Monday Layout Challenge: The Perils of Pet Ownership

by Nicole Humphrey | More from this Blogger

20 Aug 2007 05:33 PM

In honor of our adorable new puppy (yes that is him to the left and below), I thought today's Monday Layout Challenge should center around our adorable feline and Fido friends. If you have a bird or even a squirrel that you keep as a pet, they count too.

Monday Layout Challenge Purpose:

My hopes with the Monday Layout Challenges are that you get your pictures out of the boxes or out of your computers memory and onto the pages. It is my hope with these challenges that you will begin to focus more on the storytelling, the special relationships in your lives, and the everyday things rather than putting so much focus on elaborate layouts. Don't get me wrong, you are welcome to do elaborate layouts. I do too.

Today's Layout Challenge:

Today's layout challenge is to take something specific about your pet, or a pet that is in your life and create a page about it. Perhaps your puppy has a special trait that you haven't seen another dog with. Or maybe your cat has a specific spot he likes to sleep over and over again. Or maybe your fish is unique or your bird likes a special treat. It doesn't matter what you decide to pick. Maybe you want to commemorate the day your pet came home. Or perhaps you might even wish to remember a pet that has crossed that Rainbow Bridge. (see the bottom of this article for a great poem to place on a pet memorial page)

Please feel free to share your layouts in the families.com gallery. Then tell me about it in the comment field and I will go visit. Seems a lot of scrapbookers are shy and aren't comfortable sharing their layouts. It is okay to continue emailing me privately too, but it would be nice to inspire others. So if you haven't participated before, please join us now.

Here is a special poem if you decide to do a memorial scrapbook layout. It is certainly a beautiful poem.

The Rainbow Bridge

by Paul C. Dahm

There is a bridge connecting heaven and Earth.

It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge is a land of meadows, hills and valleys, all of it covered with lush green grass. When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this lovely land. There is always food and water and warm spring weather. There, the old and frail animals are young again. Those who are maimed are made whole once more. They play all day with each other, content and comfortable.

There is only one thing missing. They are not with the special person who loved them on Earth. So each day they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up! Then, the nose twitches! The ears are up! The eyes are staring! You have been seen, and that one suddenly runs from the group.

You take him or her in your arms and embrace. Your face is kissed again and again and again, and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet.

Then, together, you cross the Rainbow Bridge, never again to be separated.

and last but most certainly not least...

A Dog's Prayer

by Author Unknown

I live among God's creatures now, in the Heavens of your mind.

So do not grieve for me, my friend, as I am with my kind...

My collar is a rainbow's hue

My leash a shooting star

My boundaries are the milky way

Where I sparkle from afar.

There are no pens or kennels here

For I am not confined

But free to roam God's heavens

Among my special kind.

I nap the day on a snowy cloud

With gentle breezes rocking me

I dream the dreams of earthlings

And how it used to be.

The trees are full of liver treats

And tennis balls abound

And milk bones line the walking ways

Just waiting to be found.

There even is a ring set up

The grass all lush and green

And everyone who gaits around

Becomes the "Best Of Breed".

For we're all winners in this place

We have no faults you see

And God passes out the ribbons

To each one--even me.

At night I sleep in angels' arms

Their wings protecting me

And moonbeams dance about us

As stardust falls on thee.

So when your life on earth is spent

And you reach heaven's gate

Have no fear of loneliness

For here, you know I wait.

Learn more about Nicole Humphrey

Nicole Humphrey is a freelance writer, consultant for CTMH and a Sr. Blogger for families.com. She resides in St. Charles, Missouri with Mike and their five children and two furbabies.

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