A Tribute to My Sappy

In Loving Memory of "SAPPY"
May 17, 1989 - August 4, 2003

The SAPPY Pet Loss & Grief Support Group of San Antonio was organized in 2003, shortly after my husband Jim and I lost Sappy, our 14-year-old Chihuahua to bladder cancer.

This year will mark four years that we said, "farewell" to our fur baby boy. Jim and I will be paying tribute to his life all month long. We celebrate his life in our hearts. We have plenty of wonderful memories of our baby boy and we will never forget him...never! We will honor him by lighting memory candles and bringing out beautiful photos of our best buddy. He will forever live deep inside of our hearts and in our memories.

Jim bought me a beautiful ring with paw prints on it, as a symbol of our never-ending love for Sappy. Every time I look at the ring around my finger, I can't help but remember my precious little Sappy. Plus, I've been wearing a small charm pendant with a photo of Sappy inside of it and a special heart with a paw print in the middle of it, given to me by my support group friends. I wear the two around my neck and close to my heart. Several people have asked me, "What is that around your neck? Is it a doggie picture? Who is it?" And, of course, I begin to share about my fur baby boy. It's my way of honoring his memory and paying tribute to him everywhere I go.

I'd like to share the following song (lyrics) with you. I love this song and it will be featured in this year's Tribute to Tails candlelight event in December. My brother Jesse who is a worship leader will sing this beautiful song. Read the lyrics of this song below--It really tells about the love we all share for our fur babies. It's a song about our loved ones in heaven letting us know that they're OK. Here are the lyrics to the song:

"Wish You Were Here"

I wanted to tell you how closely I've kept the memories of you in my heart and all of the lifetimes that we've had to share live even though we're apart

But don't cry for me 'cause I'm finally free to run with the angels on streets made of gold to listen to stories of saints new and old to worship our maker that's where I'll be when you finally find me...

Now don't you be weary 'cause waiting for you are wonders that you've never known just hold on to Jesus... reach out for His hands and one day they'll welcome you home. And that's when you'll be finally free

And, all of the dreams that you treasure will soon come together and that's when your sorrow will find tomorrow and you will rise again

Sappy truly made me happy! I'll always cherish him in my heart, always!
SONG: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ud0JqvPVAeY

Our pets are more than "just pets," they are truly part of our families. They are an important part of our daily lives. And, when the time comes for them to leave us, it's very difficult. That's why the SAPPY Pet loss & Grief Support Group of San Antonio, was organized---to reach out to pet parents like you who need support during a very difficult and sad moment in the history of our lives.

If you or someone you know has recently lost a precious pet to an illness, old age, accident or displacement, please know that you're not alone. Come visit our support group.We care and we're here for you. If you have any questions about the SAPPY Pet Loss & Grief Support Group of San Antonio, please contact us at (210) 216-0920 or send an e-mail to
sappypetloss@sbcglobal.net.

Finding comfort in the midst of grief

Is it possible to find comfort during our grief?

Absolutely.

It is possible to find comfort, even when we're right in the middle of our grief. How do we find this comfort? We find it in our faith!

If you ask me how I found comfort, I'll tell you I found it in God. Having faith and knowing in your heart that God truly cares about your grief...about your loss, makes a difference. It really does!

And, sharing your feelings of sadness and loss with others is like finding a treasure. This support group helps put things into perspective. The people who come have one thing in commmon, they're hurting just like you are hurting, and for the same reason. No one has to feel embarrassed or ashamed to grief over a precious pet because everyone at the group gatherings share those feelings.

Come as you are! Leave supported. We're here for you!!!! Call for location information, (210) 216-0920.

Hope to see you there!

NOTE: If you would like for our group to hold you in prayer, please send us your prayer request and we will add you to our prayer list on Tuesday nights.

Our pets are more than "just pets," they are truly part of our families. They are an important part of our daily lives.

If you or someone you know has recently lost a precious pet to an illness, old age, accident or displacement, you're not alone! Come visit our support group.

We care and we're here for you. If you have any questions about the SAPPY Pet Loss & Grief Support Group of San Antonio, please contact us at (210) 216-0920 or e-mail to sappypetloss@sbcglobal.net.

And, remember, you're not alone! We're here for you!

Our pets are part of our lives! They walk beside us and they bring so much comfort to our souls. They aren't just pets; they are part of our families too.

If you've recently had to say farewell to your faithful four-legged animal companion, please know that you're not alone! The SAPPY Pet Loss & Grief Support Group is here for you.

Please call for more information, (210) 216-0920 or e-mail us at sappypetloss@sbcglobal.net.

From your pet lover friends at SAPPY Support Group.

In Memory of Our Pets! May they rest in God's loving kingdom and let us remember that they are with the best....they are with God. Amen.

A Pet Candlelight Tribute In Memory of Your Precious Pet. The following is a beautiful poem in honor of our fur babies:

"Lend Me a Pet"
Author Unknown

I will lend to you for awhile
a pet, God said,
For you to love him while he lives
and to mourn for him when he is gone.
Maybe for twelve or fourteen years,
or maybe for 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 pet 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
Nor think the labor vain
Nor hate me when I come to take my pet back again.

I fancied that I heard them say
"Dear Lord Thy Will Be Done,"
For all the joys this pet will bring,
the risk of grief you’ll run.
Will you shelter him with tenderness
Will you love him while you may
And for the happiness you’ll know forever grateful stay.

But should I call him back
much sooner than you’ve planned
Please brave the bitter grief that comes
and try to understand.
If, by your love, you’ve managed
my wishes to achieve,
In memory of him that you’ve loved,
cherish every moment with your faithful bundle,
and know he loved you too.

In Memory of Your Beloved Pet

Lighting a candle has helped many pet parents who’ve lost a precious pet. Safely place a candle votive on a secure candle holder or plate, then light your candle next to a photo of your beloved pet and pay tribute to his or her memory.

Your wonderful pet will live on in your hearts forever!