Remembrance

The Last Will and Testament of an Extremely Distinguished Dog

I have little in the way of material things to leave. Dogs are much wiser than men. We do not set great value on things. I have only my courage and love to bequeath.

What will become of me as I change worlds ? Who knows ? I like to believe I will be in a place where I can romp in fields with those who have gone before me, every hour is mealtime and there are fireplaces with logs burning where I'll spend long evenings with the memory of her touch. This is much to expect but peace is certain.

One last request I make. I ask her to have another if she can. It would be a poor tribute to me not to have a dog. I’ve never had a narrow spirit and have always held that all dogs are good… and more than just a few cats, too ! I would suggest another Shepherd but others could be suitable, as well. To him I bequeath my collar, lead and my winter parka that was made for me by the tailor on the bay. I leave him my place in the car, which I loved so much and wish him long rides with open windows.

One last word of farewell, my Dear Friend…Whenever you think of me, say to yourself with sadness but also with happiness in your heart at the remembrance of my happy life with you; “He is the one who loved me and whom I loved.” No matter how deep my sleep, I shall hear you and our bond will remain forever unbroken."

The Last Will and Testament of an Extremely Distinguished Cat

I have little in the way of material things to leave. Cats are much wiser than men. We do not set great value upon things. I have only my love and magic to bequeath. These I leave to all those who have loved me, and especially to my friend, who I know will mourn me the most. Perhaps it is vain of me to boast when I am so near to the gate through which we must all, one day, pass but I have always been an extremely special and distinguished cat !

I ask my friend to remember me always but not to grieve for me longer than she really must. In my life I have given her comfort in time of sorrow and a reason for added joy in her life. Not even in death would I want to cause her pain though I know it will come to her. It's O.K. Let her also remember that no cat was ever happier but I have grown ill and pained and it's time to say “Good-bye.” It will be a great sadness to leave her but not a sorrow to die. I accept this part of the journey as a natural part of life…not something alien and terrible which destroys life.

What will come to me after death ? Who knows ? …I would like to think that I will be joined by companions I’ve known in life who have gone before me. I will romp about in butterfly filled fields. Every hour will be mealtime and there is always a little brook with fresh running water. I will spend long evenings in front of fireplaces with logs forever burning and curl up with memories of her touch and the old days.

This is much to expect but peace is certain…and a long rest for these weakened limbs will be welcome.

One last request I make. I ask her, for the love of me, to have another. It would be a poor tribute to my memory not to have a cat in her life. I've never had a narrow spirit and have always held that most cats are good (some dogs, too !) Some cats are better than others, of course…like me ! And, so, I suggest another of similar background but others could be suitable, too. No cat can be as distinguished and handsome as I was but she must not ask the impossible. He will do his best and even his inevitable defects will help to keep my memory ever green.

To him, I’ve left my green chaise lounge and my place in the garden window which I loved so much and wish him long, sunny afternoons of snoozing and bird watching.

A few last words of farewell, Dear Heart. "I have loved you completely and no matter how deep my sleep I shall hear you. Remember always that Angels are not allowed to show their wings on earth, but there’s no rule against whiskers!"