Dog needing to be put to sleep (or: If it should be) (or: When The Time Comes) (or: Before I go) (or: 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;

what is to come can hold no fears

you wouldn't want me to suffer so.

When the time comes, please, let me go.
 

Take me 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.

Smile, for we walked together, for a little while.

(Julia Napier)

*****

Another, slightly different version:

If it should be that I grow weak,

And pain should keep me from my sleep,

Then you must do what must be done,

For this last battle can't be won.
 

You will be sad - I understand.

Don't let your grief then stay your hand,

For this day more than all the rest,

Your love for me must stand the test.
 

We've had so many happy years.

What is to come can hold no fears.

You'd not want me to suffer so -

The time has come. Please let me go.

I know in time that you will see

The kindness that you do for me.

Al though my tail its last has waved,

From pain and anguish I've been saved.
 

Please do not grieve - it must be you

Who has this painful thing to do.

We've been so close, we two, these years,

Don't let your heart hold back its tears.

(Author unknown)

*****

Another, slightly different version:

Before I grow too frail and weak,

And all that's left is peace in sleep,

I know you'll do what must be done,

To end this fight that can't be won. 

I don't fear death as humans do,

So let me try to comfort you,

Come: let us take a quiet stroll,

And share some quietness soul to soul. 

No need for words 'twixt you and I,

No need to say a last good-bye,

We've grown so close in mind and heart,

It seems so cruel that we must part. 

Be sure I sense the pain you'll feel,

Without me walking at your heel,

The days will feel full of despair,

Your "Sunshine" simply won't be there. 

In time the pain will slowly wane,

You'll think of me and smile again. 

Now take me where my needs they'll tend,

And stay there with me till the end,

Hold me close with soft good-byes,

'Till life's bright light has left my eyes. 

The final sound I need to hear,

Is your soft voice upon my ear,

Your loving face will fade and dim,

As the rush of heaven closes in. 

And when you start your journey home,

I’ll be right behind, you are not alone.

Your loving face will fade and dim,

As the rush of heaven closes in.

 

(Anonymous)

*****

Another, slightly different version:

I know that I’ve grown frail and weak,

And pain has kept me from my sleep,

Then will you do what must be done,

For my battle can't be won.

Tears and sadness will happen I understand,

But do not let grief stay your hand,

For on this very day, more than the rest,

Your LOVE and FRIENDSHIP will stand the test.

You all have given so many happy days,

You wouldn't want me to suffer so.

The time come, 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 did.

You rescued me.

From the shelter you pulled me from,

To live these last days with no chain and FREEDOM

Although my short tail its last has waved,

From pain and suffering I have been saved.

Do not mourn my passing,

For if you could only see by slipping all my earthly bonds,

I’m young again and FREE.

By Day I run the Heavenly fields, now my body HEALTHY and STRONG.

At night I sleep peacefully at Angel’s feet.

So do not mourn my passing, just close your eyes-you’ll see.

Someday soon you’ll find me. 

(Author unknown)

(German translation here)