to sever the tie
I knew you wouldn’t leave me
You would never say goodbye

Our bond will never be broken
I know this to be true
And when I leave this earth
I have you to look forward to

For now I can only tell you
That I miss you dearly my friend
I’m learning to smile through the days
But you know it’s only pretend

I still see you when I close my eyes
And feel you through and through
This empty place inside my heart
Can be filled by only you

– Bettina Dice

A Little Dog Angel

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.

– Noah M. Holland

We hope this beautiful collection of dog loss poems brings comfort and peace when its needed most.

If you’re in need of grief support services during this difficult time, see the resource list below.