One or more of the following quotations may be comforting:
The one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have is in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, that never proves ungrateful or treacherous is his dog. ... He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer; he will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounter with the roughness of this world. ... When all other friends desert, he remains. — George G. Vest, US Senate, 1884
Our German forefathers had a very kind religion. They believed that, after death, they would meet again all the good dogs that had been their companions in life. I wish I could believe that, too. — Otto von Bismarck (1815-1889)
Near this spot are deposited the remains of one who possessed beauty without vanity, strength without insolence, courage without ferocity, and all the virtues of man without his vices. This praise, which would be unmeaning flattery if inscribed over human ashes, is but a just tribute to the memory of Boatswain, a dog. — Byron, 1808
Blessed be God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of all mercy and consolation, who comforts us, that we may comfort others. In our Baptism we are united with Christ in death, that we may be united with him in the resurrection.
Dear God,
As the mother of Moses laid him in the reeds at the river’s edge, entrusting him wholly to your care because she could no longer keep him safe, so we lay our pet in this place. Keep her/him safe in your love until we come, and give us Grace to come when you call us, as s/he came when we called her/him. Forgive us those times when we did not love your pet as you would have us do, and accept our thanks for your having given her/him to us for her/his time on earth. We thank you for her/his — describe memorable qualities of your pet. We thank you also for — describe memorable events in your pet's life and relationships with yourself and others. We leave her/his mortal remains here — describe why this place is special to you or your pet. [Click here to see what we said for Samwise, Frodo, Maya.]
Bury or scatter the remains. Then read the following:
Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. And the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality - then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’ O death, where is thy sting? O grave where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. — 1 Corinthians 15:51-57
Dear God,
comfort us and help us to tread your path with joy until we see your Face. Remember us in your Kingdom and teach us to pray (in unison):
Our Father, who art in Heaven,
Hallowed be thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done
on earth, as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our tresspasses,
as we forgive those who trespass aginst us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory,
For ever and ever.
Amen.
Let us go in peace, to serve the Lord.