All Pets to Heaven
Candle Ceremony

Written by Lisa Singer

The candles being lit tonight;
Cast a soft and welcome flame.
And draw our loved ones to the light,
As we call to them by name.
Imagine spirits taking flight,
For a moment our souls entwine.
Say not Good Night,
but in some Brighter Time
Bid them all- Good Morning.

PRAYER:

God, Creator of all living things, we ask that as we light our candles, the healing warmth of love will flow into the brokenhearted who are tending their ailing pets. Give to them Your strength and comfort. We also pray that the soft glow of light will part the clouds of grief and sorrow to surround our special family members at the Bridge.

May excitement REIGN SUPREME as wagging tails and ecstatic purrs feel our gentle touch once again. May they know the gratitude we hold in our hearts for their faithfulness and gift of unconditional love as they are forever remembered. We are temporarily separated for only a short while. The silver cord that connects us through time and space can never be broken.

AMEN.

CANDLE 1: BRIDGE CHILDREN

Lion, 2/26/2002, 8 mths old, Sheila Gross
Patrick, 4/8/1988-3/3/2002, Pat Russell
Pushinka, 2/2002, Ellen Moshenberg
Calico kitten, 2/2002, FeLV+, Sharon Thomspon
Orange/white kitten in neighbors' yard, 2/2002, Ellen Moshenberg
David (son of shelter directors), 3/3/2002, Ellen Moshenberg
F-14 pilot, 3/2/2002, Lizz Wodrich

CANDLE 2: SICK AND INJURED FUR CHILDREN

Neko, weight loss/low B12 levels, Mike Shannon
Sammi, overgrooming, Melissa
Gussie, diabetes, Corinna Steele
Halley, diarrhea/possible thyroid trouble, Corinna Steele
Stella, missing, Rhonda Miller
Fluff, spots on lungs, Bob Acker
Caspian, early CRF, Marianne Bornhult
Neighbors' Esmiralda & Savtale, missing, Ellen Moshenberg
Mike's Spritz, hyperthyroid, Melissa Kelly
Estelle's Sally, FeLeuk+, Sheila Gross
Vicki Whyte, back problems/pain
Julia Schneider, possible cancer recurrence
Bobby, undergoing chemo, Pat Russell
Mother, badly bruised from fall, Pat Russell

Together we unite to give thanks for the special pets who have improved in health and strength. We also, being of one heart, pray for the Mommies, Daddies, and little ones who struggle together against serious illness. We remember in quiet reverence the special ones who left us and we pray for the grieving families left behind. And we can never forget all who work to save the homeless and abused animals. Their burden is never light. With one heart, all are remembered and forever cherished by this family of love.

CANDLE 3: FOR ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND PEACE

In honor of all the homeless, forgotten, abandoned, abused animals. For the nameless little ones who gave their lives for others, for research and as a result of humankind's inhumanity. May the Higher Powers that be forgive the cruelty. We light this candle for them.

As our lights shine brightly through the galaxy, may the angels smile upon us, and know that for a brief moment, we have put aside worldly differences to bond as ONE.

CLOSING:

I have sent you on a journey to a land free from pain, not because I did not love you, but because I loved you too much to force you to stay.

MOMENT OF SILENCE:

Love, light and healing to all.

Amen.